Knights Tournament Carisbrooke Castle.
Carisbrooke Castle will be transported back to the 15th century when it hosts a spectacular Knights Tournament on Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd August as medieval knights from the four corners of the country battle it out in the ultimate competition.
Visitors are invited to join the medieval townsfolk of Carisbrooke to cheer on the four armoured knights and their squires – each easily recognisable by their livery of blue, red, green and yellow representing the North, South, East and West – as they recreate the pageantry, excitement and action of medieval combat.
Knights Tournament Carisbrooke Castle.
Pitting armoured knights against each other in full contact competitions, the tournament will test their skills and bravery to the limit as they compete in two gruelling rounds:
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The Crest Melee – a fierce competition where the knights strike the dragon crests from each other’s helmets until only one man is left.
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Clash of Steel – a test of might in wielding a sword and poleaxe. The knights, who will be kitted up in 65lbs of authentic armour, must choose their favoured weapon for one-on-one hand-to-hand combat.
Throughout each day young would-be-knights can meet their heroes at an authentic living history encampment, and take a crash course in how to armour-up a 15th century champion, as they watch the squires demonstrate this tricky craft.
Providing period jollity the resident medieval jester will be capering for the crowds and visitors can relax to the restful tones of authentic medieval music, provided by costumed performers.
This fabulous family event runs from 10am to 5pm on Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 August. Normal admission prices apply of Adults £7.50, Concessions £6.80, Children £5.40, Family Ticket £19.50. English Heritage Members free.
Entrance to the event also provides access to the castle’s attractions, including the chance to meet the resident donkeys.
Family entertainment continues at Carisbrooke Castle – here’s the next event to enjoy:
Time Travellers Go… Gruesome
Sunday 26th – Wednesday 29th August
10am – 5pm
Experience a horrible weekend looking at the smelliest, goriest and most gruesome aspects of history. Meet a medieval surgeon and rat catcher and discover the horrors of medieval disease…even have your face painted with the pox!
Adults £7.50, Concessions £6.80, Children £5.40, Family Ticket £19.50. English Heritage Members free. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child, member and non member, to help fund this entertainment activity.’
KnightsTournament Carisbrooke Castle.
Background on the knights taking part in the Carisbrooke Castle Knights Tournament:
Sir Henry for the South (Red Knight)
Sir Henry was once a common man, with great skill with the bow and much luck he rose above the masses – after an insane act of bravery at the battle of Tewkesbury he was made a knight. Whilst knights with long pedigrees may look down upon him socially, few are foolish enough to slight him publicly. The last to do so was found with an arrow through his visor.
In real life Colin Perry, 49, is a an excellent archer and loves nothing more than to fight in hand to hand combat, his favoured weapon is the sword and buckler.
Sir Adrian for the West (Green Knight)
Sir Adrian is a veteran warrior. He stands at more than six feet and makes an imposing figure on the field of battle. He has kept the peace in Wales acted as personal bodyguard to his lord Earl Courtney of Devonshire and led his own men in battle. He is always prepared to flex his muscles and vocal chords. He is a likeable fellow, a lover of good food and beer, as attested to by his widening armour.
In real life Adrian Pinn (Clanky to his friends), 43, is a combat master. He is a long time re-enactor and spends his time when not fighting training others in early and late medieval groups in a wide variety of Western Martial disciplines.
Sir Robert for the East (Yellow Knight)
Sir Robert is the youngest of the knights. He is the third son of the Earl of Uckfield, a miserly man who has no need for a third son. Sir Robert has travelled abroad to the Holy Roman Empire to study martial skills and has only recently returned to England. He has already made a name for himself fighting in tourneys and is a firm favourite with the maidens who often give him their favours. Quick witted and quick bladed Sir Robert is a dangerous opponent.
In real life Rob Chave, 24 visited a medieval re-enactment when he was child and set his heart on becoming a knight. Rob has gained experience in various disciplines, but prefers hand and a half sword.
Sir Edward for the North (Blue Knight)
Sir Edward, is a bear of a man, broad shouldered, heavily set and bad tempered. He has fought in countless battles and skirmishes. He carried the banner of his Lord the Duke of Suffolk into battle. Some say his heart is as black as his armour. Those who have fought alongside him say that it is unwise to rouse the bear, he likes to win by fair means or foul.
In real life Tim Eagling, 41, came to re-enactment fairly late when looking for something that his whole family could be involved in. His children will be in the audience cheering for Sir Daddy. Although his favourite line is “You always need one more sword than you own”, he prefers to fight with a pollax in hand to hand combat.
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