Medieval Mysteries Caerphilly Castle 25th july

The Celtic Learners Network are delivering a special event in partnership with Cadw during the Festival of British Archaeology, on the 25th July. The event will take place at Caerphilly Castle and will include a programme of conference talks and family-friendly interactive drop-in workshop sessions. There is no charge to attend these talks or sessions, so please take a look at the programme below. There is also a unique authentic Medieval lunch available at £14.95 to be booked before the day, please book and pay for a lunch by clicking on the paypal button below (you do not need a paypal account to use this service).

Conference Talks

10am Speaker 1 Emma Knight. Castle Architecture

This lecture will explore the architectural development of the medieval castle; beginning with the early motte and bailey and ringwork defences constructed from the mid 11th century in England and Wales, working through the development of castle architecture from the Norman keep to the later concentric design. To end we'll explore the decline of the medieval castle built for defence and the rise of the later medieval 'show castle' and fortified manor houses built during the 14th and 15th centuries, a transition brought about by political and social changes that began to take place towards the latter part of the medieval period.

11am Speaker 2 Tessa Baber. Ancient Monuments of the world in the Medieval Period

A discussion of what was known about the archaeology and the history of the ancient past during the medieval period. How did those living in the medieval period view the monuments that they saw around them? And how did they understand their own history as well as the history of the world?

12pm - 1pm LUNCH

1pm Speaker 3 Brian Swales. Medieval Monks and Knights

People in the Middle Ages looked at life quite differently from the way we do today. Who were these people, how did they think, and what did they do?

2pm Speaker 4 Ceri Lane. The Black Death in Wales

This lecture investigates the Black Death in Wales. We will investigate its origins, development and turbulent consequences including the wide-reaching social and religious implications as it broke down the long-standing structures of Medieval society.

3pm REFRESHMENT BREAK

3.30pm Speaker 5 Chris Owen. Owain Glyndwr

Glyndwr grew up after the devastation of the Black Death which changed the social and economic face of the country, we shall examine the background to and the battles of this famous Welsh man.

Interactive family drop-in sessions 12pm - 3pm

Ivy Alvarez. Writing Caerphilly Castle

This drop-in creative writing session will focus on writing pieces that respond to Caerphilly Castle itself. Ivy Alvarez (author of Disturbance) will provide writing prompts and ideas to get you started. You might decide to write a flash fiction piece or paragraphs towards a history-based short story, jot down a dialogue excerpt for a ten-minute film or a draft towards an epic poem. The castle is a perfect setting for this session, with surroundings that serve to encourage writers to respond to its unique atmosphere.

Emma Knight. Historical dress

During the afternoon drop in sessions visitors will be able to learn how people dressed during the Medieval period, from low status servants right through to royalty. Reproduction costumes including head and footwear will be available to view and try on, these will include those that represent garments worn by servants, nobility and royalty during the 13th and 14th centuries. Included in these sessions will be the chance to discover the types of hairstyles that would have been worn during the period from those favoured during the time of the Norman Conquest right through to those worn by the Yorkists and Lancastrians during the period of the Wars of the Roses. Illustrations of costumes and hairstyles will be available for young children to colour in and customise.

Naomi Lane. Photography at the Castle

This is an interactive photography session that helps you get the most out of your camera using one of the most spectacular castles in Wales as subject matter. All cameras are suitable, including those on mobile phones and iPads. This session is also suitable for all ages. The techniques of photography will be discussed as well as issues regarding style and aesthetics.

Liz McKernan. Sketching the Castle

This is a drop in session that gives all ages the chance to appreciate the castle from an artistic point of view. Tips, technique and encouragement will be provided to help visitors create sketches of the castle architecture that make the most of all abilities. Basic drawing materials will be provided.

Unique authentic Medieval Lunch £14.95 12pm -1pm

Wastels yfarced (v)
with Conserve of Orenges

Pegions Stewed (m) (chicken shall be used)
with onion and hedgerow salad (v)

Ember Day tart (v) - vegetarian option

Candied horseradish (v)

Medieval Caerphilly pastries (v)

To book and pay for a lunch please click on this paypal button