Smugglers, pirates and medieval fun in Midhurst
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
On the special travel itinerary was a visit to Medieval Midhurst around the Market Square and inside the parish church and down at the Cowdray Ruins visitors were journeying back to the Georgian period.
Midhurst photographer Michael Chevis hosted his third Medieval Midhurst weekend on Saturday and Sunday with spectacular combat displays, a demonstration by the Bowmen of Petersfield on the slopes of St Ann’s Hill and a host of medieval peddlers and artisans demonstrating their wares around the square.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThere were replica costumes, talks on medieval food, medieval drumming and a chance to learn about the use of medieval herbs.
Michael came up with the idea of Medieval Midhurst in 2014 and with the help of rural towns co-ordinator Melanie Burgoyne and South Downs National Park area manager Bruce Middleton, as well as funding from Chichester District Council and the park, the event has grown.
“The idea was to promote the town,” said Michael, “and get the town square up and running to be used as it should be used as a local gathering point and I felt this was a good colourful, interesting and educational event.”
He said he would welcome sponsorship from businesses or individuals next year to help pay for the specialists entertainers at the event.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThis year Peter and Gill Nightingale from the town’s museum sponsored a talk by a Long Bow specialist.
At the Cowdray Ruins on Bank Holiday Monday there were some unusual visitors including the crew of The Mermaid, 18th century smugglers, pirates, and ne’er do wells alias members of the Raven Tor Living History Group who were invited by the Cowdray Estate to portray crafts, weapons and costume from the late Georgian period.
They brought history to life for the visitors to the Ruins.
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad1) Make our website your homepage at www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/
2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MidhurstandPetworthObserver
3) Follow us on Twitter @mid_pet_obs
4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
The Midhurst and Petworth Observer - always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.