On the 15th and 16th July, Buckingham's Retinue once again returned to Skipton Castle, the  historic seat of the powerful Clifford family and guardian of the Yorkshire Dales. Skipton castle is a popular site with both group members and the public alike, as we are allowed to occupy rooms within the castle and bring parts of the historic fortress to life as it would have been in the mid 15th century.

Skipton castle looking moody in the rain

Each day began with the noble ladies dressing in thier finery

Kitchen staff hard at work

Marchpane subtleties in the shape of the Clifford wyvern being prepared

Just part of the large array of wonderful food prepared by the kitchen team. 

Despite the persistent rain, we provided a full range of historical performances, with music and dance, mumming plays and a fashion show appearing as timetabled talks along side our living history displays of arms and armour, medicine and crafts

The dragon waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting champions in our mumming play

Rob and Zoe portraying Lord and Lady Clifford

Each day ended with arming of the knight and a brief display of mediaeval combat, taking place inside against the dramatic backdrop of the old chapel.

Our next event will be supporting the Legendary Joust at Eltham Palace, Greenwich, London, on 29th and 30th July. Please see the English Heritage website for tickets and further details Legendary Joust at Eltham Palace | English Heritage (english-heritage.org.uk)