Pat and I went to Herstmonceux Castle‘s medieval weekend. It was a busman’s holiday for me as I needed to buy some new kit.
The castle is only a few miles from us but it was the first time we’ve visited. We’d been put off by the castle itself being closed to most visitors but the outside is spectacular and the grounds beautiful.
The science centre (it was the Royal Observatory from 1948 for forty years) looks great and we’ll be back to visit that another time.
The castle itself is one of the earliest built in brick. It was substantially demolished around 1770 but was repaired and rebuilt in the first half of the twentieth century. There’s more, with links, at Gatehouse Record.
The medieval festival has been running for 20 years. Re-enactors come from all over Europe to take part in the sieges, jousts and entertainments. The traders’ fair is extensive. The medieval food available encompasses Doner Kebabs, Tikka Massala and Fish and Chips (and, to be fair, a hog roast). It’s a good (but pricey) day out for the family and the enthusiast.
It was good to meet up again with friends made at the Bodiam Medieval Weekend. If your looking for a pair of medieval spectacles (and I was) I can recommend GOCB.
There were nice sculptures like this (above, right) all around the gardens. There were no labels or explanations, which felt right. Not all art needs a 6×4 card.
Lance Woodman 