Whenever you hear the phrase jousting, what do you consider?
For lots of people the phrase conjures up thrilling photos of chivalric knights in armour, competing for glory. You would possibly affiliate the game with legends of Arthurian England greater than with Scotland – however we’ve got an extended historical past of chivalry too!
Forward of Spectacular Jousting at Caerlaverock Fort later this month (Sat 30 & Solar 31 July), listed below are our favorite jousting info.
What was jousting?
Jousting was a type of sporting contest the place two knights on horseback, armed with blunted lances, tilted at one another. Jousting tournaments have been highly regarded in Scotland through the Center Ages.
Why did individuals begin doing it?
It started within the British Isles as early as 1066 with the mêlée – half sporting contest; half coaching for the actual challenges of medieval fight.
In the course of the excessive medieval period, the mêlée developed into the joust and later, when weapons started for use for warfare, jousting grew to become extra of an leisure for the king and his court docket. There have been particular guidelines and a scoring system. The occasion typically included different kinds of spectacle and leisure.
What did jousters do?
There have been completely different types of jousting, all of which allowed opponents to present how good they have been at preventing. However probably the most well-known contest concerned two knights on horseback charging in direction of one another with lances.
Wasn’t it harmful?
Sure it was! King James III’s youthful brother was killed whereas jousting. So was King Henry II of France. However jousters use blunted weapons and particular armour to make accidents much less seemingly.
What did jousters put on?
A knight would put on a steel helmet and a heavy swimsuit of armour, which might take an hour to placed on. Over that, he wore a brightly colored surcoat displaying his coat of arms. Every knight had a special coat of arms, so he might be recognised whereas carrying a helmet.
Why did individuals maintain jousting tournaments?
They have been typically held as celebrations – to mark a victory in battle, or the signing of a peace treaty, or a royal wedding ceremony. Typically they have been held throughout wars, to maintain troopers busy and to coach them.
Who hosted jousting?
Tournaments have been often organised by kings.
In Scotland, David II, James IV and James V have been very eager on jousting – each as hosts and as members. They often competed in disguise.
The place in Scotland have been they held?
Between 1350 and 1603 (when James VI grew to become James I of England) jousting tournaments have been held in Edinburgh, St Andrews, Perth, Stirling and Leith.
At one Leith event, the knights fought in boats!
Did knights ever cheat?
All knights have been imagined to imagine in chivalry – a code of honour, bravery and loyalty. However some did cheat by having their armour bolted to their horses. Others used jousting tournaments as a canopy for homicide!
Are fits of armour used these days?
Fashionable troopers (and motorcyclists) use versatile artificial armour reminiscent of Kevlar. And in 1962, some NASA scientists who have been designing area fits visited the Tower of London. They wished to check the jousting armour of King Henry VIII.
Now you’ve obtained the lowdown with our jousting info, you’re all set to impress your friends at Spectacular Jousting.
We’re trying ahead to welcoming you on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July at Caerlaverock Fort!
Advance reserving required. Bear in mind, this occasion is free for Historic Scotland members! And don’t neglect to share your photographs with us by tagging @welovehistory.
This weblog was first printed in July 2018 however has since been up to date.
