Our first real "living history" solo event, we spent the day at Tutbury performing shows for the visitors, have-a-go archery, and allowing people (big and little kids) to try on our armour and weapons. We also walked around in-character for the period of John of Gaunt, late 14th Century, meeting and greeting the public, testing them as to their loyalty to King and Country, and attempting to catch out any French spies.
Since the Worlds Biggest Ghost Hunt on TV earlier in the year, Tutbury has been gaining more visitors for the ghosts than for it's rich historical intrigue, and we were able to interact with groups being shown around by ghost-tour guide, Trevor.
The weather was suitably atmospheric, with rolling thunder - and this is the first Falchion event where it's actually rained on us, although only for a while.
At one point, Wayne was spotted on top of the South Tower, in full maille armour, holding aloft his sword. We're not sure whether he was hoping for a Darwin Award, or just wanted to be the next exhibit in future ghost tours.... "and here we have a black knight... not a 14th Century spirit, but a 21st Century re-enactor a little short on braincells..."
A large number of castle guests were having "experiences" on the ghost walks, and we got one photograph of a mark that mysteriously appeared after a lady had felt something whilst in the undercroft of one of the towers, reputed to be haunted by the ghost of a past prisoner. Perhaps the mark of a manacle chain....?
The team also got the chance to join the ghost tour which concluded with the famed King's Chamber, and at least two members claimed to have felt a ghostly presence in the room.
More information on Tutbury Ghost Tours can be found from their website