By special guest editors Matt and Amy
As Harrington newbies, we were delighted to be able to attend the annual Twelfth Night Banquet this year.
There is something special about being part of a community that is passionate about the past and engages with history in a fun, social and interactive way. So we couldn’t wait to get going.
After navigating the boring bits of modern life, like parking and Google maps, we found the hall set within a beautiful churchyard. As soon as we entered, it was like a sensory trip back in time. First of all the hall is an absolutely stunning example of late medieval architecture with intricate wooden rafters and beautiful gothic windows. It was originally intended for older men to live communally and still contains locker spaces where they would have kept their few personal possessions.
Within the hall, decorations had been set out including flags and livery and the tables were adorned with wreaths, candles and 15th century tableware. Everyone was fully attired in their finest doublets, hose and kirtles and there wasn’t a phone or smart watch in sight.
Aside from the visuals the smoke from the fire and the spices from cooking created a lovely aroma and really added to the atmosphere. And to top this all off, the historical music from Myal Pyper completed the sensory ensemble.
The food itself was very much in keeping with the time period with pea soup, bread, veggie pie and slow cooked pork with apple sauce. The team had clearly worked hard to get all the food ready and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all judging from all the empty plates. Alongside the food we were treated to some beautiful contemporary singing from Steph and the Harrington awards were also announced. A great way to honour the hard work and commitment the members put in across the year.
For us the most enjoyable and chaotic part of the evening was the dancing. We didn’t need any disco cheese however, as Myal Piper provided both the music and the much needed instructions of what everybody needed to do for each dance. What followed was many leaping, prancing, rotating and clapping Harringtons in a form of organised chaos!
Overall it was a fantastic evening and we really enjoyed being part of a warm, welcoming and friendly group of people.
One thing we would advise to any newbies in the future…give yourself more time to get into your medieval kit than you think you might need, especially if you are not used to it! Tying up points and getting into a kirtle isn’t as quick as putting on a pair of jeans and as such we were the last ones to arrive. Lesson learnt.
A massive thanks to the Harringtons and looking forward to 2024!
Thanks both, we loved that you had a great time and here’s to many more! – Editor in Chief
Sir William Harrington's Companye 