Some time ago, mamma, pops and us Watkinson-Hoopers toddled over to Grafton Regis for the history fayre. A history fayre at Grafton Regis? I hear you cry. Yes, indeed. And let me tell you why:
"The village of Grafton Regis was mentioned in the Domeday Book of 1086 as Grastone. The old church, dating back to Norman times, has dominated the skyline of Grafton for almost 1000 years. The Woodville family lived in the village from the 12th century. In 1464 Edward IV married Elizabeth Woodville in secret: the marriage is believed to have taken place at the hermitage, the site of which is still visible today.
Their grandson Henry VIII stayed at Grafton Manor on many occasions and bestowed the designation of Regis on Grafton. The strategic importance of the village gave it a brief involvement in the English Civil War in 1643."
Their grandson Henry VIII stayed at Grafton Manor on many occasions and bestowed the designation of Regis on Grafton. The strategic importance of the village gave it a brief involvement in the English Civil War in 1643."
Source: http://www.grafton-regis.co.uk/
Have you glazed over yet?! So, to celebrate the rich, noble and royal history (!) of Grafton Regis, which they insisted on referring to as Grafton Woodville, it's C15th name (yes, it was that incomprehensibly anal) they had a history fayre. There was cake, a dubious food stall, a few little historical stalls, talks and lectures from local historians and some re-enactments. We weren't hoping for anything amazing and quite frankly, we weren't disappointed! It was a good effort by all and sundry as we watched the Duke of York try to ferry his taxes through Grafton Regis (nope, sorry, Grafton Woodville) only to be attacked by local rebels (again, sorry, local 'heroes'). The fact that their outfits bore a striking resemblance to Viking period dress, and one woman seemed to be bizarrely dressed as some outlandish Pict, seemed to have escaped most people.
Later in the day we watched the Knights of Grafton Woodville (no, Regis, no Woodville - buggar) try to save THE two princes from capture from the evil Richard, Duke of York ... I'm not sure but I think that may have ended in a draw ... History may differ somewhat ...
Anyway - despite our amusement over the day, we did have a lovely day out and we would go again. The re-enactments were worth watching so long as you're not expecting something on the scale of The Festival of History.
