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)
The group recently took a supporting role in the Legendary Joust event for English Heritage, held at the wonderful Eltham Palace in London. Buckingham's Retinue, along with other members of Livery and Maintenance, provided living history throughout the day, despite the heavy showers.
The camp setup
The lights of Canary Wharf and central London seen from the camp at night.
Our next event will be Medieval Life at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Bromsgrove on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th August. See the Avoncroft website for further details: Bank Holiday - Medieval Life with The Buckingham's Retinue | Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings
On 25th/26th March group members met up for our annual "Make and Mend" weekend, to prepare for the start of the new season. With the large amount of tents, furniture, weaponry and other equipment that gets brought to events, it's important to check everything is in a good, safe condition.
The group pavise decorated with the image of Saint Barbara peeking out from its protective cover.
All of the group pottery, wooden bowls and cauldrons were cleaned, checked for cracks and where necessary oiled.
The group bills and spears checked for damage and burrs.
Our bread oven has seen better days and needed some TLC.
A fresh coating of clay and straw is applied.
Good as new!
Cooking ingredients replenished, the historic utensils checked and cutlery awaiting sharpening.
All put away, ready for the new season!
Our first event of the season will be Easter Escapades at Beeston Castle, Cheshire on the 7th to 10th April. See the English Heritage website for further details: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/beeston-castle-easter-escapades-7-10-april/5
