MUNCASTER Castle is set to host a talk exploring the contents of a centuries-old book. 

The tourist attraction and historic site is hosting talks to help members of the public to find out more about the history of the local area and the heritage of the Muncaster estate. 

This talk will look at the Book of Spells which has been at the castle for hundreds of years, dating right the way back to the 17th-century. 

The event will take place on Tuesday, July 23, at 6.30pm. 

A spokesperson from Muncaster Castle said: "The Book of Spells is a 17th-century manuscript which opens a portal into life on Muncaster Estate against a backdrop of local and national events.

"This talk will highlight revelations from the accounts which relate to the young heir, William Pennington's guardianship after his father died.

"We shall also discuss some of the activities, superstitions, and recipes for potions within, which give the book its name."

The talk will be hosted by Sharon Arrowsmith who has worked at Muncaster since 2013 and is castle curator. 

Sharon cares for the castle's collection of 6,000 books, this is one of the first that she transcribed with the help of other team members.