Recreating the past for live events, TV and film

Medieval outlaws, knights and combat

Rufford Abbey Country Park, Nottinghamshire NG22 9DF  

On the A614 Nottingham to Doncaster road, 2 miles south of Ollerton. Tel; 01623 822944 (general enquiries)

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May 2008, 11am to 5pm  Free admission (£3 per car parking charge).

Enjoy colourful living history, armoured knights and soldiers, camp followers, music, song, dance, drama, tournament, combat, archery and trebuchet (a huge medieval catapult), staged in association with the new Ridley Scott Robin Hood film, due to be premiered on 12th May.

It is the year 1216. All is far from well in the (virtually bankrupt) kingdom - powerful barons are in revolt and the French have taken the opportunity to invade. Meanwhile, the unpopular King John, the Sheriff of Nottingham, their knights and their men-at-arms attempt to control the growing threat of Robin Hood's outlaws. See the plot unfold and leaping forward 200 years, also enjoy a medieval show with C15th knights, ladies and minstrels as they hark back to the Robin Hood legend, which was already very popular in their time. See everyday medieval life recreated, have fun with "have a go" activities, and browse within the medieval market! There is probably no better way to spend a family weekend out and about!

Organised by EventPlan on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council. Presented by The Albini Household, The Household, Knights Hospitaller Association, King Edward's Living History Group, The Lion Rampant  and Vikings of Middle England.

 

Timetable of displays and activities  

Time

Activity

Performers

Where

11

Living history commences

All

Encampments

 

Archery training

The Lion Rampant

Long Meadow

11.30

The Normans ambush Robin Hood and his outlaws

The Vikings of Middle England and The Household

Long Meadow

Noon

King John meets the Sherriff for a council of War

The Albini Household and The Household

King John’s encampment

 

Dancing, music and singing

The Lion Rampant

Lion Rampant encampment

12.30

Robin Hood’s men practicing their skills at arms

The Vikings of Middle England

Outlaw camp

 

Medieval combat training

King Edward’s Living History Group

Long Meadow

 

A short talk about the truth behind the Robin hood legend

Nick Marshall

Outside the entrance to the Undercroft

1

Archery competition

The Lion Rampant

Long Meadow

1.30

King John and the Sherriff argue

The Albini Household and The Household

King John’s encampment

2

Music, singing and Robin Hood staff fight

The Lion Rampant

Lion Rampant encampment

 

Robin Hood’s men Ambush some of the Sherriff’s men

The Vikings of Middle England and The Household

Long Meadow

2.30

Medieval weaponry, including shooting a Trebuchet

King Edward’s Living History Group and The Albini Household

Long Meadow

 

A short talk about the truth behind the Robin hood legend

Nick Marshall

Outside the entrance to the Undercroft

3-3.15

A dispute between King John’s Knights and the Sherriff’s men is settled by trial by combat

The Albini Household and The Household

Long Meadow

 

Arming of a C15th Knight

The Lion Rampant

Lion Rampant encampment

3.15-4

C15th tournament

The Lion Rampant

Lion Rampant encampment

3.30

A short talk about the truth behind the Robin Hood legend

Nick Marshall

Outside the entrance to the Undercroft

4

Battle between Robin Hood’s men and the Normans

The Vikings of Middle England, The Household and Albini Household

Long Meadow

4.30

Event closes

All

All areas

 Ongoing activities:

 Trading opportunities at EventPlan events

Quality historical traders are invited to book a pitch at this event. Preference is given to traders who utilise period tents or otherwise attractively presented stands. Please click for further details of trading opportunities at EventPlan shows.

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

- craft shop

- coach house, offering a variety of snacks and drinks

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

- children's play area

- 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

 

A brief history of re-enactment

Interested in how and why re-enactment has become so popular in recent years? Click on the link to read a history of re-enactment.

Other events 2010

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

 

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Updated 11 May 2010