Four legendary knights compete for honour and glory in the Grand Medieval Joust at Eltham Palace and Gardens. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the unique sport of jousting! For the latest ticket information see below.
Be transported back to the fifteenth century this weekend at Eltham Palace and witness a sport of strength, speed, courage, precision and passion this weekend at Eltham Palace. Knights on horseback compete to be the most accomplished jouster at the Grand Medieval Joust, showcasing one of the oldest equestrian sports in the world.
Experience the exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete for honour and glory in the Grand Medieval Joust. See lances shatter, feel the thunder of hooves and hear the roar of the crowd as reputations are won and lost.
The fearless fighters and their magnificent horses will charge at each other at full speed in an unforgettable display of chivalry and sheer courage. Choose your champion and cheer them on to victory – or console them in defeat (for more on the sport of jousting see below).
Eltham Palace’s Legendary Joust is a fun-filled, action-packed and great value day out for the whole family. Don’t miss one of history’s most spectacular sporting contests!
(Preview courtesy of the English Heritage website.)
Tickets are on sale via the ‘Get Tickets’ link.
Activities from 10am to 5pm.
Full event timings for Saturday 10 September and Sunday 11 September will appear here when accounced.
THE SPORT OF JOUSTING
Jousting is a sport of strength and speed, courage and precision, passion and honour. One of the oldest equestrian sports in the world, originating in the 10th century, the joust demands the skill and athleticism found in many Olympic events.
Since the 10th century, knights have been drawn to jousting as a sport that showcases their finely-honed skill and horsemanship. It is one of the oldest equestrian sports in the world, and a spectacle enjoyed by English monarchs from King Henry VIII through to Elizabeth I.
The first tournament is said to have been organised by a Frenchman called Godfrey de Preuilly in 1066.
Jousting began life as a fierce gladatorial showdown of speed and nerve. In 1292, King Edward I decreed that pointed weapons should be replaced with blunt or crown-headed ‘coronel’ lances, designed to disperse the force of a strike. The death of the French King Henry II in 1559 saw further safety measures introduced, and today most jousts are fought with hollow-tipped lances, designed to shatter on impact.
What has not changed, however, is the athletic speed and power of the mounted jouster. Setting off at up to 30mph in armour weighing over 20kg, each knight lowers his 10ft lance and aims to strike the target (or ecranche) on his opponent’s left shoulder.
We believe that jousting – one of the oldest equestrian sports in the world and England’s first national sport – should be made an Olympic sport. Today’s jouster needs the same level of athleticism and agility, skill and strength as many of the Olympic medal winners who headed to Rio and Tokyo for the Summer Games.
(Courtesy of the English Heritage website.)
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