The popular Barnet Medieval Festival was back for two days and knights of fun over the weekend.
This annual celebration, brought together visitors of all ages, who were treated to re-enactments of the famous Battle of Barnet from 1471, and the Second Battle of St Albans from 10 years earlier.
There were also equestrian displays, fashion shows, and archery demonstration, and a firepower display with cannon and handguns.
And Graham Turner held an exhibition of his paintings, including the wonderful depiction of the Lancastrian commander Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter, which was on this year’s festival poster.
Hrishi Nimal-Raj, who attended the festival, told the Barnet Times: “There were lots of medieval music, fun and games.
“The re-enactors deserve huge credit - there were more than 350 of them, all volunteers.
“There was a cannon fire show, Equestrian display and I bought myself a medieval wooden crossbow!”
This was the fifth festival at Byng Road playing fields.
The festival is dedicated to engaging people in the history of the Battle of Barnet and its significance within the Wars of the Roses. Fought on April 14, 1471, the Battle of Barnet saw Edward IV lead his Yorkist army to victory against the Lancastrian forces led by the Earl of Warwick.
Historians regard the battle as one of the most important clashes in the series of wars.
Fighting lasted around two or three hours in the fog, with the estimated number of casualties varying from 1,500 to 10,000. It is alluded to in William Shakespeare’s play Henry VI, Part 3
The festival is organised by the Barnet Medieval Festival Committee, a registered charity formed with the aim of advancing the education of the public in the history of medieval life and warfare, with a focus on the history of the town of Barnet.
Next year’s festival is planned for the weekend of June 8-9, 2024.
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