Man seriously injured in re-enactment accident at Bodiam Castle
A man is in hospital with a serious head injury after a sword entered his visor during a staged battle at a public event in East Sussex
Last updated 30th Jun 2025
A man is in a serious condition after he was injured during a combat re-enactment at Bodiam Castle on Sunday afternoon.
The 37-year-old, from Horsham, was wearing body armour when another re-enactor’s sword entered his visor just before 3pm. The incident happened during a living history demonstration watched by members of the public.
He suffered a head injury and was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where he remains in a serious condition.
Police say the man’s opponent, a 36-year-old also from Horsham, and the event organisers are helping officers with their enquiries.
Detective Inspector Barry Chandler said: “A man was unfortunately injured during the combat re-enactment. We are treating the incident as an accident and we are offering support to his family.”
He added: “We know the re-enactment had drawn a large crowd and understand that anyone who witnessed the scene could have found this distressing.”
Police are appealing for anyone with photos or video of the incident to contact them on 101, quoting serial 806 of 29/6.