Hull’s museum quarter will be transformed into a medieval encampment for the city-wide Festival of Archaeology.
On Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July, 11am – 3.00 pm, visitors can come face-to-face with knights in armour, a unit of archers, medieval residents of the street, craftspeople and musicians. There will also be the chance to participate in pottery-making, wood-working and wool spinning.
Sir William De La Pole, the richest and most powerful man in Kingston-Upon-Hull in the fourteenth century, may also make an appearance at the encampment.
Councillor Alison Collinson, Chair of Hull Culture and Leisure Ltd said: “We have organised this free, fun and educational event that’s perfect for families and visitors this summer.
“It will also grant us the opportunity to learn about what medieval life in Hull was like and it complements the whole host of activity going on throughout the weekend including the excavations at the Henry VIII south blockhouse near the Deep.”
At the Museums Quarter:
- Knights of the Medieval Combat Society will display their fighting skills in demonstrations throughout the weekend. Visitors can get involved in the activities of their supporters, such as fletching their arrows, cooking their meals or preparing their medicines.
- Archers – the real stars of many of the battles of the period – will be displaying their skills. For a small fee, visitors can join in and have a go at using a long-bow and find out whether they would have made the grade on the battlefields of France.
- Medieval chivalry will be shown in dance demonstrations, with the chance for guests to join in and dance along the High Street. Those with a thing for music can find out more about medieval music like the bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, harp or uud.
- Craftspeople will demonstrating their skills. Guests can learn about the importance of sheep and wool and what was involved in turning raw wool into a finished cloak. They can also try spinning – an essential skill for every woman at the time. Meanwhile, a medieval woodworker will be showing people how to build a house.
- The Master Potter will also be at work at his wheel making replicas of some of the pots used by the inhabitants of the Medieval High Street. The most spectacular pieces are decorated with funny faces, knights on horseback and even dragons. Visitors can try making their own pottery knight to take home as a perfect souvenir of the whole experience.
Find out more about what’s on at Hull Museums by visiting www.hcandl.co.uk/whats-on.
