I have been quite busy over the last few weeks traveling the country doing a couple of different shows with my re-enactment group, but now there is only one show left and then the season is over!
Mum and Kerry outside Tewksbury Abbey
A couple of weekends ago several members from our group, including myself, went to the biggest medieval re-enactment event of the season, the Battle of Tewksbury! Any one who has been watching the White Queen might recognise the name as this was the battle where Prince Edward and Margaret of Anjou were defeated.
The Prince’s Guard
I always love this show as it is a chance to see a lot of my friends, the battle is always brilliant and there is a huge market too! This years was just like the Tewksburys I remember from when I was younger as well – it was scorching hot!
The lads – Jamie and Luke
I am so proud of our lads for getting kitted up in full plate and going on to the battlefield! I was uncomfortably hot in just my linen peasants dress so I have no idea how they did it, but I am so pleased they did. This years battle was awesome and our lads fought really well!
Shiny!
What a poser!
I love being able to go on the field as a water-bearer, not only are we really needed on weekends such as this but then we get a close up view of all the action, It’s very exciting!
Waiting at muster
Me and Kerry on the field
As part of the Tewksbury Medieval Festival there is also a slightly tongue-in-cheek re-enactment of the beheading of the Lancasterian leaders at the Abbey. This always draws a huge crowd and is actually quite funny, as after each leader is beheaded their ‘head’ is then placed on the spikes of the fence. How is this funny you ask? Well the ‘heads’ are made by local school children and don’t useually look that much like the Lancasterian leaders. And this year we even had a barbie and George.W.Bush.
Tewksbury Abbey
Tewksbury is always loads of fun, even when it feels like it’s taking place in an oven! The next show we did, last weekend, was very different as it was our personal group show, so it was up to us to put on the entertainment, not just to benefit. This show we did at the beautiful ruined castle of Ashby De La Zouche.
Our camp in Ashby Castle
Me in one of my Lady’s dresses
I love the fact that we get to go to these amazing places and put on shows for the public. We love doing this, and love the wonderful feedback we get from the families that come and see us, and seem to really enjoy it! Personally I love our show, it still makes me laugh every time I see it, and there is always some new ad-lib being thrown in by our very funny guys. It is so rewarding to get nice feedback because I know how passionate we all are and how much work has gone into this show.
Swords of Mercia
Ready to fight
This weekend we got over 1200 visitors, which was brilliant. We were lucky to have good weather most of both days, and thankfully not quite as hot as tewks! But Saturday evening there was thunder and lightening and torrential rain!! It was quite an experience, when the storm started we were all huddling under our little awning watching the flashes of lightening in the ruins, and it was very atmospheric. However it quickly became very wet so we retreated to some of our group members nice big tent! Thanks for the shelter guys, much appreciated. Even sitting listening to the heavy rain we still have a real laugh, and sharing this hobby with this group of people makes it such an enjoyable way to spend my time!
The King and his Squire
My mother the Nun
Luckily there is one show left, and then I’m going to be back to fight training as well, and have a huge list of projects to get on with before next season so I shall be kept entertained! Work is also busy busy busy as always. With me and Claire being the only House Staff on the ground for the last few weeks we have effectively been doing 2 peoples jobs each! Lots of exciting things happening soon (as always) at Hardwick to keep me occupied so time will fly by until re-enactment season starts again next year!
Our group
View from my attic 
Ah, this brings back memories, only got to fight in Tewksbury once. What a blast. Thanks for sharing, 🙂
Ah lucky, still toying with the idea of fighting at Tewks one day, although I don’t think I could manage in that heat! Do you still re-enact?
Sadly no, I gave it up when we started having kids, had to become responsible and all that! 🙂 I really miss it sometimes. Who knows I might just take my sword out of retirement one day.
The heat can be a killer, I remember my last show, Joust over at Berkley Castle, it was like 40 degree’s on the field, but once the two lines clash and the fun begins you do actually forget how hot and thirsty it is. I would highly recommend it though 🙂
Just a tip, the further you get from the spectators, the harder the fighting gets:-)
Ahh responsibility, sound scarier than hoards of sweaty knights charging towards you! I shall bear that all in mind, although it will be a while before I’m on the field yet 🙂
Best of Luck 🙂
Did you venture into the Abbey – Isabella Neville and (I think – George the Duke of Clarence) are buried there – oh and I think you’ll find it was Margaret of Anjou who was defeated with her son Edward at Tewksbury – minor detail!
Ah, you’re right, no idea why I put Eleanor there, thanks for the heads up I have changed it now.
Yes, we went into the Abbey for a beautiful church service Sunday morning. Such a pretty building inside and out!