JORVIK Medieval Festival brings birds, barber surgeon and battle to Knaresborough Castle

Saturday 22 August 2015, 11am – 4pm

It has stood in ruins since 1648, but a taste of how life would have been during its medieval heyday will be experienced by visitors to Knaresborough Castle on Saturday 22 August, when it hosts a day of sword-skills, archery and falconry as part of the JORVIK Medieval Festival.

“Chivalry flourished in medieval Yorkshire, so it is only fitting that the castle plays host to medieval sword fighting workshops where potential young squires will learn that technique and skill are required if you want to survive hand-to-hand combat with all of your limbs intact,” comments JORVIK Medieval Festival director, Danielle Daglan.  “We’ll even have hobby horse jousting for those wanting to recreate the ultimate challenge of skill and nerve!”

In commemoration of the 600thanniversary of the Battle of Agincourt, The Royal Armouries Museum will be in attendance at the event with fantastic combat performances and armaments display using weaponry from the time.

Visitors can also join in with fun crafts and activities, and tours of the castle including its sally port throughout the day, plus have a go at colourful popinjay archery.  Admission is free, although there is a small charge for some of the activities.

Knaresborough Castle’s Medieval Family Day is part of the JORVIK Medieval Festival, organised by York Archaeological Trust.  This year’s festival runs throughout August and includes a host of Church Explorer events throughout North Yorkshire and the East Riding, lectures by leading historians including Philippa Langley – the archaeologist and storyteller who unearthed Richard III’s remains in Leicester, family-friendly events including medieval Little Diggers, combat classes, and tours around York’s city walls. 

The Festival culminates in a Medieval Merriment event at York’s Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on the August bank holiday Monday (31 August), which includes a visit from the terrifying plague doctor with his beak-like mask, cures for any modern ailment from the barber surgeon (although be warned – most involve amputation!) plus hands-on weapons sessions with a sword school and archery sessions.

For details of all the events in the JORVIK Medieval Festival, or to pre-book for any of the talks, walks or workshops, please visit www.jorvikmedievalfestival.com

ENDS

For further media information or photographs, please contact:

Jay Commins

Pyper York Limited

Tel:         01904 500698

Email:    jay@pyperyork.co.uk