ENGLANDS MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

9th October 2018

Hi all

We promised each other every year, that we would go to a medieval festival. Well, that ‘year’ finally arrived; I booked the tickets online after checking to see if there were any concessions for disabled or for carer. I was pleased and relieved to see there was, which then allowed us enough ‘change’ to purchase a souvenir programme.

The event was scheduled for the bank holiday weekend 25 – 27th August 2018 and advertised as ‘A magical weekend experience for all ages’. A medieval festival that celebrated its 26th year at Herstmonceux Castle, Herstmonceux, East Sussex.

The momentum grew over the years from its humble beginnings of a small gathering of medieval re-enactors and performers, to assist in the grand re-opening of the castle grounds. This authentic festival has grown so big now and become so popular.

From the moment you arrive, the sounds, sights and atmosphere hit you, to the point of disorientation – What century is this exactly?

Good Gentle Folk,

Hail and well met!

Whilst you stroll the grounds of the

castle you are bound to meet our

villagers and members of the court.

It would be well if ye would

converse with these goodly folk in

the language of the day.

Hail and well met!

(Hello nice to see you!)

God yow see

(God be with you)

Algate

(In any case)

Plight me thy trouth here in myn hand

(Give me your word)

Tarry a while

(Slow down)

Hye thee!

(Hurry up, you!)

How stands the hour?

(What time is it?)

What ails thee?

(What is the matter?)

What be thy title?

(What is your name?)

Fare thee well

(Goodbye)

Huzzah!

(Hurrah!)

Parched I am!

(Where’s the buxom wench!)

Wither away art though?

(I’m off to the buxom wench!)

Harrow!

(By nails and by blood, oh bother!)

 

Quote: Malcolm Group Events Ltd.

E: info@mgel.com

T: 020 8150 6767

 

Review

All in all, we had a brilliant day, stopping first at the mud pit to watch the mud brothers push each other into the mud pool whilst reciting Shakespeare and hilariously engaging with the gathered crowd. We then moved on to watch a medieval wedding which was fascinating and very ‘fairy’ themed.  Surrounding the couple taking their vows were family, friends and members of the public  who were drawn into this enchanting sight. After a while I had an ‘indication’ to move on, which was tricky as I had to push the wheelchair up an embankment, so I swivelled it around and pulled it using the back larger wheels for grip. When we got back onto the trodden path, stall holders were dotted about selling their wares of olden days. Crafters, Joiners, Carpenters, Wood lathers, Smithies and other specialists demonstrating ancient methods and techniques, it was very interesting and made us realise how much has been lost down the centuries.

I pushed or pulled the wheelchair, depending on what obsticle presented itself, along the path until we reached the main tarmaced lane down to the castle and watched the procession of warriors, villagers, pentacle drummers and Flora, the 12 foot high Singleton Giant who is a Woodland maiden ‘living’ with other giants in Ashford, Kent.

We couldn’t see the siege of the castle by two family members and their own groups’ of warriors, as there were so many people infront of us, but we certainly heard it with loud bangs from the cannons.

I did find it difficult pushing my darling in his wheelchair, as a lot of the entertainment was set on bumpy grassy areas. Lessons learnt….note to self…..bring the electric scooter next time.

Unfortunately we were unable to see the jousting as it was situated in a field further away, nor were we able to see the trebuchet – a counter weight or swinging beam machine (throw over) and was the heavy artillery of the middle ages. We did manage to see the archery which was situated in the castle gardens.

A buggy picked us up at the end of the day and drove us all the way back to the car park (as previously at beginning of the day). I was so relieved as I would never have got the wheel chair up that steep hill!

If you like the idea of going back in time to the middle ages, then go on the Herstmonceux Castle website and book your tickets for next year. There is a camping option should you want to stay all weekend.

Thanks for reading

Take care

Meena

@1MeenaUK