The significance of animals in the Middle Ages
In comparison to our lives today, life in the dark and middle ages was not easy. Peoples’ routines revolved around the seasons – which would signify whether or not they had food – but hand-in-hand for the people that lived during those centuries were the animals that served them. Animals served as transport, hunters, food and companions and played a very important role.
We think that this year the animals deserve homage! All of the critters including the monstrous and mighty right down to the meek and minuscule.
From the animals essential to life and survival such as chicken, bees, sheep, goats, swine and cattle; the hunting and herding dogs, the draft animals that carried food and supplies and then on to the horses that carried people on their travels and into the hunt and to war…. Animals served a huge role in the lives of their owners.
The Abbey Medieval Festival attracts over 30,000 people across Australia who make the annual pilgrimage to Caboolture, Queensland for two-days of non-stop feasting, music, dancing and drama of Medieval era. And this year – we honour the Animals too!
Honour the horses and hounds
The bloody hand-to-hand warfare that raged across continents throughout the dark and middle ages is owed just as much to the horses as it does to the men that fought in them. Arabs outmanoeuvred their enemies in the desert on camels and horses, Vikings knew to make a beeline for the stables during raids in order to maintain their mobility on land and European warfare owed much to the horses, mules and donkeys that carried them into battle and carried their supplies.
“We’ve got dogs, horses, goats and even chickens from the Dark ages and the Middle ages; we have animals that hark back to the Viking age; we’ve got Arabic dogs and horses that have changed little over time and we have a wide range of Medieval dogs, horses and chickens found during those times. We even have some of the oldest documented types of dogs represented, the Irish wolfhound, the greyhound and the Saluki” says Joust co-ordinator, Paula Winkel.
Two Irish wolfhounds will feature at this year’s festival. Paula says there were depictions of this type of dog in manuscripts dating back to the pre-Christian era and historical accounts of “large rough coated hairy dogs guarding houses and hunting wolves that had a close resemblance to the Irish wolfhound”. Irish wolfhounds were highly valued for their large size and strength, and ownership of the swift Greyhound was restricted to nobility.
Unlike today, when breed and look are all-important factors, animals were usually differentiated by their use, their region of origin or their type and rather than by breed. For example, Horses in the Middle Ages were described as “chargers or Destriers” (war horses), Courser (fast racing horses) “Palfreys” (riding horses), and “Sumpters” (packhorses). And dogs that hunted by scent were called “Lymers” and Dogs that hunted by sight were called “Greyhounds”, “Aulants” were hounds that went after bigger game, and the “Mastiff” was a heavy set dog for really big game and for guarding, and the “Kennet” were the smaller hunting dogs.
Birds and beasts and bees……
Falcons and hawks will feature at this year’s festival along with a range of dogs, horses and poultry that will see festival-goers having the opportunity to get up-close and personal with the birds and beasts. And look out for the bee-keepers, the humble buzzing bee makes an inaugural appearance this year.
Medieval Apiary (Image from Pinterest)
Paula says the key to hosting Australia’s most authentic re-enactment festival is fastidious attention to detail.
“We’re purists, we want this to look, sound, smell and feel as much like the Middle and Dark Ages as possible,” she says.
“Animals are key to that and a whole lot of detail and research into designing the Medieval costumes for their handlers, the type for fencing and cages, right down to the leather gear for the horses and dogs.
“Yes it’s slightly obsessive referring to manuscripts to make sure we get every detail correct; but there’s also a lot of satisfaction that goes behind making the attire to fit us and the animals perfectly.
“The festival is all about fun, adventure and history. So, travel back in time and have a blast.” Located in Caboolture, The Abbey Medieval Festival, run by the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology, will be held on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 July at 1-63 The Abbey Place, Caboolture.
Get you tickets online here!
(Blog in conjunction with Paula Winkel, Abbey Medieval Festival Joust Co-ordinator and Moreton Life magazine)
The Ancient Art of Whacking People
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival /by Caroline MorrisseyThe Ancient Art of Whacking People
(A blog from Damien Fegan, image from Abbey Museum Library)
You may be excused for thinking that combat at the festival is simply just whacking people with heavy steel objects. Not quite: stabbing, slashing, barging, tripping, buffeting, punching, kicking and the odd head butt also have a part to play. The steel objects in question are also not as heavy as you might imagine (see the blog on ‘He who hath no sword’).
As someone who has spent decades trying, sometimes successfully, to hit people with swords, I can give you some insights on the process involved.
First Point: Most importantly; the combats are not predetermined or choreographed. Combats performed on stage are choreographed as you need exactly the same outcome for every performance; it is very different on the tourney field.
Second point: The combatants are trying to hit each other with accurately weighted but blunted weapons. They are however not trying to hurt each other, which can be problematic when you are playing a high speed, full contact sport that involves hitting people with weapons. If you can imagine playing Rugby with axes you are getting on the right track.
Now before you decide that you are going to grab a wood-splitter from the shed and join in, you need to read on.
Third Point: Training- lots of it! The combatants are trained to control their fighting and will have trained for months if not years before you see them fighting in public. They are also wearing a lot of armour, though conversely they are also trying to hit their opponent where they have little or no armour to gain victory.
Fourth Point: There are rules, admittedly not a lot of them, but there are definite no-go zones for whacking with weapons. Think of where you don’t like to be hit, yep, there and the face and neck are out of bounds. The head however is a target as it is protected, a bit, by a steel helmet. Most combats use a system where a fully charged blow delivered to the body results in you losing the fight. From personal experience I have found that when all you can see out of your visor is grass or sky it is a good time to yield the fight. A worst case scenario is when all you can see out of the visor is grass or sky and then darkness or grass, sky, grass, sky, etc. In either of those cases you have most definitely lost.
