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500 years ago, in the same year as Henry 8th came to the British throne, Sir Robert Manners, the current Duke’s ancestor, first came to Belvoir. To celebrate this 500th Anniversary the Duke and Duchess of Rutland are holding a Family Fun weekend during the August Bank Holiday – Saturday 29th to Monday 31st August. Agreat day out for all of the family with children’s entertainers, games, storytelling and much more. One of the highlights of the weekend is a performance of Cinderella on Sunday 30th starting at 6.30pm (Grounds open for picnics from 5.30pm).

Belvoir Castle was built during Norman times, by Robert de Todeni who was William the Conqueror’s Standard Bearer at the Battle of Hastings. The male line of Robert’s successors surnamed Albini came to an end in 1247 and Belvoir passed into the family of de Ros. Eleanor, sister and heiress of Edmund Lord Ros, married Sir Robert Manners of Ethall in Northumberland, thus bringing Belvoir to the Manners family where it has remained ever since. The present Duke, David Manners, is the 11th Duke of Rutland.

During this 500th Year, Her Grace the Duchess of Rutland is publishing a book (out in October) detailing the story of Belvoir Castle, its contents and inhabitants.

Her Grace says, ‘Belvoir Castle is one of the lesser known houses in Britain. Sitting on a hilltop with views over the Vale of Belvoir it is one of the finest Regency homes in England, full of art and furniture from that date. Our Family Fun Weekend in August will be a great celebration of our 500 years with a host of activities and entertainment for local families to enjoy.’

For more information on the 500th Anniversary, the Family Fun Weekend or Her Grace’s book please visit: www.belvoircastle.com