Framlingham 3rd/4th May,
I drove through the twisty Suffolk lanes on the way to Framlingham castle with a sense of trepidation.  I was in charge of a Buckingham's Retinue event for the first time in years; and I had a number of challenges to face.

Firstly the event was set in around Mary I's ascension to the throne in 1553, about 70 years later than the time period Buckingham's Retinue normally operate in. This meant very little of our medieval kit would be valid, leaving us very short of period kit and knowledge. I had quickly skimmed through one book on Mary Tudor, but realistically I knew that no one in the retinue would be able to answer any really difficult questions the public posed about the period.

Buckingham's Retinue have published our events list for 2009. Lots of exciting new events and venues to look forward to again this year, the highlights are:

•  A large scale 4 days event at Warwick Castle - one of the most visited tourist attractions in the UK
•  A Tudor event at the magnificent Framlingham Castle with Mary I
•  The third successive year at the excellent site of Skipton Castle. This year we plan bring the castle to life using as much as we can of the interior rooms and courtyard
•  Two events at Stafford Castle, a small scale event demonstrating many uses for herbs in the medieval period, and a large scale festival style event
•  The first visit to a new site for Buckinghams Retinue - the spectacular mediaeval fortress of Bolton castle
•  The battles of Bosworth, Tewkesbury and Blore heath

We look forward to seeing you all in 2009

The Spectacle of Kelmarsh - by Rima

It is a few years since Buckingham's Retinue as a group have participated in a large scale Multi Period event, such as English Heritages Festival of History at Kelmarsh. For the people who have swelled the Retinues ranks since the last time, it was a really interesting and enjoyable event as the report from Rima describes:

For most of the two days I managed to get lost on site, either in the traders market or around the endless array of living history camps. Needless to say I think we all had a good time and enjoyed the experience, from trying to find the camp/toilets in the dark (amidst a sea of tents) to taking part in the final parade. The finale was walking the isle of re-enactors from all periods. Walking between the Ermine Street Guard clashing gladius against shields was one of the more surreal moments...or was it discussing the logistics of rabbit stew (whilst in 15 century kit) with a group of WWII soldiers...or watching a fire juggler in the fading light performing for only himself?

Lincoln Castle was the first re-enactment that Buckingham's Retinue participated in this year as part of the "Wars of the Roses Federation". Three days of good weather meant we had plenty of time to catch up with people we have not seen for a while, entertain the masses of public who came to watch us, and enjoy the brilliant Ice cream shop located just outside the gates.