THERE will be breathtaking demonstrations of early Medieval falconry, dubbed the 'sport of kings', at Battle Abbey next weekend.
Dressed in period robes, skilful members of Raphael Falconry will use a cast of beautiful and fast-flying hunting hawks, peregrine falcons, owls and kestrels to demonstrate the centuries-old hunting techniques and explain how at the date of 1066, hawking changed almost as dramatically as the course of English history.
Although an opening scene of the Bayeaux Tapestry shows King Harold with a hawk on his fist, during Saxon times falconry wasn't a wealthy pastime but used primarily to put food onto medieval tables. Yet when William the Conqueror took to the throne of England, only nobility and royalty were allowed to enjoy the sport and the type of hawk or falcon an Englishman carried on his wrist marked his rank.
From 11am-5pm each day visitors can find out more during spectacular flying displays as the magnificent birds of prey soar above the battlefield site.
The birds can be seen at rest in the early Medieval tented hawk mews, decorated with authentic wall hangings and reproduction falconry furniture and families will have the opportunity to ask questions or take photos of the birds before they perform thrilling air displays including 'running a lure' as a hawk is enticed to swoop down and capture it's 'prey' swung on a line. Admission to the event includes free entry to Battle Abbey's new architect-designed two-level visitor centre, boasting an interactive exhibition to explore and a short film which brings the Battle of Hastings to life. And a visit to the smart new café, serving a selection of light meals, including home-made soups, a Sunday roast or an afternoon Sussex cream tea, is the ideal way to round off a great family day out.
Normal admission prices apply for the 1066 Falconry weekend on April 28 and 29 - £6.30 for adults, £4.70 for concessions and £3.20 for children, £15.80 for a family ticket. Admission is free for English Heritage members, for further information, call 01424 773792). For further information on events taking place at 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield or other English Heritage properties in the South East during 2007, call 0870 333 1183 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk
Although an opening scene of the Bayeaux Tapestry shows King Harold with a hawk on his fist, during Saxon times falconry wasn't a wealthy pastime but used primarily to put food onto medieval tables. Yet when William the Conqueror took to the throne of England, only nobility and royalty were allowed to enjoy the sport and the type of hawk or falcon an Englishman carried on his wrist marked his rank.
From 11am-5pm each day visitors can find out more during spectacular flying displays as the magnificent birds of prey soar above the battlefield site.
The birds can be seen at rest in the early Medieval tented hawk mews, decorated with authentic wall hangings and reproduction falconry furniture and families will have the opportunity to ask questions or take photos of the birds before they perform thrilling air displays including 'running a lure' as a hawk is enticed to swoop down and capture it's 'prey' swung on a line. Admission to the event includes free entry to Battle Abbey's new architect-designed two-level visitor centre, boasting an interactive exhibition to explore and a short film which brings the Battle of Hastings to life. And a visit to the smart new café, serving a selection of light meals, including home-made soups, a Sunday roast or an afternoon Sussex cream tea, is the ideal way to round off a great family day out.
Normal admission prices apply for the 1066 Falconry weekend on April 28 and 29 - £6.30 for adults, £4.70 for concessions and £3.20 for children, £15.80 for a family ticket. Admission is free for English Heritage members, for further information, call 01424 773792). For further information on events taking place at 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield or other English Heritage properties in the South East during 2007, call 0870 333 1183 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk
(Hastings Today - 18 April 2007)
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