Pembridge Medieval Weekend
The late May bank holiday weekend, 25th/26th will see Pembridge celebrate our medieval roots. The Leominster Medieval Society is staging a medieval encampment in the Millennium Meadow with events all over the village throughout the two days.
While all events, demonstrations, and talks are free to attend, registration for some events is requested.
The program of events is relaxed, and the encampment can be visited any time between
10.30 am and 5 pm Saturday, 4.30 pm Sunday.
Saturday 25th May only
09.45 am Muster at the encampment for a walk to Market Square. Accompanied children and adults are welcome to participate.
10.00 am Official Opening Market Square
11.00 am - 12.00 noon “A Court of Betrayal” – Pembridge Church. A talk by best-selling author, Anne O’Brien, about the life of Joan de Geneville, married at 15, in Pembridge Church, to Roger Mortimer. Hear her story of anguish and betrayal and how Joan fought back as Anne brings this Medieval woman to life. Free registration. http://buytickets.at/pembridgeparishhall/1243382
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May
10.30 am Encampment and living history displays open to the public.
11.00 am - 12.00 Arms and armor talk and display (in the arena).
3 pm The Skirmish: A clash between rival Marcher Lords (in the arena).
The encampment will feature various medieval history displays from the C13th to the beginning of the C16th. There will be medieval music and dance on an ad hoc basis at various venues, including the Millenium Meadow, the Church, and the Market Square.
Sunday 26th May only
3 pm to 5 pm Cream Teas served in C14th St Mary’s Church, Pembridge
Residents and visitors are welcome to dress in medieval style if they wish and to decorate their homes with bunting in the best traditions of May Fairs.
Pembridge held a May Fair, known as the Cowslip Fair on 13th May each year. This was a hiring Fair when young people looking for employment were lined up in the Market Square and given a shilling to seal their contract of employment, usually as a farm laborer or house maid. The Woodcock Fair, held in November, is still celebrated today with a craft market held each year in Pembridge Church.
