Inspired by the Middle Ages

Mediaeval encampment at the Château de Lagarde.

Our third address in France was within a couple of miles of a splendidly ruined castle, Lagarde, commanding wonderful view of the Pyrenees.  And on Saturday, there was an event which commanded our attention from 10 o’clock in the morning, till 10 o’clock at night when it closed (we did pop home several times, but always came back for more).  I took masses of photos so I could share the day, but readers of my last post know why I no longer have the camera.  These shots are courtesy of my phone.

The distant Pyrenees.

It was an inspirational day.  Dozens of enthusiasts from all over southern France came to share their knowledge.  All were dressed authentically: linen was the material of choice – no cotton or polyester need apply.  They brought history to life, demonstrating the labour-intensive nature of making chain mail armour, for instance.  A chain mail tunic represented 400 hours of work, and cost as much as a farm.  Attack someone dressed in one and you wouldn’t kill him.  Far better to demand a ransom from the family of such a rich man.

We met a pilgrim on his way to Compostela, a shell at his belt.

A pilgrim on his way to Compostela.

We watched fighting spinning and weaving, musicians and dancing.  There were thrilling demonstrations of horsemanship.

A procession towards the end of the day.

As night fell, the medieval world fell away.  Jugglers and acrobats quite literally played with fire, and the event concluded with the most exciting and memorable firework display we have ever seen.  I got some rather good pictures.  Nobody will ever see them.  Grrr.

It brought the Château de Lagarde  to life.  We had an inspirational glance of the life of a bygone age.

Château de Lagarde

The Ragtag Daily Prompt today is ‘inspire’.

Author: margaret21

I'm retired and living in North Yorkshire, where I walk as often as I can, write, volunteer, and travel as often as I can.

13 thoughts on “Inspired by the Middle Ages”

  2. There’s nothing quite so effective as ordinary skilful people demonstrating ancient tasks. It makes you realise how people toiled hard at repetitive work to simply exist. Makes you appreciate living today except for those moments when you experience your own medieval ‘distraction and theft’ episode. Hope passport etc all sorted out now.

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    1. It was a fascinating day. What made it was the knowledge and enthusiasm of the participants. They weren’t academics, but had acquired their knowledge through firstly, research, then by getting stuck in to working as their forbears must have done, as far as possible. It really made the whole event vibrant and ‘real’. Fantastic stuff.

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  3. You have my new email? The old one wll go soon!

    Thanks
    Angela

    Please note my new email address (agpedturner@outlook.com)

    Like

  6. How interesting. Lovely that people take such an active interest in down-to-earth aspects of their history. Sympathies re the lost photos recording such a place and event. So disappointing.

    Liked by 1 person

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