The year is 1460 and England is divided in its loyalties with two kings, a young Edward of March alias Edward IV of the Yorkists and Henry VI of Lancaster and the opposing sides have been busy raising levies and retinues before the fateful Battle of Towton.  Edward is in Huntingdon with a small Yorkist force  but soon he will face a challenge as Lancastrian soldiers are in the locale...

And so the scene is set for the weekend of the 6th and 7th of August, a very unique event in the town of Huntingdon and this for a variety of fascinating reasons.  Historically it was a celebration of the 800th anniversary of King John's signing of Huntingdon's town charter (7th August 1205). And to highlight this pivotal point the town was given over to an eclectic array of medieval entertainment the like of which had not been sen before. Accompanying such, and opening the proceedings were dignitaries and accompanying officials of the town and council, including Councillor Helen Mallett Mayor of Huntingdon, Mike Kennedy, Town Clerk, Karen Cameron Deputy Town Clerk, Jennifer Sarabia, and Marilyn Simpson amongst others including several European representatives.
 

In concert with the official aspect of the event Saturday witnessed a spectacular parade  from the town centre back to the medieval encampment. But to achieve this  the various groups had first to walk beside the river and then embark upon several double decker buses to be whisked into town.  This was a truly surreal experience as I soon found myself jostling for a seat with men at arms, ladies, and children... 

The parade began proper in the town centre and from there headed down the main thorough fare all groups being represented including Destrier whose mounted knights added an air of authority to the proceedings.  And sandwiched between 13th and 15th century men at arms, archers and gunners, were groups local to the area of Huntingdon. Very strange to watch such a marvellous procession as they wended their way past Woolworths and of course the famous Oliver Cromwell museum, itself worthy of closer examination if you are passing.  Following the parade down to the river, the event opened and in flowed an awed and curious audience who came to partake of this medieval spectacular. Weather over the week end was dry and on the Sunday very humid which aided in the attraction of around 20,000 people drawn to the celebration of this significant historic event It offered the chance to experience at first hand various aspects of medieval life from the martial through to the more mundane with the added spice of music courtesy of Hautbois, and the ever entertaining Perrots Puppets. 

The Living History encampment certainly delivered the goods over the weekend with many re-enactors available to answer questions or in some cases demonstrate skills such as badge moulding, weaving, cookery.  One of the most interestingwas the making of a fishing net.  Very handy with the River Ouse just yards away but not, as it turned out, ready in time for a trial run despite the hard efforts of the chap engrossed in such an arduous task.  The quality and quantity of displays were second to none thus you were able to see demonstrations of martial skills, and warfare using pike, swords, bows, guns and canon, based around a Lancasterian/Yorkist scenario during the year 1460 of the War of the Roses.  Being a skirmish the numbers were adequate to recreate the impression of such an encounter and the audience were suitably impressed as one after another of the men at arms fell to either arrow or bill not to forget canon shot of course.

Apart from these aspects the event echoed to the haunting medieval sounds of Hautbois and their eclectic collection of musical instruments and of course the jousting competition which no doubt many came to see.   Destrier delivered a very impressive and professional performance including Jax who gave as good as she got as indeed did her fellow knights. Audience participation at such venues is essential and over the event this was not only numerous, reaching over 20,000 but also very good-natured not to forget enthusiastic.  And talking of participation the Falconry display was very interesting especially the facility to actually hold one of the birds of prey. For the historically minded there were also several additional items such as the signing of the charter, on the Sunday again in the town and performers delivering excellent monologues and period stories.

Clearly something for everyone then, puppets for the younger children, warfare for the men and music for those who would prefer to take it easy.  Others were no doubt drawn to the Historic Craftsmen and Traders area where you could readily purchase anything from a hand and a half sword through to authentic medieval games. So given all this activity what stuck out most in my mind?  Well of course the march beside the river leading to the buses, getting onto a bus load of armed men at arms which was very surreal, the Destriers parade through the town, jousting, and the energetic performance by the Lion Rampant. This latter groups repertoire of skills range from incredible hand to hand combat through to singularly impressive fire eating and juggling. But it would be unfair to compare like with like because the success of the event was based upon a mutual cooperation from all the groups involved and all should be heartily congratulated.

Performers and groups attending included Conquest, Destrier, Livery and Maintenance, The Wars of the Roses Federation, Lion Rampant, Hautbois, Perrots Puppet Theatre, All of a Quiver, Ridgeside Falconry, Griffin Historical and Ancient Wisdom, plus local community groups. The event was truly outstanding and if it another appears next year then it is one to be very highly recommended.  Not only does it have something for every body within a beautiful period setting, it also boasts extensive  parking space aplenty though you will find the one way system of the town something of a challenge......

The Huntingdon 800 Celebration was organised by Event Plan in the very capable hands of Howard Giles whose great expertise in this area certainly paid dividends. not to forget his "Event Slaves" of support staff always on hand to help or direct as needed.  Admission was free and , the activities of the event were  jointly funded by Huntingdon Town Council, Heritage Lottery Fund and local sponsorship. 

It therefore only remains to extend my thanks and appreciation to all of the groups and societies who participated, Howard Giles and Event Plan and the local dignitaries whose support made this all possible not to forget the unsung heroes of  Conquest, Destrier, Livery and Maintenance, The Wars of the Roses Federation, Lion Rampant, Hautbois, Perrots Puppet Theatre, All of a Quiver, Ridgeside Falconry, Griffin Historical, Drudion,and Ancient Wisdom.