Grand Medieval Joust

Enjoy the thrills and spills of medieval jousting and cheer on your favourite knight.

By the late Fifteenth century the "The Grand Joust" or Tournament had become a formalised pageant designed to emphasise the wealth and prestige of its competing knights. This was a far cry from its primitive 11th Century beginnings as the "Melee"- a no rules, no holds barred, punch up, in which lives were frequently lost.

Despite opposition from the Church, the Tournament flourished, and our show recreates its most dramatic element - tilting at the lists. Fully armoured men and their horses - each weighing half a ton - charge towards each other at 20 mph, separated only by a central rail or ‘tilt’. Each knight is attempting to break his wooden lance on his opponent’s body to score points for a full break. Buy a t-shirt to support your favourite knight then follow his progress in this exciting point scoring competition.

There is plenty more to enjoy at our Joust including foot combat, mounted skill at arms, test out your skills with Knight school especially for Children, Nonimus musicians, fabulous flights from Raphael Falconry, and a Jester are all part of what should be a great historic day out.