Hie Thee Hither to Medieval Harewood 26 – 27 May

Credit: Harewood House Trust & Red Zebra

Harewood Medieval Faire Jousting
Credit Red Zebra Photography & Harewood House

Following on from last year’s success, Harewood’s Medieval Faire is back even bigger and better in 2013 on Sun 26th and Mon 27th May. It’s the North’s most authentic medieval event with thrilling battle reenactments, archery, jousting, a medieval market, encampments and an archaeological dig. Set in the breathtaking Grounds of Harewood with the historic 14th century Castle ruins and the 15th century All Saints Church as the backdrop, step back into magical medieval life - day tickets start at just £15 or make a truly medieval weekend of it and camp from £10 a night. 

Celebrate this extraordinary period at Harewood and transport yourself into a medieval world, watch in awe as brave knights’ battle or pick up a medieval treat from a historical trader in the market. Try your hand at archery, get locked in the stocks and hire a medieval costume to really get into the spirit. With entertainment for the little ones, comedy shows from colourful jesters, medieval dancing and the Highland Games Arena, there’s medieval fun for all ages at Harewood.

During the Faire, be sure to absorb all the history Harewood has to offer by touring the 14th century Castle ruins, which were only revealed to the public in 2012. Renowned poet and filmmaker Simon Warner will conduct the daily tours of the magnificent Castle and bring to life the stories of those who lived and worked in the middle ages.

Discover the archaeological dig of the 13th century manor house that preceded Harewood, the grand Gawthorpe Hall, demolished in 1774 and uncovered by York University students in 2012. Discover revealing remnants of the Gascoigne family who lived in the Hall for 16 generations with Historic Archaeologist Emily Rayner. 

Kick-start your medieval weekend with a veritable feast overlooking the battlefield and joust at the Medieval Banquet on Sat 25th May and indulge in the hearty menu of game pie, roa
sted hog and apple pie, washed down with plenty of ale and medieval music for £49.95.

Medieval Harewood is a major on-going initiative that is celebrated each year with a series of events and activities.  For details of all that Medieval Harewood encompasses, visit www.harewood.org/medieval

Autumn and Winter at Harewood 2012

Harewood, near Leeds, is one of the nation’s premier visitor destinations, combining heritage and 21st century leisure opportunities to suit all visitors.  The family seat of the Earl and Countess of Harewood, the house and grounds provide a stunning backdrop for a series of events and opportunities all year round, some of which are included in the entry price, many are free to Harewood members and most require pre-booking.  For more information on Harewood visit www.harewood.org  and for tickets and information call 0113 218 1000.

Drive in Movie: The Italian Job

Saturday 1st September

A must see for all movie-buffs but with fresh air thrown in!  Now one of Harewood’s favourite events, home of the classic Michael Caine quote - ‘I’ve got an idea’ – comes to Harewood.  Drive in, tune in and enjoy the only time you can safely take your hands off the wheel!

Medieval Harewood: Theatrical Tour

Monday 3rd September

Simon Warner, photographer and performance artist, dons his character in both costume and personality and takes us on a journey around Harewood, to places visitors haven’t seen before that remain unrevealed to the daily visiting public.  A walk with a difference that gives you an amazing insight into the medieval history of Harewood that lurks beneath the surface.

Summer Night Market at The Courtyard

Thursday 6th September

The Courtyard opens its doors for a little light evening retail therapy, plus live music, stalls galore including a blast from the past with vintage clothing, jewellery, food and wine and much more.  Keep energy levels tippity top with a summer barbeque too.  See website for more details.

Red Kite Talks

Saturday 8th September, Wednesday 3rd October, Wednesday 31st October, Wednesday 14th November and Sunday 2nd December

Harewood has been at the heart of one of the most successful Red Kite reintroduction programmes in the UK and talks and viewings are held regularly throughout the year.  Join visitors for an illustrated talk followed by an hour in the grounds seeing these fantastic birds in action.  Please visit the website for more information.

Bat Walk & Talk

Saturday 8th September

An informative, illustrated talk by Ed Sherrat from West Yorkshire Bat Group, followed by a walk around the lakeside to observe and listen for the bat species living at Harewood.

