Menagerie
Will visitors please note that the animals have gone away for the winter until March and are not able to be seen.
Between the Tiltyard and the Craft Court is the Menagerie Court where the birds and horses that you see in the Tiltyard shows are housed. But here you can see them close at hand and meet and talk to their trainers and riders.
The Menagerie Court is named after the famous royal menagerie or zoo, which was housed in the Tower of London from the beginning of the 13th century until 1835.
The horses are our own, most specially selected to represent as accurately as we can the type of medieval war horse. You may be surprised at their size, but generally the medieval war horse was not particularly tall by present day standards. But they were like ours, strong, short backed and with thick, powerful necks.
They have all been thoroughly trained to ensure that they are comfortable with swords and spears clashing next to their eyes and with the loud reports of firearms shot from just behind their heads.
The hawks and falcons you see belong to the falconer who works for us on contract. All our animals are well cared for and properly trained.
Be aware that the menagerie contains animals and they can be dangerous, please take care.
Notable objects located in this gallery
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Argent
Lighter and longer limbed horses were bred for speed, essential for light cavalry.
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Bomber
Merlin
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Bungle
Owl
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Charlemagne
One of our jousting horses, we call him Charlie for short.
Dates from 1996
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Chieftain
At 15.1 hands Chieftain has the look of the common riding horse of the Middle Ages.
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Chinery
Kestrel
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Copper
As armour developed to cover more of the body, horses had to be bred heavier and stronger.
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Ferront
Smaller horses, known in the Middle Ages as a palfrey, were used for riding as opposed to hunting.
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Ice
Ferrugious Hawk
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Minnie
Perlin
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Roger
Lanner Falcon
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Saxon
Friesian: One of the oldest European breeds.
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Squeak
Harris Hawk
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Venom
Harris Hawk
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Wellington
Irish Draught: A popular breed with cavalry regiments. Thick neck & powerful hind quarters.