Fifth Point: The fighters are not, or at least should not be, trying to injure each other. Hopefully you walk away from a combat with nothing worse than the odd bruise but more serious injuries such as concussion, fractures, dislocations, sprains and the odd puncture can and do occur. These are treated seriously by the fighters as there as great level of trust needed between them as they want to go home in one piece and not be carried home on a stretcher or worse yet, in a bucket!
Final Point: Yes it hurts!
You’ll see quite a bit of whacking with weapons at the festival this weekend, so don’t forget if you have a weapon, you need a permit!
Debut headline event – Hólmganga!
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog /by Megan-Anne MaczkoThe Viking Holmgang
In modern times, in order to settle disagreements, we are accustomed to expensive court room battles that sometimes carry on for many years. But in the olden lands across medieval Scandinavia, squabbles and disputes were much more swiftly dealt with. There was no call for extensive evidence gathering, no pleas or articulate rhetoric from highly paid counsel. If your hard won Viking honour was threatened in any way -real or imagined – all that needed to be done was challenge your adversary to a ‘first blood’ or ‘to the death’ duel, and order would be promptly restored.
In those precarious times, Viking vengeance – to restore the honour of the insulted or injured party – demanded financial compensation or, failing that, your good family name could be defended in blood. This was because, of course, the Norse gods and in particular, Tyr, the Viking god of justice, honour and courage, always ensured that the ‘right’ man won.
For the medieval Scandinavians, there was much worse fates than death as described in Odin’s poem Hávamál:
Deyr fé, deyja frændur,
deyr sjálfur ið sama;
en orðstír deyr aldregi
hveim er sér góðan getur.
Cattle die, friends die
you yourself die;
One thing now that never dies
the fame of a dead man’s deeds.
Rules of the Holmgang
Holmgang Tournament – Image from Staraya Ladoga Stellari
Holmgang fighting ring – Image from Staraya Ladoga Stellari
Literally translated as ‘small island walk’, the Holmgang was a formal dispute resolution process of one-to-one combat within a clearly defined fighting ring, and had precise rules that varied across different regions. The only consistent rule across medieval Scandinavia was that opponents had to agree on the terms for their particular duel.
Social status was no protection against the Holmgang and all weaponry was allowed, although duel opponents were expected to have matched weapons. The first strike came from the challenged party, after which it was a bloodthirsty ‘free for all’ fight to first blood or death, which is somewhat disturbing to consider was amicably agreed at commencement.
There will of course be no mortal combats at Abbeystowe, but one-on-one fighting will be spectacularly on display with an expected 60 contestants battling it out to defend their good names. The tournament will run in a randomised fashion with combatant’s names drawn out of a Viking bag and placed into the round with another combatant. The winner of each round shall be redrawn for the next round until concluded. Combat rules are loosely based on historical rules and each duel is to be fought with three ‘lives’ – each life is represented by a shield. Once a combatant has taken three lethal strikes, or are declared too exhausted to continue, they are disqualified. Taking the guidelines of Kormak’s saga as inspiration, the 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival Holmgang fighting ring will be laid out with ox hide or a cloak and hazel wood staves planted in each boundary corner. When finished the area was known in medieval times to be ‘hazelled’ and resembled a modern boxing ring.
A Holmgang champion will be awarded at the conclusion of the festival on Sunday afternoon, so to experience all the excitement of the heroic Holmgang, book your tickets here:
(A blog from Staraya Ladoga)
The do’s and don’ts of feasting (Part I)
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival, Abbey Medieval Banquent, Banquet, Blog, Experience /by Caroline MorrisseyToday on Medieval Eye for the Modern Guy we look at the do’s and don’ts of feasting.
A few rules of thumb as you prepare yourself for the upcoming Abbey Medieval banquet.
What to Wear
We shall of course not even suggest to lecture the Ladies on what to wear as their fashion sense should always be beyond reproach. Gentleman however may require some discrete coaching on what is expected at a banquet and what are definite medieval faux pas!
Obviously a gentleman would never dream of sitting down to dine in polite company in armour. The same goes for carrying weapons such as axes crossbows etc. After all you are going out for an intimate dinner for 300; not a family reunion. Daggers are an exception as they are simply too dainty to be considered a weapon and the jewelled hilt just cries out to be accessorised. The only weapon you will require is your rapier sharp wit (having a few trusty armed retainers ready outside with a fast getaway horse can be handy if your rapier wit gets you into trouble)
A few hints for the truly fashion conscious; rusty armour is out; shiny silks, fine furs and brocades and damasks are in. Don’t be afraid to mix your colours or go with a simple parti-colour for a striking effect by dressing with one side white or gold and the other red or blue. Bareheaded is so common so hats are also in this season but if you really want to stand out try a circlet of silver or gold to accent your luxurious locks, and it keeps them out of your food. Furs are always in but they should be artfully tailored and not look like you are still sharing them with the animal. Also don’t be disappointed that no one believes a great hunter when you have a sheepskin draped over your shoulders.
The best maxim is coats bright, hose tight, furs exotic, hats amazing, codpiece outlandish, manners polished and smile dashing and you can’t help but be a hit with the ladies and a threat to your peers.
Image source: Pinterest
Tools of the Trade
It goes without saying that to dine properly you will of course require servants, but if you are travelling light you should still have the following:
These items can be used individually, sequentially, in combinations but NEVER all at once.
Instructions for use
Spoons are for eating pottages, soups and deserts which are placed in your bowl, never in your hand or neighbour’s hat. The knife (definitely not your dagger) is used for cutting your food into dainty morsels (gobbets) which you then pop into your mouth with your fingers. Whilst some foods can be taken on the point of a knife (not soups) it shows a definite lack of breeding to do so and gobbets of food should be eaten with the fingers (your own). Don’t hack at your food with your knife like you are running late for the Crusades and don’t want to miss out on all of the fun and taking an axe to the roast, or your neighbours, is definitely a big no. A two pronged fork is acceptable for pasta and shellfish but don’t flash it round like some nouveau rich burgher out to impress his boorish urban friends. Some also think it is stylish to use a spike to place food in the mouth; but ask yourself if a fork is doubtful how can eating with half of a fork be acceptable? Your napkin is to be used for wiping your mouth, fingers and utensils. Keep it classy and simple and remember that eating with your fingers never goes out of style.
The Abbey Medieval banquets take place on the 30th June and 7th July and there will be no better place to put your medieval manners into practice. Get your tickets here.
By Damien Fegan
Swords – an introduction to sharp pointy things!
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, News, Re-enactment /by Caroline MorrisseyHe who hath no sword,
(let him sell his garment and buy one. Luke 22:36)
No item in medieval history excites as much curiosity and misinformation as the Sword. Light, well balanced and deadly, a medieval sword was not the slightly sharp crowbar of popular myth. A typical single-handed sword weighed generally between 700 g and 1.5 kg at the most. As a comparison a 1 litre carton of milk weighs 1kg: if you are strong enough to put milk on your breakfast cereal unaided, you could easily lift a sword. Most swords had a tapering double- edged blade, a crosspiece to protect the hand, a grip and a pommel below the grip to act as a counterweight.
Feeling groovy?
Many swords feature a groove or grooves running down the blade. Called the Fuller, this strengthens the sword by adding multiple curves into the profile of the blade, making it lighter and stronger. The groves are not, repeat NOT to:
The sword was the most versatile, expensive and prestigious of weapons of the middle ages. It could be used to attack with cut, slash or thrust and could also to defend, though swords were designed to be used with a shield until the introduction of two handed swords in the 1300’s. This coincides with the development of plate armour, as it is a good idea to have a bit of extra protection if you are can’t stop incoming nasty things with your shield! The medieval two handed sword generally weighed under 2.5 kg; often much less.
Whilst the giant 10kg sword of popular myth would make an impact on an opponent, actually hitting them with it, without popping your shoulder, elbow and wrist joints might prove difficult. It is not so much a matter of having a sword light enough to swing for hours on end rather than being able get your sword where you need it in the split second that it needs to be there!
The weapons used by the re-enactors at the Abbey Medieval Festival generally only differ from the originals in the sharpness of their edge. Swords were rarely razor sharp, not because they could not achieve a razor edge (after all what did they shave with?) but because a thin razor edge would blunt immediately on contact with a hard surface such as armour or another sword. A sharp chisel edge was preferred for most swords; if you have ever plunged your hand into a box of old tools and come into contact with the business end of a wood-working chisel, you can appreciate how devastating a chisel edged sword could be.
It became customary to use blunted or “plaisance” (pleasant) weapons in tournaments; though believe me, the experience can only be considered pleasant when compared with being hit by a sharp sword. During the Renaissance it became customary to “foil” or blunt and cover the tip of a rapier when practising your swordsmanship, which is a sensible precaution if you want to keep your friends.
Don’t forget, if you are planning on bringing along your favourite (steel, wooden, foam, cardboard, big, small, indifferent) sword to the festival this year, as well as your ticket, you will need a weapons permit so that we can keep everyone safe. Click here to apply.
By Damien Fegan
Win a VIP experience for 8 people!
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Uncategorized /by Caroline MorrisseyWin a VIP experience!
Competition now closed!
Everyone has to agree that the nobility and royalty had it good during the medieval era. After all, if you were poor, nobody cared and it wasn’t called the Dark Ages for no reason. So who would like to have a little taste of the good life – medieval style.
We are offering you the chance to win VIP experience for you and 7 other people. Worth $2000 this is a fantastic way for you to experience the Abbey Medieval Festival royally!
Here’s what you have to do –
We have made it easy for you because, after all you could potentially be a VIP!
Don’t miss out and please pass on to your friends!
(T&Cs for competition)
What to expect in the VIP area!
This is what you can expect expect to enjoy when you visit the Abbey Medieval Festival as a VIP.
So, don’t miss out, click here for your chance to win this amazing prize.
Shopping at the Abbey Medieval Festival
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Merchandise /by Caroline MorrisseyThe Peacock Feast
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival, Banquet, Blog, Experience, Frontpage Article /by Caroline MorrisseyA medieval feast can seem a bit strange to modern sensibilities. Food is served in removes, which are miniature multi course meals in their own right and the choice of fare can often limit choice of supplier: unless of course you live in an area where the local Coles stocks porpoise and beaver. Then, there is all of the ritual which could turn an intimate thirty dish meal shared with a few hundred of your closest friends into a full blown theatrical production.
Enter the Peacock.
The Peacock Feast
During the later middle ages there arose a tradition of taking vows during feasts, generally at the urging of the host. Feasts were the perfect venue for young, and young at heart knights to be urged to greater and greater deeds of glory. After all there were chivalrous companions to urge you on, beauteous ladies to impress and alcohol, which then as now, helps make the impossible seem quite achievable. These typically were not your typical New Year’s resolution type vow such as promising to drink less and exercise more, watching your diet etc. but full on deeds of valour such as holding ground against all comers in a joust at the low end, to liberating the Holy Land at the upper end of the scale.
The best time during a feast to take one of these vows; the chivalric ones that were likely to get you killed, was during the presentation of the subtlety. The presentation of the subtlety was the high point of the feast. As could be expected they were anything but subtle and could take the form of a rare and fantastic beast, a confectionary sailing ship or if your budget is slightly larger you build a castle wall out of roast poultry and garrison the towers with roast deer boar and goats! The ‘four and twenty blackbirds baked into a pie’ was actually a thing though the birds were presumably inserted into the pie after it was baked. Once the pie was, very carefully, cut open the birds would fly out singing to the delight of the diners. Possibly because live blackbirds are not an approved food additive this tradition has sadly been in decline at dinner parties.
A more subtle subtlety was the presentation of a bird, such as a swan or peacock, which had been roasted and then its skin, which had been carefully removed and roasted separately was stitched back on; complete with feathers. Prised for their majesty in the case of the swan or its display, in the case of the peacock they made perfect subtleties, especially given the relative scarcity of fresh unicorn.
The Peacock Vow
The first Vow of the Peacock was in fact fictional, a tale written in 1312 by Jacques de Longuyon which introduces the ideas of the Nine Worthies of Chivalry (more about which in a later blog) and more importantly for now the practise of using the presentation of the subtlety to swear an oath. For the potential medieval hero, presentation of a magnificent subtlety at a feast was the perfect time to make outrageous vows as it had all of the necessary ingredients:
De Longuyon’s poem struck a chord and life quickly took to imitating art and we know of several similar vows being undertaken at later feasts involving Audubon subtleties including vows taken on peacocks, swans, herons, pheasants and even a sparrowhawk. It seemed hardly was a bird out of the oven before some gallant had slapped a hand on it vowing loudly to do or die.
For our Feast of the Peacock, the magnificent subtlety will be in form of a large peacock cake displaying its plumage as it is served to the high table. Whilst it will not contain real peacock that does not mean you cannot make a heroic vow when you catch sight of it. Just remember though, you will be held to your vow!
In case you are wondering peacock is overrated as a delicacy as it tastes much drier than swan, but if you think the time is right in your life to commit a vow, get your banquet tickets here.
Blog by Damien Fegan
Something for the Ladies!
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival, Uncategorized /by Caroline MorrisseyThere is something for every Lord and Lady at the Abbey Medieval Festival and this blog features a few special items designed to pique the female interest. Women, Ladies, Maids and girls – both medieval and modern minded – look, listen and laugh – you are in for some eyebrow raising subjects!
Be…witched
This presentation given by Order of the Dracul takes place on Saturday only and delves into a very dark period in the dark ages. From the early decades of the 14th century until 1650, continental Europeans executed between 200,000 and 500,000 witches, 85% of whom were women. The character and timing of these executions and the persecutions which preceded them were determined in part by changed objectives of the Inquisition, as well as by a differentiation process within medieval society. The ‘witchcraze’ answered the need for a redefinition of moral boundaries, as a result of the profound changes in the medieval social order. The fact that these executions and the accompanying demonological theories enjoyed widespread and popular acceptance can be explained through the anomie which permeated society at that time. This sobering presentation will discuss the intellectual cognitive background for the witch hunts, and separate fact from fiction.
Medieval Fashion Show
For the best-dressed dames and damsels out there, this year’s costume competition is a must. The competition is held on Saturday (only) and is open to patrons aged 16+. Applications close on July 8th, please see conditions of entry.
Neither will you want to miss the medieval fashion parade from the Society of Creative Anachronism. Take a tour through the transition of fashion from early period through to the late medieval period as our models display the evolution of fashion influenced by construction techniques, politics and status.
Music and Dance
Bardic Harpress – Raven Lamont of Women in History will deliver a performance of musical storytelling accompanied by her Irish High Headed Celtic Harp. In addition, the Shuvani Carnival Historica have a dance show that tells the story of 500 years of migration from India to Europe through beautiful dance and movment. Additionally, you are very welcome to join the Shuvani as they teach you Circle Dance workshop as they teach their favourite simple circle dances. No experience necessary, if you can walk you can do this!
Grown ups only…(R18+)
As modern Australian women can openly bemoan their grievances, one can’t help but wonder about the ladies of medieval times and how they managed their private issues. A hilarious talk brought to you by Historia flings the doors wide open on the subject and exposes the very secret sex lives of medieval women examining the intimate details of women in society and in the bedroom. For mature audiences only. Additionally you might be interested in the Order of the Artisans and Kindred Spirits (OAKS) and their presentation ‘Medieval Missed Conceptions’ (also rated 18+) as Lady Merewin has a realm of myths, truths, missed truths and sheer unadulterated lies revolving around the methods of avoiding pregnancy in medieval times. Prayers, lemons and confusion regin as tools for contraception during this era. Entertaining and interactive, this lecture is suitable for adults only.
Workshops
We are constantly looking for ways to get you more involved with our festival and to facilitate a deeper and more personal experience. These workshops are a wonderfully creative way to bring history to your finger-tips, engaging body, mind and your medieval spirit.
Laid-and-couched embroidery workshop
Description: Laid-and-couched embroidery is a quick and easy method of decorating fabric with yarn; it’s most popularly known as the method used to produce the Bayeux Tapestry.
Time: 10:30am – Day: Saturday and Sunday – Cost: $5
Making a paternoster workshop
Description: The paternoster was the predecessor to the rosary and was a must-have accoutrement, worn by both peasant and noble.
Time: 11:30am – Day: Saturday and Sunday – Cost: $5 (paid in cash on the day)
Fringes and tassels workshop
Description: Fringes were used to finish off the end of various household fabrics, and tassels were a popular form of decoration.
Time: 2:30pm – Day: Saturday and Sunday – Cost: $5 (paid in cash on the day) –
Application to join the workshops is here, and they are offered by Oltramar, a 13th century crusade group base in St. Edith’s Village. The fee is to cost of the materials and is paid directly to the group on the day. Each workshop is limited to eight people and a waiting list will commence once capacity is reached. Please remember we would love to see your photos!
Book your tickets to this year’s festival here.
Something for the Lords!
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Re-enactment, Uncategorized /by Caroline MorrisseyThere is something for every Lord and Lady at the Abbey Medieval Festival BUT if ever there was a festival demonstrating male prowess, strength and survival skills, this festival could be described as a very male expression. My Lords…we have tried to pick a few to summarize ….but you simply have to see them all.
Tournament of Strength and Skill
Located in the Castle arena, this competition is hosted by the Company of the Phoenix with entrants hailing from various re-enactment groups participating at the festival. The Tournament of Strength and Skill is a medieval obstacle course designed for training for the field of battle and to test the combatants’ physical prowess. Made up of obstacles to test a number of important skills that a combating Lord would require on the field of battle such as speed, balance, strength, ability to vault a horse and accuracy with a spear, lance and sword. You can’t possibly watch this and not engage your male competitive spirit.
War Machines
While this is not a performance, you do not want to miss Cottereaux’s ‘Behemoth’, the largest functioning medieval Trebuchet in the southern hemisphere. It will showcase its firepower twice a day. A Trebuchet (French trébuchet) is a medieval siege engine of catapult or stave sling design, and functions by the use of a swinging arm to cast a projectile. The traction trebuchet, also referred to as a Mangonel, first appeared in Ancient China during the 4th century BC as a siege weapon. During sieges, heavy stones were cast sometimes with oil and fire to damage castle walls and while it would be very tempting to use the Trebuchet to hurl naughty little Lords afar, the Sheriff would not encourage this practice.
Battle displays
Travel back in time to the Dark Ages (Byzantine era) by taking a stroll through the Commons where Jorth Gar – the New Varangian Guard is located.
The Byzantine Emperor Basil II formed the Varangian Guard to act as his elite personal bodyguards. Membership initially consisted of the fierce Rus Vikings, however after 1066, the ranks of the Varangian Guard swelled as mighty Saxon warriors sought membership. The rewards were lucrative and their reputation was legendary. It was not easy to join the Varangian Guard as their battle skills were exceptional. Prospective members not only had to pay to join, they had to prove themselves worthy often by a show of combat skill against existing seasoned veterans of the elite Varangian Guard.
The re-enactment group Jorth Gar will present a series of single combats and heroic fighting. In their day, the warriors of the Varangian Guard needed to acquire and maintain their skills and learn new technology. This combat display is a crowd engager and demonstrates the variety of weapons and fighting techniques available to the Varangian Guard.
You will be in awe of the Varangian Guard.
Turkish Archery
You’ll have heard of the ancient tradition of Turkish Oil Wrestling, which is a huge crowd favourite of the festival, not only for its display but for it’s historical accuracy and it also is one of the five tournaments of the festival. Traditional Turkish archery will not disappoint you either. This performance demonstrates the use of bows and arrows in various traditional ways such as during the times of war and peace. The Turks were very effective in using bows and arrows shooting very accurately in a variety of situations. The demonstrations will include use of whistling arrows for game and communication purposes, shooting in attack and retreat situations (singly or as a group)
Watch different Crusader groups combat at Skirmish at Sephoria (on Sunday only in an army format), shooting down in to a well or down from the top of castle wall, speed shooting and other demonstration of various Turkish shooting techniques.
There’s something for everyone at the Abbey Medieval Festival, after all , learning is not just confined to the young. Find out more about what’s on a this year’s Abbey Medieval Festival, and get your tickets here.
What’s there for the Kids and Families?
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Children, Kids Medieval Fun Day /by Caroline MorrisseyKids at the Abbey Medieval Festival (Imaged: BCroese)
A fun-day out with the family is so important and therapeutic today and we are acutely aware that Mums and Dads are very selective with their down-time choices. Families work hard, endure difficulties and challenges – perhaps different to what medieval families had to endure – but nonetheless – both visible and invisible trials are surmounted each day by children and their families. So kicking back and bonding with the members of your inner circle is very important. To include learning and fun is a must-do – from our perspective – and we hope that this year you’ll see that kids are the winners!
Immersive Edu-tainment for the Family
The festival interweaves very unique opportunities for families to come together, wind-down and indulge in vivid and colourful imagination . This is just what kids love and want and as adults, this is where we can really learn from our kids – fun is therapy. It makes us feel better. No explanations necessary. We promise you, there’s fun to be had at this festival.
Image by DdeGroot
So what do we have in store for your children this year?
So, we think you will agree, the kids will have no problems finding their favourite entertainment at this year’s festival.
Kids Dig It!Medieval Family Fun WEEK!
This is where the fun gets serious! A week-long of children’s activities themed on medieval daily life takes place from 2-6th July at the Abbey Museum. You could travel back in time somehow for these experiences, or you could just come to Caboolture’s award winning Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology to join in all-day activities including the Abbey signature events – the Archaeological Digs and Archery. New this year will be Make a Poppet, Page training and for two mornings you’ll have the chance to take part in Archery Skirmish. You will also find medieval combat, needlework and illuminating letters masterclasses and there’s a costume competition with a prize each day!
And if all this is too much, parents can hang out at the Abbey Cafe.
Tickets can be booked here:
Animals of the Festival
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival, Medieval Animals /by Caroline MorrisseyThe significance of animals in the Middle Ages
In comparison to our lives today, life in the dark and middle ages was not easy. Peoples’ routines revolved around the seasons – which would signify whether or not they had food – but hand-in-hand for the people that lived during those centuries were the animals that served them. Animals served as transport, hunters, food and companions and played a very important role.
We think that this year the animals deserve homage! All of the critters including the monstrous and mighty right down to the meek and minuscule.
