English Heritage, Kirby Hall
The Erpyngham retinue give demonstrations of life during the middle part of the One Hundred Years War (1337-1453). Our backdrop is a campaign encampment belonging to Sir Thomas Erpyngham K.G. (1357-1428).
Sir Thomas
Erpyngham was not just the commander of archers at the battle of Azincourt
in 1415, as noted in Shakespeare’s play Henry V. He was also a politician
and advisor on the Kings privi-council and confident to two kings of the
late 14th and early 15th Century, Henry IV (1399-1413)
and his son Henry V (1413-1422).
This period saw innovation
in costume, armour, warfare, religion and politics when England was at
war, not only with France, but also Scotland and Wales. It was also the
time of the peasant's revolt (1381), the black death and included such
battles as Crecy, Poitier and finally Azincourt in 1415.
During the demonstrations, examples of dance, arming-a-knight
and weapons skills will be given, with practical examples of some of the
mediaeval cooking. As part of the dancing the steps can be taught to encourage
visitors to join in with dances such as The Horses Brawle and The Farendole.
Questions from the visitors about the cooking will
be welcome with recipes being made freely available. Discussions about
the content and style of cooking can be held with visitors during the day
or as a separate talk as part of the day’s demonstrations. Due to hygiene
regulations the sampling of our produce is not permitted.
For those who are interested
in the battles of this period talks are held on the weapons and tactics
used at Azincourt on the 25th October 1415. During the talks
all the weapons that will be used during the combat will be shown to the
visitors, for safety reasons they will not be able to handle them.
With demonstrations of both the English Longbow
and Crossbow, visitors are given examples of the comparative firepower
of each weapon individually and then together, shooting against the clock.
A good longbow archer of this period should be able to loose between 11
and 15 arrows per minute. Imagine if you will the field at Azincourt where
6000 English archers defended themselves against the whole of the French
army.
Photographs may be taken,
not only during the show but also afterwards posed with the Knights and
Peasants so do not forget to bring a camera.
So prepare to travel back
in time with us to the late 14th Century, the days of chivalry
and nobility when the sword was not just a weapon but a symbol of justice
and honour.
Each show has duration
of between 20 and 30 minutes, if a longer demonstration is needed then
sections can be added back-to-back permitting a flexible use of time.
Our attendance can be as
small as three or as large as you require. As an example we have been asked
to organised battles, for
English Heritage, Kenilworth Castle
National Trust, Bodiam Castle
English Heritage, Kirby Hall and Kenilworth Castle
Audience participation is encouraged during arming
the knight where assistance by "volunteer squires" will be welcome, dressed
in our Lord Erpyngham’s livery they will be taught the duties of the squire
of this time.
English Heritage, Kenilworth Castle
Malcolm Group Events, Herstmonceaux Castle
English Heritage, Kenilworth Castle
The Erpyngham Retinue has a full public and personal liability insurance of five million pounds.
Should you have any special requirements not addressed in our literature then please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss them.
For further information
on availability and prices please contact us at the address below or, check
our website at www.erpyngham-retinue.org.uk
for the latest details.
Chris Skinner or Stacey Featherstone
Tel +44 (0) 20 8789 8483 Fax +44 (0) 20 8265 2227
Mobile 07980 399685