Glorious sunshine welcomed the group back to Avoncroft Museum of Historical Buildings for the first full event of the season, the International Living History Festival.
Our camp
We provided a small camp set against the backdrop of the 500 year old merchants house,split between our medieval kitchen display,with a variety of delicious pottages prepared, accompanied by freshly made butter and (slightly singed) bread straight from the oven, and our arms and armour collection, with timed talks describing the armour and equipment of the medieval soldier.
Talking about medieval bread
Medieval cooking
For our next events, goup members will be attending the Medieval Reenactment Weekend at Sewerby Hall in North Yorkshire, and at Houghton Tower in Lancashire in partnership with our friends The Savile Household.
The weather was dampened but our spirits were not as Buckingham's Retine once again returned to Skipton Castle! Despite the driving rain throughout both days, we persevered to put on our full timetable of activities, bringing the castle to life with a “Mediaeval Celebration” theme.
Archery, cooking, dance and crafts were all displayed, culminating in a grand tournament inside the ancient chapel ruins, and a knighting ceremony for long serving group member Rory!
Our next full group event will be Castle Rising, Norfolk, 2nd-3rd August.
One of the group's most popular events, Skipton Castle was once again brought to life by Buckingham’s Retinue over the weekend of 27th-28th July.
Each day began on the castle lawn with a display of archery, followed by a sword school for younger visitors. In the great hall, talks on medieval fashion and etiquette were held, while the kitchens were in full swing producing an array of delicious food from authentic medieval recipes.
The event concluded with our knights' procession from the castle to the tournament arena for a display of medieval combat. All this in addition to the living history and craft displays put on throughout the day by individual group members.
Group members will be attending the battle of Bosworth reenactment event 17th-18th August. Our next full event will be Framlingham Castle, Suffolk, 24th-26th August.