From the animals essential to life and survival such as chicken, bees, sheep, goats, swine and cattle; the hunting and herding dogs, the draft animals that carried food and supplies and then on to the horses that carried people on their travels and into the hunt and to war…. Animals served a huge role in the lives of their owners.
The Abbey Medieval Festival attracts over 30,000 people across Australia who make the annual pilgrimage to Caboolture, Queensland for two-days of non-stop feasting, music, dancing and drama of Medieval era. And this year – we honour the Animals too!
Honour the horses and hounds
The bloody hand-to-hand warfare that raged across continents throughout the dark and middle ages is owed just as much to the horses as it does to the men that fought in them. Arabs outmanoeuvred their enemies in the desert on camels and horses, Vikings knew to make a beeline for the stables during raids in order to maintain their mobility on land and European warfare owed much to the horses, mules and donkeys that carried them into battle and carried their supplies.
Two Irish wolfhounds will feature at this year’s festival. Paula says there were depictions of this type of dog in manuscripts dating back to the pre-Christian era and historical accounts of “large rough coated hairy dogs guarding houses and hunting wolves that had a close resemblance to the Irish wolfhound”. Irish wolfhounds were highly valued for their large size and strength, and ownership of the swift Greyhound was restricted to nobility.
Unlike today, when breed and look are all-important factors, animals were usually differentiated by their use, their region of origin or their type and rather than by breed. For example, Horses in the Middle Ages were described as “chargers or Destriers” (war horses), Courser (fast racing horses) “Palfreys” (riding horses), and “Sumpters” (packhorses). And dogs that hunted by scent were called “Lymers” and Dogs that hunted by sight were called “Greyhounds”, “Aulants” were hounds that went after bigger game, and the “Mastiff” was a heavy set dog for really big game and for guarding, and the “Kennet” were the smaller hunting dogs.
Birds and beasts and bees……
Falcons and hawks will feature at this year’s festival along with a range of dogs, horses and poultry that will see festival-goers having the opportunity to get up-close and personal with the birds and beasts. And look out for the bee-keepers, the humble buzzing bee makes an inaugural appearance this year.
Medieval Apiary (Image from Pinterest)
Paula says the key to hosting Australia’s most authentic re-enactment festival is fastidious attention to detail.
“We’re purists, we want this to look, sound, smell and feel as much like the Middle and Dark Ages as possible,” she says.
“Animals are key to that and a whole lot of detail and research into designing the Medieval costumes for their handlers, the type for fencing and cages, right down to the leather gear for the horses and dogs.
“Yes it’s slightly obsessive referring to manuscripts to make sure we get every detail correct; but there’s also a lot of satisfaction that goes behind making the attire to fit us and the animals perfectly.
“The festival is all about fun, adventure and history. So, travel back in time and have a blast.” Located in Caboolture, The Abbey Medieval Festival, run by the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology, will be held on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 July at 1-63 The Abbey Place, Caboolture.
Get you tickets online here!
(Blog in conjunction with Paula Winkel, Abbey Medieval Festival Joust Co-ordinator and Moreton Life magazine)
Volunteering – Give it a go!
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival /by Caroline Morrissey5 ways you can benefit from volunteering
Some people might think that if you volunteer, you waste your time because you don’t get anything out of it and it’s only for people who have nothing to do!
Actually, that couldn’t be further from the truth!
Are you missing something from your life and you don’t quite know what? Are you an ‘all work and no play’ type of person but find it hard to wind-down and keep a hobby?
Volunteering is a great way to add to your life, build up resilience and feel like the person that you really want to feel like.
Get active! Get alive! and get that feeling of satisfaction that comes with doing good.
We have some wonderful volunteers at the Abbey Medieval Festival, some of whom come back to us year after year. This might explain why!
What contributing to your community can do for you!
Volunteering for the Abbey Medieval Festival is and incredible experience. It’s not just fun, it’s educational. Applications are now open – apply here!
2018 Abbey Medieval Festival Hero
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival, Abbey Medieval Banquent, Blog /by Caroline MorrisseyThe face of the Abbey Medieval Festival 2018
(Photo by B Croese)
(Photo by B Croese)
Who is our 2018 festival hero?
Introducing Mr. Blair Martin, a multi-award winning Brisbane based actor, speaker, broadcaster, writer, director, entrepreneur and ‘Something Else’!
In 2018, Blair will celebrate being the voice behind the microphone, the Master Herald at our annual medieval event and the announcer of all things… important or not… for the last two decades. He is also the Steward of the Hall at both medieval banquets keeping the esteemed guests, the Lords and Ladies and Very Important People, well entertained throughout the evening with his droll humor and witty wit. His extensive medieval knowledge, his spirit and pizzazz has made him a legend to many visitors to the Abbey Medieval Festival over the years. With a character that’s larger than life, a stature that leaves you in awe and admiration, the face of this 29th festival is truly our hero and has been for quite some time.
Festival Hero and ‘Something Else’!
Born and raised in Rockhampton, Blair has many strings to his artistic bow ranging from wildly colourful comic characters, MC services, and innovative corporate concepts and events including the Abbey Medieval Festival. Blair is a also mastermind for his ability to recall the most arcane list of facts, figures and quirky stories, and these are by no means limited to medieval tid-bits. Blair was a champion on the Australian production of the TV quiz show, ‘Jeopardy’, and in June 2007, Blair became the 6th Grand Champion of the hit Channel 9 quiz program ‘Temptation’. In 2014, Blair won one of the inaugural gold medals for the Trivia competition as part of the bienniel Pan-Pacific Masters Games on Queensland’s Gold Coast, and backed that up with a second gold medal in the same division at the 2016 PanPacs.
