Ring of Steel
So today was the first day with nothing in the diary. We had seen in the Fizz booklet that there was a reasonably priced 1640s re-enactment at Northcourt Manor in Shorwell titled Ring of Steel and decided that we would give it a go today. This was influenced partly by my tight side – they give free readmission for the rest of the week.
The vicar greeted us at the entrance and told us about the local family and some of the history about the royalists and parliamentarians and then gave us an introduction to the Lord and Lady of the manor.
Despite the pedlar trying to cheat Jonathan, Jonathan still won the game and one a lovely feather (from a Norwegian Blue according to Nick!!!! ) .
Freya only managed to draw and she only received a couple of inches of ribbon.
I felt sorry for the actors needing to eat in front of the public, even if we were all foreigners!
Rebekah and Jonathan had a go at being pikemen – they even rather worryingly gave Rebekah a sword.
The others were either rather amused by it all or bored stiff!
We were also able to explore the lovely grounds.
There was a tree house.
Bridges across the stream.
A rope swing.
Not to mention a crocodile.
Things to hunt for
Things to find.
More rope swings.
And stepping stones.
We had a good day and we may go back – if we feel like it we’re not making plans this week after all.
