VISITORS to the County Museum at Hartlebury Castle are being offered a chance to enjoy a fascinating talk on the lives of the many Bishops of Worcester who have lived here at Hartlebury.

The talk 'From Hartlebury to Heaven' will take place on Thursday June 4, from 11am as part of the museum's Learn & Lunch programme. Participants will be treated to an informative talk by guest speaker Mary Arden-Davies on some of the Bishops who have lived at Hartlebury Castle and how life has changed here over the years.

Rachel Robinson, Museum Manager said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the men who shaped our country as well as to see inside the Castle they called home. Mary is a very engaging speaker and her enthusiasm for her subject really brings her tales to life.

"The Bishops of Worcester through the ages have helped to shape the history of not just the county, but the country. One was present at the signing of Magna Carta; one crowned Richard III and another refused to crown Elizabeth I.

"Sadly two of our bishops were burned at the stake for their commitment to their faith. In more recent times Bishop Yeatman-Biggs allowed a VAD hospital to be run from the Castle in the First World War and in the 1960s Bishop Charles Edwards gave the north wing over to be used as a County Museum."

The talk will be followed by a private tour of areas of the Castle not currently open to the public. Participants will then be treated to a lunch in the museum Café and afterwards are free to explore the County Museum for the rest of the day.

Tickets for this day cost £16 including lunch and museum admission and must be booked in advance on 01299 250416.

For more information or to purchase tickets please contact the museum on 01299 250416 or visit our website www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk