War of the Roses relived at Bolling Hall medieval event (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

War of the Roses relived at Bolling Hall medieval event

11:45pm Sunday 30th September 2012 in News By Dolores Cowburn, Bradford Chief Reporter

Youngsters got the chance to discover what life was like in Bradford at a medieval living history weekend at Bolling Hall.

Archery and firepower demonstrations, knights preparing for battle and owls, a sign of nobility, were all on display at the event held Saturday and Sunday that attracted hundreds of people keen to learn more about history.

For the second year, re-enactment group the Frei Compagnie were on hand to show domestic and military demonstrations of life during the 15th century conflict.

Member Mick Doggett said that it was important to hold such events.

“We are focusing specifically on War of the Roses,” he said.

“We are trying to portray the time around the Battle of Towton and at that time Bolling Hall was the house of the Bolling Family.

“They were tenants of Lord Clifford and we are showing what the house would have been like if the Lord was visiting this family.

“There is a nice table with food and a bit of archery training going on outside.

“We have his weaponary here and his archers and men at arms and we are trying to bring the house to life as it would have been during war time.

“It is great and brings history alive and shows the superb craftsmanship that took place during that time.”

Scott Maslin, the head falconer at Bradford Birds of Prey, was at the event with his tawny owl Chopper and assistants John Chisholme and Mahri Ward. He said that owls were a sign of nobility in medieval times.

“Henry VIII had one. We are trying to show them at these events and try to teach all about conservation of British species to younger people so they after them,” he said.

Visitors also heard medieval music being played.