Hever 2023 part 2

 Greetings

Another busy time coming up, so I am posting very early again...

Here's the second part of the event at Hever Castle...

I  had not overindulged on Saturday night, so was in reasonable shape to sing a mass on Sunday morning.

I  then helped M'lord de Spencer and his lady learn some medieval dance and took part in the dance display.

It was a little rainy, but it did not last long and cleared up before we had to take to the field.

I had been asked to command one side in the battle in the afternoon, as the commentator thought it would be fun for me, as  the Bishop of L'Aquila to be on one side, with a chap who plays the Bishop of Durham to command the other.

We decided our dispute would be over who had had to hear the longest confession and- of course- which of the three popes was the true pope.

Durham claimed M'lady de Spencer's confession to be the longest, but I had the notorious Lord de Spencer on my side, so trumped this claim.. I did not even have to add M'lord Neville's confession...

The format had been changed to two advances, then a combat of three champions, then a  melee.

M'lord Spencer, M'lord Neville and championed our side; Durham and two others championed the other.

It was meant o be inconclusive and, Durham and I took turns thumping each other in the middle of the field, slowly sinking to our knees and gradually winding down...

It all went very well, with the Bishop of Durham playing off me very well, culminating in me coming up behind him in the final melee, saying "I am now going to be unchristian" and stabbing him in the back.

This left me, M'lord Neville and one more of my retinue. I was judged to be triumphant and  took part in the parade ( as shown below) representing the Church Militant.

Here are some pictures kindly taken by my fellow Paladin, Frederike Gunzel and used with consent.

Once more, I practiced moderation in the evening and was bright eyed and bushy tailed on Monday morning,

I decided that I would close the tent, so that I could begin packing down early, but I also wanted to take part in the battle.

M'lord de Spencer and M'lord Neville commanded and the format was the same as the day previous.

I had had a quiet word with Durham and, sure enough he happily slaughtered me in the early stages of the final melee.

I decided pack down was more important than the parade , but, even with all the preparation, it was still getting on for eight in the evening before I was packed up and leaving the site.

As usual, it was a most enjoyable event, though I am starting to notice it now takes me longer to recover from longer re-enactments...

Until next time

Adieu