On a day where the past comes alive, learn about the local connections of past Kings and Queens and get an insight into the medieval period as Bourne Hall Museum marks the Queens Jubilee.
Performance tent:
10am and 2pm - Meet two ladies-in-waiting from the court of Elizabeth I at Nonsuch who will tell what life was like in the palace which she loved to visit. Learn of the changes she made to fit in her huge wardrobe of dresses and how the Earl of Essex burst into Elizabeth’s bedroom before she had time to put on her makeup, the blunder which was to lead to his execution!
12.30pm and 3pm: Chat to Charles II, the Merry Monarch (right), one of the most popular of English Kings, and hear about his visits to Epsom in the Spa period.
1pm and 4.30pm: Meet Queen Victoria who came to the Derby at the beginning of her reign and discover what happened... was she amused?
Meanwhile the Paladins of Chivalry will bring the medieval world to light with living history displays including cooking, music, armour repair, noble ladies sewing and doing embroidery, an apothecary preparing potions and men at arms gambling and telling tall stories. See the medieval tented encampment furnished with historically accurate furniture and equipment which you can handle.
Special story time in Bourne Hall Park, 11.30am: Please come in fancy dress.
Combat arena:
10.30am: You can witness the men at arms in their training session and in combat and a knight will be armed for battle!
1.30pm: After lunch there’s a chance for the children to take part in their own battle!
2.30pm: The Lord of Bourne Hall is charged with trying to kill a rival in front of the King, and now he must fight for his life in trial by combat.
3.30pm: In the afternoon there will be a display of how to arm a knight followed by a full tournament. Finishing with a Grand Melée when all the knights fight to the last man standing.
Timings are a guide and may change if events overrun or there are operational difficulties.
At Bourne Hall itself, don't forget to visit the Museum to see an exhibition on life in the Borough during the Coronation Year in 1953. Stop by Ewell Library, who will have tables where you can do Jubilee crafts, including making a crown and designing a Jubilee stamp. Visit the Bourne Hall café for breakfast, ice creams, sandwiches, ploughman’s, vegan boxes, kiddies’ boxes, scones and lots of lovely cakes – along with tea and coffee, soft drinks, and wine. First aiders will also be on duty all-day from the 2nd Ewell Scout Group.
Hope to see you there!
