Summer knights
Enjoy an extraordinary summer seeing our knights in action. Whether you're going to a joust or a tournament, find out about the history of knights as well as what you can expect at our events. Do you know the difference between thirteenth and fifteenth-century knights? What's a tilt rail? These questions and many others are answered below.
A brief history of knights
Forget what you think you know about knights in shining armour. Historian Dr Charles Kightly breaks down the myths to reveal a brief history of medieval knights.
Discover the historyA knight's tale
Before you see the knights at our sites this summer, find out more about what will be on show.
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A brief history of knights' tournaments
Discover the origins of tournaments and how these daring events turned some knights into celebrities.
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Joust spotters' guide
Discover some of the details to look out for at our extraordinary fifteenth-century jousts this summer.
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Spot the difference
What's the difference between a thirteenth and fifteenth-century knight? Quite a lot as it happens!
Knights on screen
From olympians trying out jousting to tips on how to make your own chain mail, enjoy our videos all about knights and their adventures.
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How to Train a Knight
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How to make chain mail
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Jousting: the ultimate sport
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Victoria Pendleton: Jousting With An Olympic Champion
See the knights in action!
Go back in time and get closer to the action as rival knights compete in tournaments, jousts and clashes at sites across the country this summer. Whether its thirteenth or fifteenth century skills on display, all of our events offer extraordinary fun for would-be knights of all ages.
Book nowFollow the results
Become an English Heritage Member and you'll get access to our live jousts league table. Who will come out on top in 2023?
You can also enjoy reduced price entry to our summer events, free parking, free access to over 400 sites and much more besides.
Join today
