In Days of Old...

Crowds prepare to watch the battle re-enactments. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography.

The Battle of Evesham and Medieval Festival, held 3-4 August.

Review by Ann Evans

The Battle of Evesham and Medieval Festival earlier this month saw thousands of people descending on the town’s Crown Meadow for the re-enactment of the 13th century battle which took place in the town between Prince Edward and Simon de Montfort in August 1265.

The event started with a Grand Parade through the town centre starting at St Lawrence’s Church grounds then parading through the streets to the Simon de Montfort Memorial. The festival itself took place in the park with crowds enjoying all the stalls, displays, food and drink and medieval entertainment which included a Longbow Display, a Calvery Display, Medieval music and dancing and of course the battle re-enactments.

Two warriors prepare for battle. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography.

As you meandered through the camp with the authentic tents and activities you met characters preparing for battle, with armour laid out and families saying their goodbyes as soldiers prepared to fight. The main battles over the two days saw spectacular clashes of armed soldiers and knights on horseback, resplendent in their gleaming armour.

Let battle commence. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography.

Over at the Medieval Market there was an abundance of food and drink stalls, from traditional mead and roast pork to a beer tent, burgers, ice cream and doughnuts. Meanwhile the artisan craft fayre with its authentic traders was keeping alive ancient traditional craftsmanship, alongside charity stalls and history stalls. For the children there was a funfair, a play area and a picnic area.

Entertaining with some medieval music. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography.

Here’s a roundup of just a few of the trade stalls that caught our eye:

Rob and Lorraine had travelled from Ayrshire in Scotland to bring their bespoke kitchen, bushcraft and historical knives to the show. White Peak Knives specialise in hand crafted bespoke knives - all made by Rob. Take a look at his website to see the beautiful craftsmanship that goes into making these knives. https://www.whitepeakknives.co.uk/

Rob and Lorraine of White Peak Knives. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography.

Raising awareness and funds for their charity was The Farm Animal Sanctuary at Middle Littleton, Evesham. The sanctuary was established over 40 years ago by founder Jan Taylor. The volunteers there offer sanctuary and a secure home for over 600 farm animals rescued from abuse, neglect, slaughter and abandonment. See more of their work at: https://thefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk/about-us/

Volunteers L-R: Louise, Ruby and Steph. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography.

Displaying her delightfully unique and colourful artistry was Chrissy Hunaban of Wacky House Studio. With a great love of nature and wildlife, Chrissy creates gorgeous wall hangings, plaques, cushions, paintings and other lovely items for the home. Find Chrissy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wackyhousestudio/

Chrissy Hunaban of Wacky House Studio. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photographer.

Continuing a bygone trade was A Piece of History, manufacturers and suppliers of traditional archery equipment who had travelled down from Carlisle to be at the Evesham show. Annie and Andreas Doebereiner are the very knowledgeable duo, who were more than happy to talk to visitors about the archery equipment they make. Annie is a Fletcher and Andreas is a bowyer, and it was through their passion for re-enactment and archery that they started making their own supplies. Many of their items have been featured in films, museums ad displays all over the world. Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apieceofhistory/

Andreas of A Piece of History. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography.

Another traditional craft that was attracting interest was the Evesham and Redditch Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. The ladies were demonstrating a range of traditional skills that have been used for generations as families wove textiles for clothing and for the home, as well as woollen garments. Discover more at: https://www.wsd.org.uk/

Evesham and Redditch Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography.

A fascinating weekend of re-enactments and history, And to finish off, here’s one last photograph to get you wondering… Take a look at this photograph of a helmet, taken in the bustling Living History Camp, surrounded by people – and certainly no horses amongst the families. Take a closer look – if anyone’s reflection should be seen in the shiny metal you would imagine it would be the photographer’s reflection – so am I the only person to be able to see a knight on horseback looking on? Simon de Montfort himself maybe?