– Sarah Maltby, the Jorvik Group
The Jorvik Medieval Festival gets into full swing this week, bringing Middle Ages merriment in the form of a fantastic variety of events, talks and activities.
The fest, which runs from August 19-31, 2015 includes plenty for Richard III enthusiasts to get their teeth into, only weeks after he was finally laid to rest.
History talks, reenactments, sword-fighting workshops – you name it, the good folk at Jorvik have staged it.
You can browse every event in the special festival pages of our What’s On Guide.
In the meantime here are some highlights of a packed programme which will drag us back to the Middle Ages…
Family fun
Canterbury Tales
York welcomes back the captivating storyteller, Peter Carrington-Porter, in a lively retelling of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
Little Diggers
These activities for the smaller members of the family include medieval mischief, costumes and characters, and knights and naughty monsters…
Medieval Merriment
This get-involved event showcases a range of medieval crafts and workshops. Have a go at sword fighting, archery and falconry.
Meet the Medievals
History at the Hall
Barley Hall plays host to a variety of reenactors telling tales of what life was really like for people in medieval times.
Medieval Arms and Armour
Learn what life was like for a medieval soldier from Monk Bar’s own War of the Roses veteran.
Talks
Philippa Langley: Looking For Richard
The screenwriter who dedicated almost ten years to the cause tells the astounding story of the project which led to the discovery of Richard III in a Leicester car park.
The Mythology of Richard III
Dr John Ashdown-Hill examines the myth of this enigmatic historic figure. Does Richard’s ghost haunt a manor house near Leicester? Was he a drunkard? And most importantly, did he like chocolate?
Joan of Arc
Dr Helen Castor sheds light on one of the most infamous women of the medieval world – the peasant girl who heard voices from god and became a warrior.
Meet the Experts
Members of the York Archaeological Trust offer an exclusive peek at some medieval artefacts found around the city.
Out and about
Fun day at Selby Abbey
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Explore displays that tell the story of some of the abbots of Selby, and enjoy a range of family-friendly activities and games, together with drama and music to bring the history of the abbey to life.
Medieval Day at Knaresborough Castle
With workshops, activities and tours this family event promises a smorgasboard of medieval offerings.
From Richard to Henry – walking tours
In a rare mix of history and exercise, this 90 minute walk tells the story of one of the most turbulent periods of English History: the War of the Roses.