Medieval joust - for one Knight only

In medieval times the curious practice began of organising teams of people to kick a pig’s bladder about. They called it football, but it didn’t really catch on for centuries – because jousting was so much more exciting. This August Bank Holiday, English Heritage is re-creating the thrills of knights in combat, hurtling towards one another at speeds of up to 60 mph with big sticks pointed at one another’s chests.

Join English Heritage and kick off your Bank Holiday weekend with the Grand Medieval Joust at Carisbrooke Castle (Sat 25 – Mon 27 August). Teams of knights will be battling it out with foot combat, archery and mounted skills-at-arms. Man, horse and armour weighing half a ton, the thunder of horses’ hooves, bone-breaking swords and the clash of helmets!

Karen Welbourn, English Heritage Events Manager, says: “As a spectator sport, jousting is poles apart. These knights and their squires show tremendous bravery, as they compete for victory and to win a fair maiden’s heart. It’s a great day out. You can cheer on your favourite knight against the backdrop of our spectacular castles. It’s like travelling back in time. There are wandering jesters, demonstrations of horsemanship and of course the jousting itself. Men in tights, men in armour, and women in big pointy hats, all this, and excitement too! It’s not be missed.”

Before the joust, you can watch knights on horseback practice for the main event by spearing targets at a gallop. However, if all this action gets too serious, guests can enjoy a laugh courtesy of Peterkin the Fool’s madcap antics or join the jester workshop and learn the art of foolery. As well as the sound of laughter, sweet music will also resonate through the air when wandering minstrels serenade spectators with some medieval classics.

For those who want to amaze their friends with some Knight knowledge, English Heritage has come up with some top Knight facts:

- Knights collide at a closing speed of up to 60mph
- A knight’s armour costs between £3,000 and £9,000 today
- In the 15th century, armour cost £8 - £12 - an Aston martin or small house by today’s prices
- A knights’ armour weighs 70lbs – the equivalent of a paratroopers backpack - and takes three months to make

What: The Grand Medieval Joust
Where: Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight, PO30 1XY
When: Sat 25 – Mon 27 Aug, 10am – 5pm
Price: Adults £8.50/Concessions £6.40/Children £4.30/Family ticket £21.30 English Heritage Members: £2.90/Concessions £2.20/Children £1.50/Family ticket £7.30