Knights return to Carew Castle for historic jousting tournament

Armoured knights will return to Carew Castle this summer as the historic Pembrokeshire landmark hosts a live jousting tournament for the first time in more than 500 years.

Taking place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July, the event will see professional jousters compete in full armour against the dramatic backdrop of one of Wales’ most atmospheric castles.

The Grand Medieval Joust celebrates Carew Castle’s connection with Sir Rhys ap Thomas, the powerful Welsh nobleman who played a key role in Henry Tudor’s victory at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

In 1507, Sir Rhys marked his appointment to the Order of the Garter by staging a magnificent five-day tournament at Carew Castle, bringing knights, nobles and spectators together for the last great medieval-style tournament held in Wales.

A community celebration of that Great Tournament was held nearby in 2007, but this summer will mark the first time in more than five centuries that Carew Castle has felt the thunder of hooves and the splintering of lances, as armoured riders charge down the tilt in a live contest of horsemanship, precision and nerve.

The tournament will be presented by professional jousting team Griffin Historical, and decided by the skill of the jousters on the day. At the end, one knight will be crowned Carew Castle’s first jousting champion of the 21st century.

Several members of the tournament team began their careers with the renowned cavalry group Destrier, under the late Nicky Willis, one of the UK’s most respected jousters and trainers. Although their careers have taken them to tournaments and historic venues across the UK and Europe, the Carew event marks a rare opportunity to see them come together at a castle with its own genuine jousting legacy.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “Carew Castle is full of stories, but some stories are best understood when they are seen, heard and felt. A live tournament brings colour, movement and excitement back into the Castle grounds, giving visitors a sense of the energy these places once had.

We’re thrilled to welcome such an unusual and memorable event to Carew, and to offer people a new way to experience history.”

Alongside two opportunities to watch the main event each day, visitors can enjoy a lively Medieval encampment featuring costumed re-enactors, traditional crafts and Have-a-Go Archery.

The programme continues with authentic militia training displays and a tournament of hand-to-hand combat.

Tickets for the event must be pre-booked. Further information about the Grand Medieval Joust and other events can be found at www.carewcastle.com.