Medieval maid makes lunch

A Medieval living history event set at the time of England’s Wars Of The Roses was held in the grounds of Newark Castle at the weekend.

About 40 members of Lord Burgh’s Retinue and The Beaufort Household set up a camp which provided a working backdrop for some colourful characters including a wisewoman, scribe, archers, knights, men-at-arms and a priest.

Those taking part included Trudy Hobson (27) of Caythorpe, Lincolnshire, who joined the Retinue after reading an article in the Advertiser about a similar event staged at the castle two years ago.

She is currently studying for a history degree and said the idea of stepping back in time appealed to her.

She has the role of kitchen maid and was set to work helping to prepare a lord’s meat stew, which consisted of beef, vegetables, spices and red wine cooked in a cauldron hung over an open fire.

All costumes worn by the characters were hand-made.

Trudy Hobson had a simple full-length brown gown worn over a chemise, with green stockings which were all hand-stitched.

Mr Paul Mason, who was playing the part of Sir Thomas Burgh, said members came from all over Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire and were of all ages and professions.

Their common aim was the desire to recreate medieval history as accurately as possible.

During the weekend there were demonstrations with the weapons that would have been used at the time and visitors could wander around the campsite where members explained what their job involved and their position within the society.

Mr Mason said: “Both groups have a very high standard of equipment, clothes and arms so we can hopefully bring to life aspects of the period like religion, music and the way people interacted with each other on various levels.”

He said the castle grounds formed a superb setting for their event and was pleased that many people had come along and showed an interest.