Kat Across The Pond

Down with the Yorkists!!

"Join the Kingmaker's household as the Earl's loyal followers prepare for battle by celebrating the occasion in spectacular glory.
Extra places are set at the Castle's Earl's table, where you can take your place alongside the Earl's great army for an evening of merriment, delicious food and free flowing wine and beer.
The year is 1471 and you are preparing to face the Yorkists in the morrow's battle for supremacy. The evening begins when you are led into 'Kingmaker' where Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick and his busy household are making last minute preparations for battle. See the Blacksmith hard at work forging new shoes for the Earl's warhorse, walk through the Carpenter's workshop and see the Seamstresses at work."

Richard Neville, Kingmaker, was our host on Saturday. We were preparing to do battle with the Yorkist army (can I hear a booooohhhh!!! Hisss!!!!) at the side of the Lancastarians. But before the bloody battle began, we had an evening of feasting and merrimaking.

This was our Christmas do with Toshiba at Warwick Castle - complete in medieval garb, toasts to the King, chicken to be eaten with your fingers and a "bow your head for a prayer before the meal". The whole evening was fantastic - very surreal, to be surrounded by about 150 people in medieval costumes (men in tights!!) and to have bards singing tales. It was set in the Great Hall, on long wooden tables, by the light of candles.

After that, it was back to the hotel. Incidentally, the breakfast the next morning was amazing. So much food. Everything you could wish for, literally. Then we popped into Stratford upon Avon, had a look at Shakespeare's birthhouse and the River Avon. It was freezing cold mind you, so we didn't stay long. Then back home. All in all, an unforgettable experience. Photos to follow - if I can arrange it.

posted by Kat @ 11:43 am