Buckingham's Retinue returned to the wonderful Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings in Bromsgrove. Though the group has performed at events at Avoncroft previously, this was the first time we had taken part in the International Living History Fair (ILHF) for Pike and Shot Events. ILHF is a multi-period show, with visitors able to see shows and displays from across the span of history, from the Bronze Age all the way up to the Cold War.
For our part, Buckingham's Retinue provided a range of 15th century displays covering cooking and food, armour and weapons, games, music and medicine/surgery.
The displays set up in the medieval wattle and daub barn.
The camp and kitchen tent
The Dukes banner flying in the sun.
The tools of the barber-surgeon's trade.
Chopping onions for the pot.
Preparing a meal over the fire.
Our next event will be the Saint George’s Day Festival at Wrest Park, Bedfordshire on 22nd and 23rd April. See the English Heritage website for further details: Wrest Park | English Heritage (english-heritage.org.uk)
Over the bank holiday weekend Buckinghams Retinue, along with friends from The Clarence Household, took part in the Easter Escapades event at Beeston castle. Our role was to provide the living history element of an Easter festival, all against the backdrop of the dramatic medieval castle.
Both our music and dance and mumming play displays were performed twice each day, along with our usual historical cooking, mediaeval games, armour and weaponry.
The mighty Beeston castle.
Keeping watch over the Cheshire plain.
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Cauldrons of delicious pottages.
Jenn working on a reproduction medieval embroidery.
Graham carving a spoon.
And there were hot cross buns!
Our next event is the International Living History Festival 2023 at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Bromsgrove on 16th and 17th April. Please see the Avoncroft website for details: International Living History Festival 2023 | Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings
On 25th/26th March group members met up for our annual "Make and Mend" weekend, to prepare for the start of the new season. With the large amount of tents, furniture, weaponry and other equipment that gets brought to events, it's important to check everything is in a good, safe condition.
The group pavise decorated with the image of Saint Barbara peeking out from its protective cover.
All of the group pottery, wooden bowls and cauldrons were cleaned, checked for cracks and where necessary oiled.
The group bills and spears checked for damage and burrs.
Our bread oven has seen better days and needed some TLC.
A fresh coating of clay and straw is applied.
Good as new!
Cooking ingredients replenished, the historic utensils checked and cutlery awaiting sharpening.
All put away, ready for the new season!
Our first event of the season will be Easter Escapades at Beeston Castle, Cheshire on the 7th to 10th April. See the English Heritage website for further details: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/beeston-castle-easter-escapades-7-10-april/5