In various previous lives, Blair worked as the public face of many projects and jobs ranging from cinema usher to hotel receptionist and his talent for training, team-building and motivation of others, was and remains his personal brand. In 1993, Blair started his own business called ‘Something Else Entertainment’
Without a doubt, the Medieval Festival wishes to acknowledge and thank Blair for his creative and dedicated services since 1998 and we recognise, also without a doubt, that every year, he just gets better! He certainly is ‘Something Else’!
Thank you, Blair. We appreciate you!
Stallholders at the Abbey Medieval Festival
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Frontpage Article, Medieval Marketplace /by Caroline MorrisseyHark! Medieval stallholders, traders and vendors – we want you!
The aim of the festival is to provide an authentic medieval environment, including the market place and each year about sixty carefully selected stallholders take part. Stalls include medieval food, arts, crafts and weapons such as medieval swords or shields. The period re-created at the Abbey Medieval Festival covers a thousand years – from AD 600 to 1600 – allowing a great variety of re-enactment arts and crafts.
What medieval goods do you have to sell or demonstrate?
High standards are set for our merchants, crafts persons or artisans, with the bench-mark being raised year-on-year, in order to consistently improve on our reputation as Australia’s most authentic medieval event. With almost 30,000 visitors annually, we welcome new merchants and crafts persons to our market. Participation is on a first-come, first-accepted process, providing the criteria is met. If you would like send us an expression of interest, please read the 2018 Medieval Stallholder Requirements, and check the costuming standards or Rosalie’s Medieval Woman for costumes. Wearing a costume appropriate to your time period is a requirement and a general reference to the particular era your goods relate to should also be made in your application.
Demonstrators’ stalls
Demonstrators of crafts should use materials of the period; for instance, card-weaving displays should have cards of appropriate materials, such as leather, bone or wood. Modern playing cards used in tablet weaving displays are not in keeping with our medieval theme and are not acceptable. We accept that some crafts may need to use some modern tools and materials however, these should be kept to a minimum and if possible out of sight of the public. Blatantly modern items are not in keeping with our medieval theme and should be hidden or eliminated. And each year we ask traders to work a little harder to become an authentic participant!
Here are some examples of our stallholders or demonstrator skills that we are sourcing:
We especially welcome purveyors of crafts that are specifically medieval, such as pilgrim badge makers, potters making authentic medieval pottery, costumers in the style of the period, armourers, and so on.
Express your interest!
So, if you are a merchant or craft-person selling or demonstrating wares that were part of the artistic heritage of the Middle Ages, we want you! Submit your expression of interest to join the market-place stalls for 2018.
Banquet Subtlety
/in Banquet /by Caroline MorrisseyNot so Subtle is the banquet Subtlety
In the Middle Ages, a medieval banquet was a feast of epic proportions. The tables were laden with sumptuous and multitudinous dishes, an expression of a nobles wealth on display for all his guests to see. Every day foods like pies, fruit and stews were accompanied by magnificent animals and birds such as peacock, geese and swans kept for such occasions. The occasion was all about showing off!
A highlight at any medieval banquet was the presentation of a special sugar sculpture known as sotiltees (or subtleties). Nobles would compete to have their cook create wonderful sculptures in all sorts of curious forms – castles, ships, animals, birds or scenes from ancient tales. The more spectacular and unexpected the sculpture was the better! Another form of subtlety more common on the Continent was the ‘entremet’. This was traditionally an elaborate form of entertainment dish and included acted performances. You may recall the nursery rhyme “four and twenty blackbirds, baked in a pie” this was a form of “entremets”.
Abbey Medieval Banquet…food, more food and fun!
At the Abbey Medieval banquet, not only will guests dine on a variety of delicious medieval food and drink, they will also be richly entertained with medieval music and dance from Shuvani gypsies. There will be a display of the jouster shields, Phoenix Entertainment will present a fire display and the guard display from Austral Ladoga will leave you sitting at the edge of your seat. This year the theme is around Peacocks and could there be a better way to show-off colour and grandeur?
There are still a small number of tickets available for this year’s medieval banquets. Check out our menu , it’s sure to make your mouth water!
Purchase your banquet tickets now and join in this unique experience of medieval fun and festivities.
To Joust another day…
/in 2018 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Joust, Jousting /by Caroline MorrisseyTo Joust Another Day…
The trumpets blare and the crowds roar as mounted knights make their way into the arena. Their armour glints as it is caught by the winter sun and their banners flap in the breeze announcing the colours and heraldry of each rider.
Then, the pageantry and ceremony over, the knights prepare themselves and their trusty steeds for the first joust of the Abbey Medieval Festival 2017.
The first two knights enter the arena and present themselves to the crowd.
The air is charged with excitement and anticipation, the cry goes up from the herald and the thundering horse charge down the centre list with knight, lances extended before them staring determinately towards their opponent.
How does the point system work?
When two knights joust each other, it’s called a “pass”. At the Abbey joust each knight will generally do three (3) passes against each opponent and the points they score will accumulate over the weekend. At this year’s Abbey Medieval Festival joust there will be ten (10) knights jousting for honour. So there will be plenty of action for visitors to see. The Abbey joust works in a round robin-so every knight has the same chance, and gets the opportunity to joust against all their fellow knights!
So we all want to know – what can a knight hit with their lance to score points?
The shield!!! Yes!! Best option!
The head? Nooooo (not at the Abbey joust!)
The torso? Yes!!!! Second best option-the armour is there for a reason!
Below the belt? No no no!!
The horse?? Never!!! Knights would rather injure themselves than hurt a horse!
Scoring points:
1 point for a touch – the lance hits the target area but didn’t break-marshals will often check the tips of such lances to see if they have deformed or carry paint marks from the shield.
2 points for a break – one piece has broken off the lance.
And every jousters favourite…
3 points for a shatter! The lance has broken into two or more pieces! Stuff flies everywhere and the audience roars!!!
