The Past Came Alive at Bourne Hall
On a day when the past really came alive, local people discovered about the local connections of past Kings and Queens and got an insight into the medieval period as part of events marking the Queen’s Jubilee.
Two ladies in waiting from the court of Elizabeth I at Nonsuch told of what life was like in the palace which she loved to visit. Vibrant tales of the changes she made to accommodate her vast wardrobe of dresses, of how the Earl of Essex burst in to the Queen’s chamber before she had time to put on her make up – a blunder which led to his execution!
They also meet Queen Victoria who came to the Derby at the beginning of her reign and discovered she was not amused. They chatted to Charles II, the Merry Monarch, traditionally the most popular of English Kings, and heard about his visits to Epsom in the Spa period.
Meanwhile the Paladins of Chivalry brought the medieval world to light with living history displays - cooks preparing a meal, an armourer repairing armour, ladies sewing and doing embroidery, an apothecary preparing potions and men at arms gambling and telling tall stories.
In the combat arena they watched the men at arms at their training session and in combat and a knight was armed for battle! The wonderful day finished with a Grand Melée when all the knights fought to the last man standing.
A truly wonderful and enjoyable day.
