Herstmonceux Castle
Medieval Festival

The medieval festival represents the War of the Roses period which covers from 1379 to 1485. This period is appropriate because the castle was built in 1302.
By mid 1400 Herstmonceux and its castle was well established as a powerful and prosperous estate. Costumes of this period were some of the most colourful.

Jousting had become popular by then, and this allows the festival to incorporate horse and rider as well as all manner of members on foot.
The Hundred Year War ended in 1453 and village festivals were becoming a popular way to celebrate peace. During this period Houses or groups similar to The Knights of Herstmonceux became prominent as in the Houses of York, Lancaster and Percy.
The end of the War of the Roses was 1485 when Richard III died at the Battle of Bosworth and this corresponds roughly with the end of our era.

Herstmonceux Castle near Hailsham in East Sussex will again be host to the Medieval Festival. This Event, now in it's fifth year will be Britain's largest three day celebration of the colourful Middle ages and will attract over five hundred Medievalists from throughout the United Kingdom and more than twenty thousand visitors from around the world.

Mounted Knights on fiery steeds will cross swords and lance as they partake in the noblest of old English sports "The Joust": Also, you can see Europe's finest bowmen gather to compete for prestige and prizes at the Festivals longbow competition and arrow storm. There will even be a chance for the public to have-a-go with a longbow with expert instruction from our archers.

The walls of the magnificent 15th Century moated castle will resound with battle cries, and the air will hang heavy with the smell of black powder as over three hundred men in period costume attack and counter attack with full cannon support in an effort to siege and storm the castle walls.

Following the battle the recreated Medieval Village high on a plateau looking down on the Castle is in full celebration. People of all ages gather from miles around to experience the very best of Medieval life.
The music of strolling minstrels, the shouts of craftsmen

and merchants selling their wares... If you have ever wondered how hogs roasted on open fires might taste or what the effects of ale swilled from a hefty tankard might be, here's a chance to discover...

In this magical setting, Knights, Men-at-Arms, Longbowmen and Ladies-in Waiting will gather to display the skills and style of the age of Chivalry. The drama and force of hand to hand combat as lustily swung broadswords make contact with chainmail or iron helmet will bring history to life as you watch...

Don't miss the Fire Eaters and Falconry displays or the antics of Medieval Puppeteers with twelve foot stick puppets. The children will be captivated by the Norse Storyteller and can be left in our supervised play area while their parents brows unencumbered through the period craft stalls and the delightful walled gardens.

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