Sikh martial arts on display at Eastnor Castle
20 January 2014
Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, is the first privately-owned house to join the new Anglo Sikh Heritage Trail and on Sunday 24th September, they will be celebrating their participation as part of the Anglo Sikh Heritage Week with spectacular displays of ‘Gatka’ martial arts at 12pm and 2pm in the castle grounds.
Eastnor is now part of this heritage trail because of its collection of North Indian armour and weaponry bought back from the Sikh war of 1848. The collection has recently been restored and cleaned and is now on public display for the first time.
"Eastnor Castle's participation in Anglo Sikh Heritage Week will bring to life the remarkable history which represents its connection with Britain and the Sikhs. Arms from the Anglo Sikh Wars have lain in the castle for over a century, and on Sunday the Gatka troupe from Amritsar will re enact the very skills and traditions which surround their provenance.
In a sense history will truly be repeating itself against the stunning backdrop of the Castle" Harbinder Singh, Director of the Anglo Sikh Heritage Trail. Follow these two links for more information:
The Art of Gatka ~ Anglo Sikh Heritage news page
The castle and grounds will be open from 11.00am to 4.30pm on 24th September and admission costs are £7.00 for adults, £6.00 for senior citizens and £4.00 for children. A family ticket admitting 2 adults and 3 children is £18.00. Grounds only tickets are also available.