Four legendary knights compete for honour and glory this weekend in the Grand Medieval Joust at Eltham Palace and Gardens. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the unique sport of jousting!
Be transported back to the fifteenth century at Eltham Palace. Witness a sport of strength, speed, courage, precision and passion! 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. 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. It’s an unforgettable display of chivalry and sheer courage. Choose your champion and cheer them on to victory – or console them in defeat. For an introduction to the sport of jousting see below.
Alongside the joust, soak in the atmosphere of medieval life and meet a host of colourful characters from the past. Watch falconry displays, listen to music from the era, and enjoy a jester show or two.
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.)
GRAND MEDIEVAL JOUST TICKETS & TIMINGS
Tickets are on sale via the ‘Get Tickets’ link.
Activities from 10am to 4pm.
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, it originated in the 10th century. The joust demands the skill and athleticism found in many Olympic events.
Knights have been drawn to jousting since the 10th century. It’s 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.
THE SHOWDOWN
Jousting began life as a fierce gladatorial showdown of speed and nerve. In 1292, King Edward I decreed pointed weapons should be replaced with blunt or crown-headed ‘coronel’ lances. A move designed to disperse the force of a strike. The death of the French King Henry II in 1559 saw further safety measures introduced. Nowadays most jousts are now 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 the recent Summer Games.
(Courtesy of the English Heritage website.)
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