Skirlaugh will host a medieval pageant this weekend.
On Saturday, June 24, visitors to the village will be given the chance to learn about what daily life would have been like when the church of St Augustine’s was built. Members of the York City Levy will be cooking medieval food, making butter, spinning and dyeing wool, brewing ale, and candle making.
There will also be demonstrations showcasing how wattle and daub walls were constructed, and how a newer building material – bricks – were made from clay. Children can join in circle dancing, bill drill and play with medieval toys and games.
There will also be a chance to have a go at archery with the Burton Constable Company of Bowmen, and to see medieval knights in armour on horseback showing off their skills in combat with swords.
Throughout the day there will be lots of music and dancing including children from Skirlaugh, Long Riston and Sigglesthorne schools who will be morris and maypole dancing along with the Makara Morris dancers. The Hornsea Ceilidh Band will be encouraging everyone to have a go at country dancing and New Village Voices will be singing medieval songs in the church. Refreshments will be available on both sites.
The event is open to all from 10am to 4pm and will take place around St Augustine’s Church and the village playing field. Parking will also be available.
This event, which has been organised by the church, has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The fund has also helped the church pay for the recent stonework and roofing repairs. The funds will also help start the glazing programme, when the windows will be cleaned inside, and repair and conservation work will be carried out.
Alongside this the church has organised a two-year heritage programme of activities. To
find out more, visit skirlaughchurch.org.uk.
