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England's Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux Castle

England's Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux Castle is your opportunity to attend one of Europe's biggest events of its kind.

The three public days of the Festival offer a colourful (and noisy) introduction to war and peace in the Middle Ages. From the peaceful day-to-day re-enactment of daily life in a Medieval village to skillful jousting events and full-blown castle sieges complete with entire armies of archers, horses and cannons.

With over 2,000 medieval re-enactors, performers, musicians, artisans, and craft workers from the United Kingdom and Europe and from far Canada and the United States.

Also, Some 25,000 spectators are anticipated during the three Festival days.

What you can enjoy at Herstmonceux Castle

What you can enjoy at Herstmonceux Castle

Contestable mounted Skill-at-Arms Tournaments with trophies and prizes.

A frontal Siege of Herstmonceux Castle and a concluding Battle in the rear battlefield with cannons, siege engines and cavalry and over 500 combatants.

Living History Competition with trophies and cash prizes.

Archery Tournament - longbow & crossbow with trophies and prizes.

Europe's largest Medieval Traders Village.

Musicians, Singers, Jugglers and General Exhibitionists - welcome all!

15th century moated Castle - 500 acre estate.

Beer & Food Marquee with entertainment.

Living History camping areas on spectacular grounds.

Herstmonceux Castle

Herstmonceux Castle

Herstmonceux Castle is a brick-built castle, dating from the 15th century, near Herstmonceux, East Sussex, England. It is one of the oldest significant brick buildings still standing in England. The castle was renowned for being one of the first buildings to use that material in England, and was built using bricks taken from the local clay, by builders from Flanders. It dates from 1441.

The first written evidence of the existence of the Herst settlement appears in William the Conqueror's Domesday Book which reports that one of William's closest supporters granted tenancy of the manor at Herst to a man named ‘Wilbert'. By the end of the twelfth century, the family at the manor house at Herst had considerable status. Written accounts mention a lady called Idonea de Herst, who married a Norman nobleman named Ingelram de Monceux. Around this time, the manor began to be called the "Herst of the Monceux", a name that eventually became Herstmonceux.

Herstmonceux castle is associated with a retinue of historical re-enactment troops including archers, knights, and falconers, who fly their birds over the grounds.The castle is also host to a large medieval weekend in August of each year.,
it can be the site of weddings and weekend events.

Also, check our list of the best hotels in Herstmonceux, Hailsham and book your stay during the event.

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