Medieval merriment on offer

The English Heritage castle is hosting two days of merriment on Sunday and Monday, May 24 and 25, and promises something for all the family.

A troupe of four armoured medieval knights will be competing for victory at the event – testing themselves in hand-to-hand combat and archery.

English Heritage events manager Jenny Rogers said: “This is a real challenge of skill, courage and style.

“It’s not choreographed, but an authentic battle – and is as close to the tournaments of medieval England as we can make it.

“Our four knights are highly trained, and take the competition really seriously. They don’t pull their punches, and really rely on their armour and wits to protect them from the blows of their opponent – and literally, anyone could win.”

Among the other attractions will be an opportunity for youngsters to get a close-up look at medieval armour.

A spokesman for Engllish Heritage added: “The full tournament experience will be brought to life with a living history encampment in the castle grounds where the knights’ supporters will welcome visitors to see what life would have been like on the move for medieval soldiers and their families as they travelled from place to place to fight for king and country.

“There will be falconry, medieval dancing, and you can meet the castle’s own ‘wise woman’ between battles, and budding young knights can try their hand at junior jousting and a knight’s melee.

“The whole family can meet a genuine ‘fool’ as professional jesters Baldwin the Fool and Godfrey Pugh take visitors back to a time where comedy was uncomplicated.

“Expect stilts, juggling and some serious silliness as they entertain the crowds.”

For more information about the event, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk.