Medieval Weekend with Jousting

During Medieval Weekend, experience period entertainment throughout the day and a thrilling six horse Jousting Tournament pitting the Knights of Royal England against the Scots.

Visit the armour stall to learn about the medieval arms and 15th century equipment. Enjoy dressing up in fabric costumes as worn by the Yeoman class. Discover how to put on a suit of armour as knights are dressed ready for combat. Then watch men-at-arms as they battle it out on Half Moon Lawn demonstrating foot combat and the various weapons they would have used.

Listen to bagpipes played in tribute to the Scottish jousters and follow the procession from the Castle forecourt as Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn lead visitors across the grounds to the Jousting Arena. Then choose which knights you support and cheer them to glory.

The Jousting Tournament will test the knights’ skills both in the saddle and on foot to the limit. Spectators will be treated to a thrilling display of action, stunts, falls and fights as the brave knights compete for points riding the quintain, spearing heads and lancing rings followed by foot combat with weapons of their choice. The highlight is the joust where knights ride against each other at full tilt armed only with a four metre lance and a shield.

Activity Timings

Half Moon Lawn
11:00-13:00 & 13:30 – 17:00 Arms Stall
12:30 & 15:00 Dressing the Knight Display
12:45 & 15:15 Men at Arms Combat

Horse Shoe Lawn
12:00 Armed to the Teeth, Armoury Display
12:45 Costume and Makeup
13:00 Champions Combat and Commission of Array
15:30 Bows, Bodkins and Bill Hooks
15:50 Anatomy of the Sword

Event Field & Castle Forecourt
13:00 Jousting Field Opens
14:00 Arrival of Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn at the Castle
14:15 Jousting Tournament Commences