Just how do knights prepare for battle in the North East?

 - Knights relax before Medieval Clash of Chivalry and Courage –

Any athlete will tell you that it is important to relax and be fully prepared both mentally and physically before a big event, just ask those about to star in the Beijing Olympics and it seems medieval knights were no different.

Whilst medieval knights would have relaxed with a game of cards or a sing song before donning their armour and wielding their swords, the knights about to take part in the English Heritage, Medieval Courtly Combat event at Warkworth Castle and Tynemouth Priory next week, choose to do things a little differently in preparation, with a massage and a dip in a Jacuzzi at Gateshead College!

 
But nobody could deny them a bit of luxury as for historical interpretation group the Plantagenets, summer is their busiest time as they travel the length and breadth of the country staging their events. They will need their rest as they will soon be busy squaring up to the squires to demonstrate their centuries old combat skills in a thrilling week-long live action event which takes place at Warkworth Castle from Tuesday 12 Wednesday 13 August, before moving further down the coast to Tynemouth Priory and Castle from Friday 15 – Saturday 16 August.

The event will feature brave, bold and noble knights kitted out in the finest armour with authentic displays of weapons and combat tactics. Visitors will further be able to test their aim on the archery range whilst exquisite fashions and entertaining dialogue will bring the 15th century battle scene to life.

 

John Hogan, events manager at English Heritage, said: “Whilst a Jacuzzi is not the most historically accurate way for knights to relax, I am sure many may have enjoyed a massage before combat. The historical interpreters on the other hand can enjoy many modern day luxuries before they don the heavy armour and begin their re-enactment of life as it was six centuries ago. These events are a fantastic way for the family to spend the summer holidays and if they miss the event or enjoy themselves so much at Warkworth, they can catch up with the knights at Tynemouth Priory instead.”

The following week the medieval theme continues at Warkworth Castle when a Medieval Pageant arrives on Wednesday 20 – Thursday 21 August where lords, ladies and noblemen will display a pageant of singing dancing and storytelling while the knights will be back to show off their weapons and combat skills.

The Medieval Courtly Combat days will start at 11.30am. Admissions prices at both events are: Adults £5, Concessions £4, Children £2.50 and families £12.50. Entry is free for English Heritage members. For details of both sites visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/warkworth  or www.english-heritage.org.uk/tynemouth