Joust

Joust is a two day Medieval Festival that is held in fields south of Loxwood. The event began in Gloucestershire on land surrounding Berkeley Castle, but in 2012 it was moved to Loxwood where it has continued very successfully. It’s a well run event and has the added bonus of having performances by the Medieval Baebes singing group. They are the only Act I’ve ever seen live and have seen them on a number of occasions. There were thousands of people here today.

Those who know me well will know that I have a passion for the Middle Ages which goes back a long way. Out of all the pictures taken today, I felt a costume one would be good. Most males will be into the fighting and weaponry which is interesting, but I’m into civilian clothes, architecture and daily life in this period.

I think this lady who is one of the market traders at the event looks very elegant in a plain unadorned everyday gown which dates to the early to mid 15th Century. I have seen her numerous times and this is the first time I have been able to get a decent picture of her. This gives some idea of how an ordinary lady of the merchant or yeoman farmer class would have looked. The only item missing is a head covering which all ladies who were married were expected to wear. Only young women were able to wear their hair uncovered which symbolised that they were available for marriage effectively! This would not have been elaborate in this case as it would have been a piece of linen knotted and completely covering the hair. She wears a grey linen kirtle with long straight sleeves. This laces from neck to waist with the cord ending in little brass points that make it easier to unlace and lace as required. Under her kirtle is a white linen chemise which acted as an undergarment. No clothing had pockets in the Middle Ages, so a belt was essential to hold a pouch. She has three pouches, one a drawstring one of leather, and the other two also of leather are larger with a flap. These were used to hold money and small personal items. There is also a knife visible. These were essential for cutting as well as eating with. The belt is made of black leather and has decorative pewter mounts at regular intervals and ends in a long end with a decorative finial. Belts were buckled and knotted in this way.

I’m never sure if much jewellery were worn at this time – especially wrist bands and bangles/bracelets. However, rings and pendants definitely were, and she has at least 5 silver rings on in total and a very nice and much earlier period necklace. This has coloured beads and a Thor’s Hammer – something seen in the Anglo Saxon as well as the Viking period. She has sandals on, but in period, footwear would have been flat leather shoes or low boots with a pointed toe. In cold weather hose would have been worn to keep the legs warm held in place by garters it is thought.

So a very nice simple 15th Century Kirtle with some period accessories described in detail.

I've seen everything this weekend, but I returned to my car during the event to have my lunch only to be in full view of a 50 something male change out of his medieval style costume and his 50 something wife who was wearing a fancy medieval style dress and by the driver's door decided to............... lift up her skirts - full view of her knickers - gather up the skirts and crouch and do a pee in the grass in the middle of the car park by the driver's door with other people about, including children having lunch like me. Thank heavens I was inside my car....!!!!! (with the door open!). I'm no prude but I have seen it all now!