Legendary Summer 2022
Experience legendary drama at one of our blockbuster historical events taking place across the country this summer.
Witness live-action clashes of brave Roman soldiers, gallant Medieval knights and jousters and swashbuckling pirates who sailed the English seas. It's a summer of legends with something for everyone at our historic places around the country.
Knights
Savour some truly legendary live sport this summer
Witness the pomp and pageantry as brave knights and jousters battle it out in real tournaments, displaying feats of strength and skill to rival today’s top athletes. Sample the sights, smells, and sounds of our atmospheric living history areas, and marvel at historical re-enactors, food tents and armour demonstrations that’ll keep the whole family entertained.
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A Brief History of Knights
Heading to one of our Knights and Jousts events? Read up on the history of knighthood in England before you go. In this article Historian Dr Charles Kightly breaks down the myths to reveal a brief history of medieval knights.
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Victoria Pendleton: Jousting with an Olympic Champion
We challenged double Olympic gold medalist Victoria Pendleton to try the medieval sport of kings at Kenilworth Castle. See how she got on with wearing heavy armour and riding at up to 30mph while wielding a 12ft lance.
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How to Make Chain Mail
Around 2.8 kilometers of wire and up to a year of work. Join traditional maille makers Nick Checksfield and Mark Hale to reveal the skills and process of making a full coat of maille, as worn by knights at our summer events.
Romans
CLASH OF THE ROMANS
Watch the Roman Empire’s finest soldiers compete in an intense show of courage and clout. Discover Roman life with demonstrations of combat skills, battle tactics and artillery power at some of the country's most important Roman sites.
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Who Were the Romans?
We've also gathered our range of articles and videos about Roman Britain on this page, along with information about our sites and events to help you plan your grand day out in Roman history.
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FACE POT GALLERY
Visit our Face Pot gallery to create your own digital pottery masterpiece, see other people's creations and learn about what these curious ceramic pieces might have meant to people living in Roman Britain.
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Did the Romans Invent the Burger?
Food historian, cook, broadcaster and writer Annie Gray specialises in the history of food and dining in Britain from the 1600’s to the present day. Here she takes us through the unlikely origins of the burger in Britain.
Pirates
Set sail this summer
Ahoy, me hearties! Get ready for a spectacular adventure on the high seas. See some of history’s most famous pirates fight it out at close quarters, and listen to them tell their tales of booty, bounty and barnacles. With shows, demonstrations and hands-on activities, there’ll be plenty of piratical fun for the whole family - whether you’re a scallywag, a salty sea dog or a lily-livered landlubber.
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Pirates of England
Tales of swashbuckling pirates have been around for centuries, and they’re a part of our pop culture – from the one-legged Long John Silver in Treasure Island, to the swaggering Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Carribean. But beyond the thrills and spills of fiction, who were the real pirates?
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PODCAST: Pirates of the English Channel
The waters between southern England and northern France were a dangerous domain for cargo vessels for several centuries. Joining us to map out the history of piracy in English waters – and unmask its key figures – is senior properties historian Paul Pattison.
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NEWS: ENGLISH HERITAGE RECRUITS ITS FIRST FEMALE PIRATE
A female pirate will take to the rigging at English Heritage properties for the first time this summer. Sword fighting 18-year-old Freyja Eagling will be the first woman to pick up a pistol and choose a life of piracy with English Heritage.
THE BEST OFFER IN HISTORY
Enjoy unlimited access, free or reduced entry to events, as well as our exclusive quarterly members magazine and your own handbook worth £10.95.
Don’t miss out on our special summer offer to save 25% off annual Direct Debit memberships this August only.
Join NowMore to Explore
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Travel guides
Plan a weekend away or take a short break with our regional travel guides. Our guides are packed with ideas of things to see and do, plus practical advice for getting around.
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Holiday Cottages
Immerse yourself in England's colourful past by staying in one of our unique and historical properties - choose from cosy cottages, gatehouse towers, beachside retreats and more.
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Days out with Dogs
Enjoy a great day out with your dog at an English Heritage property. There are plenty of dog-friendly sites across the whole of England for your furry friends to enjoy.
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Members Do More
Help to keep the story of England's history alive for future generations. Join today and enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of historic places, for yourself and up to 6 children.
