SIX EXCITING EVENTS from 20th to 29th JUNE 2008

Friday 20th June

The Rise and Fall, and Rise and Fall, of the Cinque Ports --- a lecture
Terry Burke of the Romney Marsh Research Trust looks at new research, combining environmental, geographical, political and economic factors in unravelling the mysteries of the evolution of the coastline and the Cinque Ports from Seaford to Sandwich, including Winchelsea and Rye. Why were there three Hastings', two Winchelsea's and two Romney's? Tickets are £5. Starts at 7:30pm. At St Thomas's Church, Winchelsea.

Saturday 21st June & Sunday 22nd June at 11:00am

Under Winchelsea --- a tour of medieval cellars
Guided tours of four of the medieval wine cellars hidden under the streets of Winchelsea, which has more than almost any other town in England. A guide will explain when and how the cellars were built, and the special way in which they were used. Guidebook provided. Tickets are £5. Starts 11:00am. Takes about 2 hours. Meet in Castle Street.

Saturday 21st June & Sunday 22nd June at 2:30pm

Hidden Winchelsea --- a guided tour of Winchelsea's archaeology
The layouts of lost medieval buildings, as revealed by recent archaeology, will be taped out on the ground. You will be able to walk through long-gone buildings, and learn about their architecture and role, set against the background of the town’s fascinating history. A unique opportunity to discover the buried archaeology of Winchelsea. Includes the Church and Blackfriars monastery. Tickets are £5. Starts 2:30pm. Takes about 2 hours. Meet in Castle Street.

Monday 23rd June

Music for an Ancient Town --- a concert of medieval music
Three of the UK’s most celebrated medieval musicians --- Clare Norburn, Rebecca Austen-Brown and Arngeir Hauksson --- come together as Pastorella to bring music from the 13th and 14th centuries back to life in the evocative medieval setting of the Church of St Thomas. The repertoire will include one of the few surviving pieces of English medieval music, taken from the Robertsbridge Manuscript, as well as songs and ballads celebrating life in medieval ports such as Winchelsea --- from whence sailed pilgrims to Santiago de Compostella, armies to France, wine ships to Gascony, and pirates to plunder. Tickets are £10 for adults, £6 for children. Starts 7:00pm. At St Thomas's Church, Winchelsea.

Thursday 26th June

Medieval Urbanism & the Planned Town of New Winchelsea --- a conference about the archaeology of medieval towns
Chaired by Casper Johnson, East Sussex County Archaeologist, and bringing together some of the country’s leading experts in medieval urban archaeology to discuss the planning and construction of new towns, including Winchelsea, during the great urban expansion that took place across Europe in the 12th and 13th centuries. While recent work on Winchelsea will provide an input into the general discussion, the wider European and British context will be used to shed more light on the ancient town. An impressive line-up of speakers includes Dr Terry Slater, Dr Oliver Creighton, Dr Keith Lilley, David Martin and Sarah Pearson. Check the agenda. The conference will be followed by a guided tour of the town by David Martin. It will start at 9:00am and finish at about 5:00pm. The tour will start shortly afterwards. Tickets are £35, which includes lunch. From 9:00am to about 5:00pm. At the New Hall, Winchelsea.

Saturday 28th June to Sunday 29th June

Living History Weekend --- medieval re-enactment

Visit a medieval armed encampment.
See how the knights and men-at-arms who sailed from Winchelsea in the age of chivalry lived and fought on campaign.
Witness medieval guns & archers in action.

Between the arena events
Wander round the camp. Watch knights sparring in practice sessions. Try your skill on the Have-a-Go Longbow. Try on armour and try out weapons, pay your respects at the pavilion of the Lord and Lady, visit the armourer at work in his forge, and, at the cook’s tent, see how medieval armies ate on campaign. Talk to the men-at-arms, archers and gunners about life on campaign in the middle ages. Entertainment will be provided by the Daughters of Elvin, who will be performing medieval songs, dances and plays around the camp, and in the interludes between arena events.
Just for the kids
Squire School --- earn a certificate by practising the art of the knight, putting on armour and handling a variety of medieval weapons. Shoot in the crossbow gallery & be photographed in medieval dress. Try the longbow as well.

Open from 11:00am to 5:00pm. A wide range of food will be available, including spit-roasted pork rolls. Beer & tea tents.
Entrance £7 for adults and £3 for children. Free car parking. The event itself is near the old windmill site. Follow the A259 into Winchelsea and look for signs. Check the map of Winchelsea.