3 August 2008
Victorian Month Begins in Style
Posted by Alison under: BlahBlahBlah; Costume; History .
So it begins! Victorian month at Castle Fraser started in earnest this weekend, my quiz is up and running, and we had a local re-inactment group who I’ve mentioned before (Medieval Realm, being, well, not Medieval) to come in dressed as Victorians to speak to visitors and circulate around different rooms in the castle.
The weather was slightly uncertain, but on Saturday some of the members were showing their swords skills in the Courtyard, plus fighting with walking sticks, pocket watches and handkerchiefs! Believe or not, these can all be lethal if wielded properly. Our ladies spent much time sewing and playing cards in the Library, we had a cook in the kitchen, plus a chimney sweep, handily. You should see how big the chimney is in the Great Hall!
On Sunday, the displays were kept to the Great Hall due to yet more showers. We had lots of visitors over the weekend, so that was great, thanks to all who participated and visited. Roll on the rest of the month! Medieval Realm will be back in September for the Battle of Harlaw on the weekend of 13/14 September.
In the end, I decided not to take photos, as much of the displays were inside the castle, so it is not ideal, hopefully I will capture the battle instead.
4 Comments so far...
Relax Max Says:
5 August 2008 at 2:47 am.
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time! I simply LOVE Victorian dress-up. Those cute short Victorian skirts and all. I myself subscribe to the Victorian Secrets Catalog. And pocket watch fighting. It takes a bit of practice, I’ll bet. But why no pictures inside? Or is it not allowed? Some of us (and we know who we are) will almost surely not have a chance to visit. Please reconsider the no pictures decision. Thank you, dear Alison.
May I also say that this blog has REALLY picked up since your return…
A. Says:
6 August 2008 at 3:58 pm.
Purely by chance, a few years ago we visited Buckland Abbey when they had an enactment society in. I would have been fairly sceptical about it beforehand, but it really does bring the place to life.
I don’t know who your Relaxing friend could be, but it sounds as though he’s a candidate for being locked away in a tower somewhere remote. 
Alison Says:
8 August 2008 at 11:46 pm.
You’re welcome….I think Maxie. I do try and do photos, but I don’t like taking them inside, plus it was very crowded at the time. Not sure what you’re meaning though…I’m not particularly into reinactment things A., but as you say, good ones certainly benefit the venue. I know a perfect tower 
You’d set off the burglar alarms you know Starrlight 