Chippendale at Harewood Tour

Tuesday 11th September

Harewood House is home to a world renowned collection of furniture. One of our knowledgeable and enthusiastic House Stewards will give you an insight into the history, symbolism and construction of some of the most treasured pieces, with a focus on the work of local-born Thomas Chippendale, whose work at Harewood was one of his most important commissions, and includes several of his greatest masterpieces. Event includes refreshments and lunch.

Medieval Harewood: Castle Walk and Tour

Sunday 16th September and Sunday 14th October

Join us for an exclusive tour of Harewood Castle. Brand new for 2012, this fascinating tour will give you the opportunity to explore in detail the ruins of this thirteenth century castle, and learn the exciting history behind it.  Taking a scenic walk down from All Saint’s Church to the Castle, this hands-on tour will give you the chance to discover more about Harewood’s Medieval past.

Harewood Masterpieces: The Watercolour Collection Tour

Thursday 20th September

Harewood has enjoyed a very special relationship with artists throughout its history.        JMW Turner came to Harewood as a young artist aged just 22 and left a legacy of majestic watercolours which remain in the collection today. This tour will allow you exclusive access into the Print Study Room to explore the rich historic associations between well-known artists and the House, including watercolourists Thomas Girtin, John Varley, JMW Turner and John Piper.

Harewood Gold: From Hops to Ale

Saturday 22nd September

A full day experience that tells the story of 'Harewood Gold', Harewood's very own ale, made with Harewood Hops at WharfeBank, our local brewery. Join Harewood's Head Gardener Trevor Nicholson for a walk and talk to see the Harewood hops being grown in the Walled Garden, followed by a special behind-the-scenes tour of the WharfeBank brewery in Pool where the ‘Harewood Gold’ beer is made.  Enjoy a delicious lunch in the Servants’ Hall prepared by Harewood House chef, Danny Beecham, with the chance to sample other beers in the WharfeBank range. Get to know the fascinating story of Harewood Gold from the growing of the hops through the brewing process, and rounding off with the all-important tasting.

Photography Workshops

Harewood provides a series of photography workshops for a range of abilities.  Price includes refreshments and a sandwich lunch.

Getting to know your Camera - Sunday 16th September

Landscape Photography- Sunday 30th September

Portrait Photography -Sunday 14th October

Creative  Photography - Sunday 11th November

Telling Stories in Pictures – Sunday 25th November

Medieval Harewood: Traditional Ceramics Workshop

Sunday 23rd September

Join us for a full day workshop, introducing the art of ceramics.  Learn the medieval method of making coil pots, and make and take home your very own Medieval-style pot. As part of our Medieval season, this taster day will also offer the opportunity to see some of the finds from our archaeological dig of Gawthorpe Hall.

Medieval Harewood: Stained Glass Workshop

Sunday 21st October

Come along for this full day beginner’s workshop and discover more about the art of stained glass making.  Run by nationally renowned stained glass artist Ann Sotheran, this course will teach you the basic techniques of the craft, making your very own free hanging glass panel, using an assortment of patterns and colours. Tickets cost £65 and include a sandwich lunch.

Autumn Glory is Halloween Half Term – FAMILY FUN

Saturday 27th October to Sunday 4th November

Perfect for family activities and lovers of the outdoors, half term at Harewood includes indoor and outdoor events, storytelling and Hallowe’en fun, celebrating this final fling before the impending cold snap.  For the first time, Autumn Glory includes spooky tales and trails for older children and a ghost tour of the Churchyard, plus Hedgerow Walks for foraging for food and remedies, produce displays, tastings and demos, mini outdoor theatre events and meet a wizard. Or if walking and taking in the views is just your thing, then Harewood shows off its own coat of autumn glory with golden vistas of warm autumn colours, all ready to be shaken off ahead of winter.  Free with a grounds ticket, but some activities may require a small additional spend.

