THE rich history of North Yorkshire is to be brought to life at a series of events across the county staged by English Heritage.

Richard III will be making a return to the ruins of Middleham Castle on Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7, on a mission to answer critics of his reign.

The Wensleydale ruin is where he spent his medieval childhood and the trials of life at the time will be re-enacted by members of Buckingham's Retinue, who will stage demonstrations of both the domestic and military skills needed to survive the era.

John Stanley, who helped Richard to the throne only to double-cross him at the Battle of Bosworth, will also be at the castle to defend his honour, while Richard himself is scheduled to stand trial at the same venue on Saturday, July 20.

Meanwhile, visitors calling at Kirkham Priory will be able to try their hand at archery, also on July 6 and 7, when members of Arrowflight will demonstrate the craftsmanship which goes into making bows and arrows.

The same weekend, Rievaulx Abbey welcomes storyteller Tanya Bentham, who will recount myths and legends of Saxon and medieval folklore, as well as working on an embroidery portraying eight tales of women who have got the better of men.

* For details of events, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk or call 0870-333 1181.