Saturday 17 and Sunday 80 May 2008, 11am to 5pm  Free admission (£3 per car parking charge).

Over an action packed weekend, an estimated 4,800 visitors explored a sea of colourful medieval tents within Rufford's extremely picturesque grounds, adding perfect ambience to superb C12th-C15th displays by around 170 top medievalists. They met armoured men-at-arms, had a go at bill drill (the bill being the fearsome pole arm used by C15th English soldiers), watched demonstrations of archery, early cannon and battle tactics, and enjoyed a re-enactment based on the Wars of the Roses Battle of Worksop in 1460. Many took the opportunity to wander through the fascinating living history encampment and see everyday medieval life recreated, or go shopping within the medieval market! Loads of children enjoyed the have-a-go medieval archery too! There was probably no better way to spend a family weekend out and about!

Click for photos of the event by Red Zebra (click on Album) and OSB Media.

Organised on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council. Presented by The Wars of the Roses Federation, Knights Hospitaller Association, Conroi de Vey, Hetaireia Palatiou (The Palace Company) and Drudion.

Timetable of displays and activities 

 Ongoing activities:

• Living history and encampments by all the above groups plus the Knights Hospitaller Association (C12th) and Palace Company (early medieval era Byzantines).

• Medieval games and entertainment from Drudion.

• (Safe) have a go archery for children by the Knights Hospitaller  Association (a small charge applies)

• Medieval style market with historical traders – browse and buy unusual gifts for birthdays and Christmas!

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. 

Also at Rufford this year - On the Home Front, 1939-45 on 16-17 August. 

Fantastic forties fun! Military and civilian displays, living history, fashion, music and song. Visitors are invited to join in with the spirit of the event by coming in period dress (completely optional, of course!). Re-enactors: Allied personnel, civilians and vehicles warmly welcome!

Free daytime admission (modest car parking fee applies). Plus Saturday evening 40s dance (free to the first 100 re-enactors applying who are booked to perform set displays daytime, and to owners of pre-registered period vehicles).

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

- 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 2008

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

Updated 22 May2008