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Tickhill Castle > A Re-enactment at Tickhill Castle

A Re-enactment at Tickhill Castle

Tickhill Castle grounds have been the venue for many public events from fund raising fetes to pageants, although not, of course, in recent years. One of the most ambitious activities was reported in the Retford and North Notts Guardian which had a two-page spread, one summer, headlined ‘From the Medieval to the Modern Tickhill…has it all’. The main topic was news of a forthcoming event: ‘The storming of Tickhill Castle’. The Bank Holiday weekend programme at the Castle was as follows:

Saturday 25th August

  • 9 am       Gates open for participants
  • 1 pm       Gates open to public, Guard duty commences     
  • 1.30 pm  Archery Display/Drill/Training Display
  • 2.30 pm  Court of War
  • 3.30 pm  Tournament
  • 4.30 pm  Medieval Football Match

Sunday 26th August

  • 12 pm     Gates open for participants
  • 1 pm       Gates open to public, Guard duty commences
  • 2 pm       Archery Display/Drill/Training Display
  • 3 pm       De Lacy’s forces fortify the Castle Howard’s forces muster at the Buttercross
  • 3.20 pm  Howard’s forces attack the Castle

The weekend was organised by the Federation of the Roses re-enactment societies whose members came from all over the country and wore replica costumes and armour of the medieval period. The dramatic finale on the Sunday afternoon involved archers, crossbowmen and soldiers along with explosions and scaling ladders, not to mention treachery! Apart from the activities listed, there were also performances of medieval music and story-telling. Admission each day cost £1.50 for adults and £1 for children with proceeds going towards ‘the continuing restoration of the Castle’.

This event and public access to the Castle are in great contrast to the past few years when public access has not been possible. This contrast apart, the account of the re-enactment poses a few questions, not least in which year did it take place? Did any of you attend the event as spectators or stewards, and, if so, do you have any photographs of it? Did the Castle House have a tenant at the time? It would also be interesting to know who received the proceeds from the ticket sales and how the money was spent.

The only clues to the date of the article, clearly after decimalisation, are accompanying advertisements of businesses no longer in existence. Anyone tempted to keep newspaper cuttings could make sure they are properly dated for future reference!