KNIGHTS of old will be doing battle at Kenilworth Castle this weekend.
The medieval fortress and Elizabethan palace, once the site of one of the most formidable sieges in English history, will host the Legendary Joust on July 20 and 21.
The spectacle will see four knights and their horses clash in a test of bravery and skill. Each rider represents a character from myth or legend, including the famous Sir Lancelot, who will be vying for the adoration of the crowds.
In each round, two knights will ride towards each other, armed with lances in their right hand which go across their body and over their horse’s head, aiming strike their opponent’s left side. Separating the riders will be a ‘tilt’ or barrier running down the grounds of the castle.
Throughout the day, there will also be squire training and archery for children in the grounds, plus medieval music to listen to and a fire-breathing Jester to awe at.
Ella Harrison, events manager at English Heritage said: “Jousts were the ultimate test of a knight’s prowess and courage and kept their skills sharp for times of war. There were also prizes to be had and more points were awarded for unseating an opponent, though nowadays our performers stay safely on their horse and only compete for the biggest cheers from the crowd.”
Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk for full details.
