Guaranteed to be the sporting competition of the season, join in the drama and excitement as fully-armoured and decorated knights on horseback descend upon the Moat at the Tower of London on 1-2 September to battle it out in Tournament at the Tower.
Assisted by their own ‘pit crew’ of squires, foot soldiers and an array of staff, the competitors would have been the Hamilton and Alonso of their day, cheered on by their fans in the crowd. Instead of a 200mph racing car to settle their differences, swords, lances and shields would have been their weapons of choice. As the only authentic jousting competition of its kind in London this year, it is truly an event not to be missed.
You will be swept up in the electric atmosphere of horses, heraldry, flags and fanfare as these dashing knights gallop across the arena and display their swordsmanship skills. Cheer and roar as the Queen’s brother, Lord Scales, and his team take on the mighty Anthony, the Grand Bastard of Burgundy, and his men, whilst the Queen and her ladies marvel at the bravery of these medieval heroes from the comfort of the Royal Dais.
In between bouts of jousting action, you can discover what life was like for inhabitants of the Tower in circa 1467 through more displays in the Tower Moat. Wander around the different tents in the moat to watch the artisans associated with jousting do their work, including armourers and lance makers. You can also observe the rituals of preparing for battle, as the ‘pit crews’ arm up the knights arm up ready for the competition.
Jousting will take place in the Tower Moat at 11:45, 14:45 and 16:30 on 1 and 2 September. Each performance lasts 40 minutes. Visitors will be able to access the Moat daily from 11:00 until 18:00 to view the other displays.
