Thursday, 30 June 2011

In Our View: Rangers’ Photographic Exhibition


Sunrise in the parkland
©Clem West
A new exhibition titled ‘In Our View’ starts in the mansion on 19 July, running until the end of October.

It comprises of a collection of photos taken solely within the parkland by the rangers. With over 200 years of Tatton Park service between us, we hope our affinity with this beautiful, natural setting is reflected in the collection of our own photos.

The Red and Fallow deer feature strongly in many of the photos, singly and in groups, close up or silhouetted against a beautiful backdrop. However, Tatton’s stunning landscapes and its rich variety of flora and fauna are also very well represented in the collection. The constantly changing weather, seasons and light enable Tatton to provide fantastic and very different photo opportunities all year around.

A wide range of cameras have been used to take these photos, ranging from a ‘humble’ pocket compact to a tripod mounted SLR with a large flash gun!

The exhibition takes place in the mansion from Tuesday 19 July to Sun 30 October (closed Mondays)

Clem West, Tatton Park Ranger

Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Learning longbow at the Old Hall

Fifteen adults, some by themselves, some couples and others friends have just spent a fun afternoon learning a new skill at our Medieval Old Hall. The Old Hall, nestling in a quiet corner here at Tatton Park offers the most perfect atmospheric setting for an Introduction to the Medieval Longbow, along with tutors in Medieval costume.


The session begins in the Great Hall where a talk on the history of the longbow and a demonstration of some of our extensive armour takes place. The Old Hall has so much history attached to it and also has a very proud association with the famous/infamous Stanley family who were prominent at The Battle of Bosworth Field. Following on, eyes adjusted to the daylight we divided into small groups and donned suitable safety protection.

In full garb for the Medieval Fayre - Sheila is 2nd from the left!
The group shot (or to give the correct terminology) 'loosed' a few blunt arrows onto a straw man, this gives us a chance to improve stance and adjust to the correct bow weight.

That quickly over, the real fun starts, out come the 'sharps' and the targets where all eyes focus on the coveted gold centre.

Archery is a sport where safety is paramount but it is also a sport where laughter, excitement and sheer determination is the order of the day and when the elusive gold has your arrow in it the 'whoops' can echo around the park (a dignified swagger is also acceptable). As muscles develop and confidence grows, eyes start to focus on the ominous bow marked 'big boys only', a challenge that is always taken up. One of the most satisfying sounds is the 'thud' of an arrow connecting with the target!

So if you would like a fun and challenging few hours (with refreshments) in a fabulous setting, check out Tatton's website for INTRODUCTION TO THE LONGBOW. We know you'll love it!

Sheila Cartwright, Interpreter Guide

Wednesday, 22 June 2011

Medieval Fair Weekend at the Old Hall


Selling wares
© Margaret Clark
 Here's the first of our general Tatton blogs .. thanks to Margaret for this brilliant impression of the Medieval Fayre, which took place on 18 & 19 June!

The Hidden Gem of Tatton becomes very popular this time of year with a great many re-enactors and traders arriving from Thursday evening onwards...amazing how on Saturday morning they all seem to have been there forever! Not only in the grounds of the Old Hall but also outside in a Living History camp where they’ll chat and show you just what they do...no sleeping on the ground for them but cosy looking wooden, tester beds with curtains and luxurious blankets to keep them warm.

Mick firing the cannon
©Margaret Clark


After the midday gun, a show from Gauntlet Birds of Prey started the day off well and followed closely by the Company of Ordnance...gunners to you, fascinating! and noisy with some very loud bangs and sound shock waves...everyone enjoying themselves despite the damp start.

Skies cleared and we saw the Old Hall getting crowded, the Education tent very popular and then the Muster with the men at arms and knights. At that point it started to pour down so there was a slight delay but nothing could stop the Battle. The Tatton Company of Archers joined the Lancastrians, that’s Mick Ricketts, Sheila Cartwright, Bob Douglas and myself, to find us facing fire arrows, gunfire and explosions...we came through safely after scoring some hits on the opposition....great fun! And, we didn’t get too wet.

Sunday’s weather was much better with blue skies and some warm sunshine, and the crowds kept coming ...as well as the demonstrations in the Old Hall Arena there were musicians, singers and gentry...including King Edward IV on his horse, wandering through the Old Hall grounds.

This time the Company of Ordnance had a celebratory to help fire the breech loading cannon...Mick, he almost vanished in a cloud of smoke!

Once again into battle but this time in the sun, thank goodness. We had a head wind so the arrows took a bit more effort to hit their mark, the other side had a following wind and their arrows fell behind us...but a couple of loud ‘thunks’ on shields when flat shooting at a company of soldiers, told us we’d made a hit...who won? Well, we did of course!

A brilliant and busy weekend, roll on next year...we need more arrows!
Margaret Clark