Christmas Weekends – FAMILY FUN

Saturday 24th November 2012 - Sunday 23rd December 2012

What better place to indulge in the magic of Christmas this Winter Season. Christmas spirit will be brought to life in the House; we'll be bringing nature inside, decorating the State Rooms with traditional, natural decorations. Below Stairs we'll be preparing for Christmas and you'll find a hive of activity and fun for all ages. There’ll be traditional cookery and demonstrations so best of all, you'll be able to taste and buy some perfect presents for all the family.  Keep an eye on our website for more announcements.

To be a member at Harewood and enjoy exclusive benefits, visit www.harewood.org/membership – membership also makes a great gift.

For more press information and images, contact Laura at Kendra PR on 01904 234752 or e. laura@kendrapr.co.uk 

Recently awarded Gold in the Large Visitor Attraction category of the Enjoy England Awards, Harewood is an independent charitable educational trust set up to maintain and develop Harewood, its collections and grounds, for public benefit. Registered Charity No: 517753.  Harewood is the family seat of the Earl and Countess of Harewood and provides a great day out for all the family.  The House, with its outstanding art collections, splendid State Rooms and fascinating ‘Below Stairs’ exhibition, is set in spectacular landscaped grounds, which include formal gardens and gentle woodland walks, renowned Bird Garden, children’s Adventure Playground, a Bhutanese Stupa, waterfall and Himalayan Garden.

Harewood House Trust, Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG    info@harewood.org    0113 218 1010

A Medieval Summer at Harewood: Summer Exhibitions and more from August to October 2012

‘Medieval Harewood’ continues this summer with an exploration of the medieval history of Harewood encompassing the Church, Castle, Grounds, Gawthorpe Excavation and Terrace Gallery in the House. A clever mix of the creative, visual, contemporary and historical, displays combine archaeological finds, with artistic responses, plus workshops, events and activities, that lead you on a path to discover Harewood’s medieval past – a legacy that is revealed through cleverly devised strands which draw us into this history. 

One of these strands is the recently revealed Harewood Castle, the Grade I listed 14th century ruin, as such since the mid 17th century, which has now undergone major conservation.  Recently opened, it encourages visitors to find out more about the history of Harewood and its landscape, and is open for accompanied group visits on selected dates this season.  It provides an experience of Medieval Harewood which begins our exploration of Harewood’s ancient landscape, which has been occupied since pre-history.

The recent excavation of the Gawthorpe Hall site in partnership with the University of York uncovers the story of the lost medieval manor house which preceded Harewood House.  Finds from Gawthorpe Hall, are available for visitors to see in the Terrace Gallery and include a wonderful stone gargoyle, a delicate silver-heart ring, a Bronze Age arrowhead, porcelain, pottery, buttons and unbelievably dainty thimble and dressmaking pins – a glorious combination of everyday and privilege.  With the addition of architectural fragments and the original 1698 plan of the Harewood estate and sections reproduced from 18th century illustrations of the hall, visitors can build a picture, marvel at medieval craftsmanship and wonder at the stories behind the finds. 

All Saints’ Church, located within the grounds at Harewood, acts as a hub for the strands and mixes the contemporary with the historical by showing a new digital fly-over of the medieval landscape and a useful Information Point.  Artists Eleanor Moreton, Susan Collins, Simon Warner and Diane Howse have provided their responses to the medieval history of Harewood, with new pieces of work including digital photography, painting and moving imagery exhibited in this medieval church and also in the renowned Terrace Gallery, situated Below Stairs in the House.  It’s not just about the tangible, the exhibition crosses all media with performance art playing a role with Simon Warner’s intrepid character ‘walking tours’ to the Castle and hidden areas of the grounds not usually accessible to visitors.

Medieval Harewood also offers a series of workshops, activities and tours.  Visitors can learn the basics of making traditional ceramics with a Traditional Ceramics Workshop (23rd Sept) and a Stained Glass Workshop (21st Oct) to discover the art of stained glass making. 

A ‘Medieval Summer’ at Harewood provides multi-faceted opportunities for visitors of all ages and interests to enjoy what Harewood has to offer.  It works well for art lovers, history buffs, and those looking for something to appeal to all the family during fine or wet weather.  Harewood celebrates its past with an eye on the future and, combining these elements within this exhibition spread across the House, gardens and grounds, is just what it does best.