Oh, what a knight!
Thrills and spills at medieval extravaganza
THE clash of lance on shield and the thunder of hooves from charging war horses rang out against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s most iconic castles.
But this time the knights battling it out on the swards of green were not competing for the favour of courtly ladies but putting on a spectacular display at a jousting extravaganza.
Thousands of spectators were whisked back to the days of old, when knights were bold, in an event organised by Historic Environment Scotland, fittingly held at Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Medieval tournaments are known to have been rough, with competitors aiming to injure their rivals for glory.
However, this time even children got in on the action, kitted out in armour and battling with wooden swords.
Fran Caine, assistant events manager for Historic Environment Scotland, said: ‘Spectacular Jousting is always one of our most popular events, so it’s great to bring it back to Linlithgow Palace once again.
‘We added a few new elements, including bringing the King into proceedings, and focusing more on hand-to-hand combat with the tournament of foot. It was a great two days of family entertainment.’
As if the flashing blades were not enough, visitors also battled the Scottish weather to enjoy the full display of medieval action.
There was even a court jester on site to keep spirits high during the rain, while the crowds were also treated to displays of falconry and archery – and a gruesome array of instruments of torture – during the weekend spectacle.