Mediaeval Banquets in North Wales... ...in a real Mediaeval Castle
Even before Edward I rebuilt it around 1277-1282, Ruthin Castle is recorded as an important strategic Welsh fortress of wood and stone and there is no doubt that Ruthin was very much at the centre of the ferociously stormy mediaeval history between England and Wales, frequently changing hands amongst Nobles and Monarchy.
One of its first residents was Reginald de Grey, formerly the very Sheriff of Nottingham charged with raising the 'finest army in the land' to defeat the outlaw Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest. The castle later withstood many a siege including that by the Welsh rebel, Owain Glyndwr in 1400 before eventually falling in 1647 to the Parliamentary forces ('roundheads') in the civil war.
The first Mediaeval Banquets in Britain
Today the ancient dungeon still survives together with the whipping pit and drowning pool and it is against this background of chivalry and valour that Ruthin Castle became the first in Britain to start hosting themed mediaeval banquets. Now it regularly opens its great oak gates and welcomes visitors to enjoy the authentic mediaeval experience.
The evening starts with an accompanied tour of sections of the 13th century walls, dungeon, whipping pit and drowning pool (only by pre-arrangement & subject to availability at an extra charge of £3.00 per person with a minimum of 10 people) for those who wish, followed by an introduction in the Presence Chamber where all guests assemble prior to the banquet. Fully costumed Ladies of the Court and the Court Steward and Herald then lead guests into the Banquet Hall where they entertain, sing, jest and lead the evening's feasting with dagger and fingers... accompanied by mead from clay cups and wine in pewter goblets. Guests can also wear costume if they choose (including hiring them by advance arrangement).
Sample Menu
One of its first residents was Reginald de Grey, formerly the very Sheriff of Nottingham charged with raising the 'finest army in the land' to defeat the outlaw Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest. The castle later withstood many a siege including that by the Welsh rebel, Owain Glyndwr in 1400 before eventually falling in 1647 to the Parliamentary forces ('roundheads') in the civil war.
The first Mediaeval Banquets in Britain
Today the ancient dungeon still survives together with the whipping pit and drowning pool and it is against this background of chivalry and valour that Ruthin Castle became the first in Britain to start hosting themed mediaeval banquets. Now it regularly opens its great oak gates and welcomes visitors to enjoy the authentic mediaeval experience.
The evening starts with an accompanied tour of sections of the 13th century walls, dungeon, whipping pit and drowning pool (only by pre-arrangement & subject to availability at an extra charge of £3.00 per person with a minimum of 10 people) for those who wish, followed by an introduction in the Presence Chamber where all guests assemble prior to the banquet. Fully costumed Ladies of the Court and the Court Steward and Herald then lead guests into the Banquet Hall where they entertain, sing, jest and lead the evening's feasting with dagger and fingers... accompanied by mead from clay cups and wine in pewter goblets. Guests can also wear costume if they choose (including hiring them by advance arrangement).
Sample Menu
- First Thick Vegetable Soup Fruit Juice
- Second Welsh lamb roasted in herbs and spice
- Third Half a young chicken roasted in honey
- & oranges with mixed salad and a jacket potato served with Homemade chutney
- Fourth Fruit Crumble Mead and wine are served with the meal
Coffee is served after the entertainment
See information about Mediaeval Style Themed Weddings below
Commenti