Mediæval Fayre

Sir Checkmate leaving the field with his prize, having won the contest - wonderfully choreographed jousting, fighting with swords, mace, hand-to-hand on horseback and occasionally on foot, by the Knights of the North. This was the first session and in the second session the winning roles were reversed, except that at all times (including last year) Sir Checkmate was the Villain and Sir Robert the Hero. However, Sir Checkmate did have one supporter in the form of the Flumlet so we sought him out in the interval and he kindly posed for a photo (extra 1). We also chatted with a groom, who told us the horse was a Spanish breed and was a rescue horse, named Alphonso, or Alfie for short. 

The house was also open to visitors, the museum holds several artefacts belonging to Mary, Queen of Scots, whose last night in Scotland was spent at Traquair. Extra 2 is her crucifix and rosary, held in a mirrored cabinet.

Although umbrellas were useful on occasion, the weather did not cause problems except for the falconry demonstration, which was cut short. We all enjoyed the day.