Medieval tournament returns for Bank Holiday spectacular at Goodrich Castle
Saturday 25 – Bank Holiday Monday 27 August 2012
In its heyday, the dry moat at Goodrich Castle was a defensive too to keep people out of the mighty fortification, but over the August bank holiday weekend, the moat will have a very different role – welcoming visitors as the arena for a grand medieval tournament!
The sloped banks of the moat make it a perfect amphitheatre for three days of medieval merriment, including a full contact tournament which pitches English knights against their French counterparts, archery and squire training, all within the shadow of the castle’s walls. The event is being staged by around 40 re-enactors from the Plantagenets Medieval Society, and turns the clock back to the year 1370.
“The timeline for the event is around halfway through the famous Hundred Years War, a century of skirmishes and battles between the English and French. However, even though you might imagine that this time of chivalry and patriotism would pull knights together in defence of the realm, visitors will see that self-interest – particularly supporting whoever offers the most hard cash –played a part in how soldiers pledged their allegiance,” comments site manager, Margaret Smithett.
There will be one grand battle – featuring swords, axes, maces and flails – each afternoon, with minor skirmishes throughout the day. Meanwhile, visitors will also be able to meet the supporters of the knights, who are camping out in the moat for the duration of the tournament. Inspired by the displays of archery by the womenfolk – who would have used their hunting skills to put meat on the dinner table – visitors will be able to try out a traditional medieval longbow in have-a-go archery sessions (a small additional charge applies), whilst younger budding knights can practice their skills in one-to-one sessions with weapons experts in squire training sessions!
Other activities taking place throughout the weekend include music and dance, with minstrels demonstrating instruments from the curiously-named ‘hurdy gurdy’ to the ‘rauch pfeifer’, a kind of early oboe. There will also be brass rubbing, and visitors are warned to steer clear of a pair of medieval hags who have been spotted lurking in the shadows – known for their sharp tongues and light fingers!
The event runs each day from 11.00am to 5.00pm, with the castle itself open from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Admission prices are £7.60 for adults, £6.80 for concessions and £4.60 for children, or £19.70 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children). English Heritage members receive discounted admission of £1.60, £1.40, £1.30 and £4.10 respectively.
For more information, please call 01600 890538 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/goodrich
ENDS
For further media information, please contact:
Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (West Midlands)
Tel: 0113 251 5698
Mob: 07810 546567
Email: jay@fim.org.uk
