by Graham Tutthill

Dover Castle will be more colourful than ever this weekend as the Norman Keep re-opens as The Great Tower.

It has undergone a complete transformation, and English Heritage say anyone who thought medieval times were drab and grey will be astonished as they are transported to the royal court of Henry II, with its incredible opulence, richly furnished and shockingly coloured chambers and equally colourful characters and lives.

Guests literally take centre stage as they journey through the three floors of the Great Tower, with rooms lavishly recreated to become a truly immersive medieval world.

Visitors will be at the heart of the struggles of King Henry II’s royal court and through an innovative mix of technology and costumed interpreters, will come face to face with characters from the time.

From Henry II – one of the most powerful monarchs in history – and his strong-willed wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, to the court jester – Roland the Farter – who famously performed his favourite joke 'a leap, a whistle and a fart’ for the King on Christmas Day!

A totally new exhibition, with plenty of interactivities for youngsters, will also tell the story of Henry II and his troublesome Devil’s Brood.

It will also tell why and how the Great Tower became a symbol of royal power throughout England and Europe in the Middle Ages.

The transformed Great Tower at Dover Castle is being described as one of the most significant heritage tourism developments in the UK.