Settling scores the medieval way at Scarborough Castle

Every weekend from 21 July to 27 August 2012

Forget mediation or a friendly handshake – there are old scores to be settled over the school holidays at Scarborough Castle, as a pair of medieval knights go head to head in for a summer of no-holds-barred combat!

Each weekend, visitors will meet the knights and learn about their lives within medieval society, exploring the strict rules that govern every part of their lives, to looking at how these skilled soldiers were trained to fight to the death to defend their lord, king and country.

“The life of a knight might seem very glamorous, but their position was hard-earned, and involved years of training. Knights would be taken into training at a very young age, learning combat skills as a page, before eventually becoming a squire to another knight to complete their education,” explains English Heritage’s events manager, Jon Hogan. “Only when they had honed their skills to the highest levels would they be ‘knighted’ in a ceremony which was to be the last time anyone would lay a sword on them without deadly repercussions!”

Indeed, between bouts, the knights will be recruiting new pages, teaching them some of the skills that they would need to follow a career as a soldier. They can also learn how to dress and arm a knight, helping strap on the many pieces of plate armour that protected combatants.

Keeping the hot-blooded knights in good order will be a medieval noble lady, played by historic re-enactor, Kate Vigurs. Kate will explain the role of women in this man’s world, and how she filled her days whilst the men trained.

Scarborough Castle’s Warrior Weekends run every weekend from 21 July to bank holiday Monday 27 August from 11.00am to 5.00pm, with the castle itself open from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Admission is £4.90 for adults, £4.40 for concessions and £2.90. A family ticket, for two adults and up to three children, is £12.70.

For more information, please contact Scarborough Castle on 01723 372451 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/scarborough

ENDS

For further media information, please contact:

Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (Yorkshire)

Tel: 0113 251 5698

Mob: 07810 546567

Email: jay@fim.org.uk