The Vikings are coming - to Tatton's Old Hall

Jul 30 2009 by Andrew Bowan, Flintshire Chronicle

Lock up your daughters – Tatton’s Old Hall is bracing itself for a Viking invasion.

On Sunday, August 9, the Vikings of Middle England will be staging a dynamic and exciting battle re-enactment.

Hardened warriors will be showing off their fearsome combat skills.

Renowned for their historical authenticity and realistically bloody battle scenes, they promise to ‘shock, scare, amuse – but above all – educate an audience in a dramatic and entertaining fashion’.

But it’s not all about battles. Around 30 re-enactors will be setting up an authentic Viking camp at the Old Hall, demonstrating the domestic side of Viking life with authentic cooking over open fires, wood-cutting, coin-minting, spinning, dyeing and weaving activities.

Two Viking Longships will be spearheading the invasion on Tatton’s shores.

The sturdy sailing ships were used by Norsemen to travel as far as Constantinople and Newfoundland.

Russell Scott from the Viking Longship Experience will be demonstrating the skills needed to power the boats.

Other activities and demonstrations will include making Viking ship coins, casting Viking fishing nets and a mock naval battle for children.

A number of other displays will keep young and older visitors entertained.

In the early afternoon there will be a magnificent falconry display from Gauntlet Birds of Prey, who also show ravens.

A mounted ‘medieval warrior’ will entertain the crowd, demonstrating his skills on horseback.

Visitors also have the opportunity to try on armour and, for a small fee, try their own expertise with an archer’s longbow.

Old Hall steward Mick Ricketts said: “Viking Sunday is one of my favourite re-enactment events in our calendar. They have a justified reputation for realism and some notoriety.”

The Old Hall event runs from noon to 5pm. Entry: adults £4.50, child £2.50, family (two adults and three children) £11.50. Parking: £4.50.