Members of the public are being given a rare opportunity to witness one of Britain's oldest surviving military ceremonies in Warwick.

It comes as the Lord Leycester prepares to officially welcome its newest 'Brother'.

The historic landmark will open the doors of its Chapel of St James on Wednesday 5 August for the robing ceremony of Brother Stephen, a centuries-old tradition that has marked the induction of new Brethren since the charity was founded in the reign of Elizabeth I.

Taking place as part of the monthly Brethren's Prayers - which were opened to the public for the first time earlier this year - the ceremony sees the newest member of the Lord Leycester community formally robed and welcomed into the fellowship of military veterans who have called the medieval site home for more than 450 years.

For the first time, visitors will be able to experience this unique piece of living history for themselves, with the opportunity to sign up for free tickets to attend the ceremony.

Daren Bowyer, Master of the Lord Leycester, shared: "This is one of the most important ceremonies in the life of the Lord Leycester and a tradition that has been passed down through generations of Brethren. While many people visit us to admire the historic buildings, what makes the Lord Leycester truly special is that it is a piece of living history where these traditions continue centuries after they were started.

"Opening this ceremony to the public gives people the opportunity to experience history as it has unfolded here for centuries and to witness the moment a new Brother is officially welcomed into our community."

The Lord Leycester is believed to be one of the oldest veterans' charities in the world, having provided a home for military veterans continuously for more than 450 years.

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Originally built by the Guilds of Warwick in the late 14th century, the collection of medieval buildings was gifted by the Burgesses of Warwick to Queen Elizabeth I's favourite courtier, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, to establish a home for soldiers injured in the Tudor wars. Today, the Brethren continue that legacy by living at the Lord Leycester, welcoming visitors, leading tours and sharing their own military experiences.

The robing ceremony will take place during the monthly Brethren's Prayers, which earlier this year were opened to the public for the first time in an effort to demonstrate the living history that sits at the heart of the Lord Leycester.

The ceremony comes hot on the heels of a special evening to mark the 900th anniversary of the completion of the Chapel of St James - which has played a central role in the history of the collection of Medieval buildings for nearly nine centuries. The anniversary evening on 31st July also acted as a fundraiser to support the ongoing preservation of the Chapel of St James and the charitable work of the Lord Leycester.

Due to the limited capacity of the chapel, attendance will be by free pre-booked ticket, with refreshments served afterwards. For tickets and for more details on upcoming activities, events and exhibitions at the Lord Leycester, visit: https://www.lordleycester.com/.