Knights, joust and battle!

We went to watch a day of medievel reenactment recently held within the grounds of Berkeley Castle.

There were jesters joking about, archery competitions, falconry displays, music, knights battling, jousting, puppet shows and the highlight a battle complete with cannon fire!

 The battle really was rather exciting with arrows flying, cannon booms and smoke, horses galloping about and weapons being put to action.

More castle

We visited Berkeley Castle recently.  The castle is the oldest building to be inhabited by the same family who built it - 850 years.

It has trip steps to trip up attacking enemies, arrow slits, murder holes, enormous barred doors.  Very interesting contents including a Sir Francis Drake's cabin chest, Queen Elizabeth I bedspread,  and many fascinating tapestries.

The castle and it's family have many significant stories and parts played in British history.  And intrigue - apparently the castle is haunted by the ghost of  King Edward II who was murdered in 1327 here.  Also the last court jester in England died here from a fall in the Great Hall.

 

 

Castle

Eastnor Castle. Very, very beautiful. Unfortunately no photographs allowed inside. Such a pity as it is truly magnificent!! Fairytale setting both inside and out..









Steam engine display.