A MOUNTED horseman in medieval battledress will lead the procession at this year’s Barnard Castle Meet weekend to celebrate the 550th anniversary of the town’s association with Richard III.
Old Barnardian and renowned historic equestrian Dominic Sewell will be in town for the entire bank holiday weekend and has agreed to lead the parade on horseback, chairwoman of the Northern Dales Richard III Society Kim Harding has confirmed.
The Ricardian group has also arranged for history themed entertainment during the weekend in the castle grounds to complement the Meet’s popular two days of live music on the Demesnes.
She said: “It’s a very complex process dealing with English Heritage, but they are keen for this to happen.
“We have invited medieval re-enactors York City Levy. They are going to be here with their medieval village and activities in the castle, including cooking, bow making, leather work and weaving.”
The living history enthusiasts, who portray men, women and children of the second half of the 15th century, will set up camp inside the castle to give visitors a taste of what life was like when Richard III became Lord of Barnard Castle.
Mrs Harding added: “They will live in there the entire weekend to the close of day on bank holiday Monday.
“The additional thing that we are doing is we have booked Dominic Sewell to be at the castle and he will lead off the parade riding a Destrier (medieval war horse). He is one of the top medieval jousters.
“He will leave the castle on horseback and go down Market Place and around the Market Cross and back up the town, meeting with the parade up the street before heading back down to the castle.”
Mr Sewell, who runs Historic Equestrian, has worked with film and television production teams providing well trained horses and fully armed knights. His company also worked alongside English Heritage at Kenilworth Castle, in Warwickshire, to teach Olympic athlete Victoria Pendleton how to joust.
“He will be in the castle before and after the procession and will answer questions and give demonstrations as well,” added Mrs Harding.
The historic activities will run alongside the Meet’s regular events which include two days of live music on the Demesnes, a pet show, fun walk and run, and football tournament.
