Rufford through the ages - history comes to life!

May to August 2007, 11am to 5pm  Free admission to all four events*  (£3 per car parking charge).

A record 20,238 visitors stepped back in time at Rufford this summer as four events helped to tell the fascinating history of the abbey, house and the surrounding area with living history displays and entertainments from the Iron Age to World War Two, featuring top performing groups. Organised on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.

* An admission fee applied to the 1940s dance on the evening of 18 August.

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May 2007

Medieval living history, archery and combat

A sea of medieval tents and flags within Rufford's extremely picturesque grounds added perfect ambience to superb C12th-C15th displays by around 100 top medievalists. Over the weekend, more than 5,100 visitors were present and were able to meet armoured men-at-arms, had a go at bill drill (the bill being the fearsome pole arm used by C15th English soldiers), watch demonstrations of mounted skills, archery, early cannon and battle tactics, wander through the fascinating living history encampment and see everyday medieval life recreated and went shopping within the extensive medieval market. Children also much enjoyed have-a-go medieval archery. There was probably no better way to spend a family weekend out and about! Click for Red Zebra's photographs of the event. Images will be added to our Galleries section shortly.

Presented by Buckingham's Retinue,  Conyers Household, Marcher Freemen, The Oxford Household, Sir John Savile's Household, Sir William Stanley's Household, The Knights Hospitalers, Knights Hospitalers Association and Lance & Hames. Plus The Household (Sunday only). In addition, 17 interesting historical craft and trade stalls were present.

Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 June 2007

For King or Parliament? Rufford and the Civil War

Which side would you have fought on during the English Civil War, Parliamentarian or - like Rufford's owner - Royalist? Over 4,000 visitors were able to make their minds up as Parliamentarian soldiers of 1647 presented living history, pike drill, musket firing and other scenarios. You could meet finely dressed officers and watch as their luncheon is served, and contrast them with the ordinary musketeers, pikemen and camp followers that made up the armies of the 1640s, or ask them why they fought, what cause they believed in, and who they thought would win. There was also a cunning Royalist spy to spot!

But it wasn't just as simple as Parliamentarians versus Royalists...visitors also witnessed what happens when unpaid and increasingly discontented soldiers of the victorious New Model Army start listening to radical Levellers!  Colourful, noisy and thought provoking by turns - but always enjoyable - this was a great weekend to discover the ins and outs of one of the most important and turbulent eras of Britain's history. Presented by The Fairfax Battalia and fellow members of the English Civil War Society.  See Red Zebra's photos of the event and some interesting 360 degree views too.

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 July 2007

Romans and Britons! 

With the BBC series Rome highlighting this mighty empire once again, what better time to meet "the real thing"? Over the weekend, Rufford hosted a fascinating event featuring Roman soldiers and civilians of the 1st Century AD alongside their British counterparts, portrayed by Legio VIII Augusta MGV and The Vicus. Over 5,500 visitors were present, and could stroll through the tented Vicus (or village), enjoy living history, watch displays of army drill and combat, and even find out if they'd survive an ancient battle as they "walked through" an attack by tribesmen on the heavily armed Roman legionaries and auxiliaries. Click for Red Zebra's photographs of the event.

 

But within a vast and long lasting empire, not all Romans looked alike and in complete contrast, visitors could also meet members of Hetaireia Palatiou (The Palace Company) - later era Romans of the Eastern Empire, which continued to thrive after the Western Roman Empire fell in the 5^th Century, and even recruited defeated Saxons after the Battle of Hastings in 1066! Over the weekend, Palace Company co-ordinator Timothy Dawson also talked about his new illustrated book, Byzantine Infantryman: Eastern Roman Empire c.900 - 1204. On 8-9 July, all roads led not to Rome, but Rufford Country Park!

Re-enactment groups and other performers interested in taking part in our events are invited to contact us for further details; please click the link for our Standard terms and conditions for participation. 

Visiting picturesque Rufford Country Park

The main entrance to Rufford is situated on the A614 Nottingham-Doncaster road, 2 miles south of Ollerton and 17 miles north of Nottingham. The park offers lots for visitors to see and enjoy:

- the remains of the 12th century Cistercian abbey with an exhibition on the life of the monks who once lived there

- craft centre and gallery with changing exhibits

- ceramics centre tracing the history of studio pottery

- craft shop

- coach house, offering a variety of snacks and drinks

- Savile Restaurant, serving home-cooked lunches and traditional cream teas

- restored former orangery and bath house

- formal gardens, including a herb garden and the Rufford Sculpture collection

- Reg Hookway memorial Arboretum with a range of trees

- lake with a variety of wildfowl

- lakeside garden shop at Rufford Mill

- outdoor living store

- teddy bear shop

- woodland walks

- remains of two ice houses

- animal graves including the famous Derby winner, Cremorne

- picnic area and children's playground

Other events 2007

Click here for details of many other historical events organised by EventPlan this year.

Updated 31 December 2007