The clock was turned back up to 1000 years over the weekend as thousands of people got a taste of life in medieval Britain.
Visitors to the Pensthorpe nature reserve, near Fakenham, saw archers show off their prowess with bows and arrows and got a chance to try out how villagers fired missiles with trebuchets – the heavy artillery of the day.
Knights in armour on horseback displayed their skills and an authentic market place gave a glimpse of the ancient crafts, jewellery, clothes and the food of the period between 1066 and 1538.
The medieval spectacular – which is in its sixth year at Pensthorpe and continues on bank holiday Monday – also included story telling, music, a falconry display, fire breathing and a medieval encampment.
One of the popular attractions was the chance to have your picture taken as a knight, princess, Robin Hood or Maid Marian set against a medieval backdrop.
Pensthorpe owner Bill Jordan was delighted with the “great atmosphere” and said the event played an important part in teaching people more about the period in British history.
“It is a good educational thing and the event is so authentic. These people totally focus on the medieval period and really live it.”
The weather stayed fine on Saturday while yesterday saw a series of heavy showers.
People dived for cover during the downpours but the action carried on despite the unseasonal weather.
*The medieval spectacular continues on Monday from 10am-5pm. Pensthorpe is signposted off the A1067 Fakenham-Norwich road. Website: www.pensthorpe.com.
Source: EDP24
