OTLEY Courthouse will take a step back in time next month to explore one of the most turbulent periods in England's history - the Wars of the Roses.

Chris Murphy, a battlefield guide at the Towton Battlefield Society, will be visiting on Saturday, December 5 to give a talk on the Battle of Towton.

The clash near the North Yorkshire village on March 29, 1461, turned out to be a key moment - with the victor, the Yorkist Edward, Duke of York, going on to become King Edward IV.

The battle has claims to be the biggest and bloodiest ever fought on English soil, leaving some 28,000 dead.

Mr Murphy will give an account both of the events on that fateful day and of its far-reaching consequences.

The loss of life has left its mark on the local landscape, with place names like Bloody Meadow and the Bridge of Bodies covering the the battlefield site, and given rise to a rich crop of local legends.

Towton has also proven to be be an archaeological treasure trove, with a wealth of historical weaponry - including some of the earliest hand guns and bullets found in England - having been unearthed, along with mass graves.

A Slice of Yorkshire History: The Battle of Towton starts at 8pm and tickets cost £8 or £6 in advance or £9 or £7 on the door.

To book a place or for information about any other forthcoming attractions at the Courthouse visit www.otleycourthouse.org.uk or call (01943) 467466.