Arundel Castle

Since Monday was a bank holiday and I didn't have radiotherapy, we decided to take my son to see some of the sights - a castle.  This particular castle is a Norman castle sitting stately on top of the hill.  We just so happened to catch the end of the festival which made it even more fun.  They had historical re-enactment groups which reflected 12,000 years of local and caste history in crafts, costume and combat displays. We were also enchanted with a Falconry Display. 

It was a fun day of winding through the streets and then onto the castle grounds.  I may eventually have to go back and take the tour the the castle itself, but the entertainment on the grounds was great.  Pictures don't capture the day, but we will try. 

So here is the Castle itself:

Cool right? 











Ok, so here are pictures from the Falconry

 Owl were not traditionally in falconry because they were creatures of the night and were to be feared.

And the costumes.  

stone age ca. 12,000 BC

Iron age ca1000 BC

Roman invasion 55 BC 

More Roman invasion - + a gladiatior 

Saxons came next invading in 500 AD

and because they were pagan, the women could be warriers. 

Next came the Normans who invaded in 1000 AD

and they brought nuns 

The duke 

Then came the 14th century knights with their longer shields

14th century nobility 

15th century knights - my favorite 

15th century long bowmen

the musketeer

the pirates 1600- 1700

the one and only gentleman

And the ragged victorians ca 1850

and the future.... stormtrooper? 

Then they did battle of the time periods with one man standing

 they created a shield wall from the archers

battling against all the time periods 

 and in true victorian style - the snake oil salesman

and the victor - a small Roman

 I found me knights in shining armour.