So, what about knocking a knight off their horse? Well, at the Abbey joust- knights don’t really get extra points for that.. as you would imagine it can be quite dangerous and of course we want our knights to joust another day.
On some occasions, you see true chivalry and knightly virtue in action. One knight might offer their opponent a “mercy pass”, this is where a knight will ride down the list (that’s the area where the joust takes place) without their lance and presenting their shield clearly to their opponent… now that is what we call brave!
In addition to an afternoon devoted to jousting at the Friday joust tourney on 7th July, at the Abbey Medieval Festival there will be four jousts on Saturday and four on Sunday at 10.45 am, 12:15 pm, 1:45 pm and 3:15 pm. Ensure you get to see this sport of kings and purchase your tickets on line or at the Festival.
What happens on jousting-tour, stays on jousting-tour!
/in 2017 Abbey Medieval Festival, Joust, Jousting /by Caroline MorrisseyJousting Can be Such a Drag!
Many people know the name Ulrich von Liechtenstein from Heath Ledger’s portrayal of a character adopting that name in the 2001 movie A Knight’s Tale. The story of the real Ulrich von Liechtenstein is much more dramatic and bizarre than the Hollywood version. The real Ulrich was born probably in the year 1200 in Styria, Austria, roughly about 150 years before the movie A Knight’s Tale is set. As in the movie the real Ulrich was a champion jouster and unlike the movie he is actually an accomplished poet.
He appears several times in surviving historical records; his knighting in 1222, the marriage of his son Ulrich II from 1250, his appointment as a judge in 1272 and his death on 26th January, 1275 are all recorded. However our best details for Ulrich’s life come from his own pen in the form of his two epic semi-autobiographical tales about jousting. The first of these books, The Frauendienst (Service of the Lady), relates the story of his jousting tour from Venice to Vienna to win the love of a high born noblewoman in 10 000 lines of verse and 28 songs! During this five week roving challenge, sometimes jousting against as many as eight opponents in a day, he tells us that he broke 301 lances on his opponents and in turn had 271 broken on him. All of these jousts were run with sharp lances and Ulrich was not defeated or unhorsed once.
A knight worthy of a tale!
All of this would have been pretty noteworthy in its own right except that he did it dressed as a woman! In order to honour all woman as well as his beloved Ulrich decided he would undertake the whole venture disguised as the Goddess Venus! All of his preparations were made in secret and challenges were proclaimed along the route in advance. On the appointed days Ulrich/Venus would appear on a white horse, with white saddlery, a white silken dress, long pearl entwined plats appearing below a face concealing veil and attended by squires, heralds and musicians all in dressed in white and upon white horses. When a joust was imminent Venus would prepare in private and appear with a white silken gown worn over armour and topped by mirror polished great helm, which was complete with the platted tresses hanging out the bottom!
Giving the finger….literally!
In his often very funny tale he encounters many knights to fight, including one dressed as a monk complete with a tonsured wig on his helmet, numerous noble ladies to admire him and throughout insists that his disguise was not seen through once! In one episode, after his hand is injured in a joust his beloved sends him a message that she had heard he had lost a finger fighting for her and then later heard that it was “merely” injured. Ulrich cut off the offending finger and sent it to her!
Years later with a group of companions, this time disguised as King Arthur and his knights, they travel from tournament to tournament, all to honour Ulrich’s new beloved, who like the first was not his wife! When not jousting, fighting in tournaments and choosing costumes Ulrich played an active role in the tempestuous politics of his age. As well as recording his adventures as King Arthur and Lady Venus he penned poems, songs and a work lamenting the decline of chivalry and courtly love. He is considered one of the greatest Minnesänger poet knights.
Oh……after all that he didn’t get the girl.
So if you would like to discuss the escpades of our noble jousters, you will have a wonderful opportunity next month. So, book your tickets for the Friday Joust Tourney or the individual jousts over the weekend.
Abbey Museum Shoppe
/in 2017 Abbey Medieval Festival, Merchandise /by Caroline MorrisseyAbbey Museum Shoppe at the festival
Where at the Abbey Medieval Festival can you find mini trebuchets? How about beautiful Turkish decorated ceramics or medieval games? Authentic medieval jewellery, scarves, figurines, carved wooden boxes, small silver jewellery caskets and a myriad of other enticing items? All at the Abbey Museum Shoppe of course!
Grab a mini Trebuchet, or a medieval game as you leave the Abbey Medieval Festival 2017.
Gifts for all ages and all budgets
Bring your gold coins and other forms of cash (no credit or plastic cards) to purchase from the tempting array of goods that you just won’t be able to decide from. A gift for a special Lady? We have a variety of items to choose from to suit any budget.
Medieval Souvenirs
Don’t forget a souvenir of your day at the festival – check our samples! There is sure to be one to suit. Model soldiers for the student – we have a number of different sets available. Large models of medieval war engines for the DIY enthusiast – plenty to choose from. How about a Roman or Egyptian mouse mat – learn your hieroglyphics as you click on your computer! Have you tried the ball and cup game, a fiendishly difficult medieval toy that will keep the younger ones amused for hours and test the older folk as well. Bu, by far our best sellers are pencil sharpeners modelled on the trebuchet; they really work as we are happy to demonstrate for you – I suggest you get yours before they sell out.
There are two specialised stalls as well; one selling medieval hats for all ages and one selling children’s dress-up costumes including swords and shields. Also, be sure to visit the Abbey Shoppe in the Medieval Market Place which specialises in medieval games, jewellery and other medieval items for the discerning shopper.
Do make sure you include a visit to the Abbey Museum Shoppe while you are enjoying the wonderful sights, sounds and activities at the Festival – you will be amazed at the range of items we have for you to choose from!