Struck camp in a decent period of time. Fortunately we had a dew-free morning so the tent was dry. Some of our previous mornings the tent was streaming as if there had just been a rain shower! Typical of all hasty packing of unfamiliar equipment, neither the air mattress or tent wanted to fit into their respective bags.
Collected our deposit, and we were on our way to the Royal Armouries in Leeds. There we met up with Greg, who had not only offered us a place to overnight, but also managed to organise a weapons handling session for us, and an opportunity to lay eyes on THE I.33 manuscript!
The weapons handling was fantastic. What stood out for me:
- a 13th century sword (really didn't expect them to let us play with such an old piece). Very responsive in the hand. Blade thickness way thinner than any replica I've handled.
- Italian style, late 14th century. Looks exactly like the Deltin two-handed Italian blade with the plain disc pommel, wire-wrapped hilt, and finger ring, but as a single handed weapon. Despite the blade length (864mm), incredibly light in the hand.
- German messer type, two-handed hilt, flare instead of pommel, quite wide quillons with small side hand guard, typical "knife" blade. Just over a kg, but doesn't feel it.
- German rapier, about 1610. The quillons are fairly standard, but done in a combination of flat and round bar - quite striking. The weight sits comfortably in the hand, making it stable, and a pleasure to wield.
And we got to see the manuscript!
The Royal Armouries is exactly what it name says it is. A museum of arms and armour. It was built for the collection, and makes a fascinating contrast, between the old (content) and the new (building). It engages one with plenty of hands-on, and interactive displays, but without becoming "Disney-fied". Just good solid information, presented well. And you won't believe the talks and displays they host. Jousting, falconry, knife-throwing classes, and more.
Eventually we had to leave, because it was closing time. Made our way to Bradford, were settled in, quietly chatting about music, fantasy, sci-fi, wargaming, and swords, and drank interesting beer.
Collected our deposit, and we were on our way to the Royal Armouries in Leeds. There we met up with Greg, who had not only offered us a place to overnight, but also managed to organise a weapons handling session for us, and an opportunity to lay eyes on THE I.33 manuscript!
The weapons handling was fantastic. What stood out for me:
- a 13th century sword (really didn't expect them to let us play with such an old piece). Very responsive in the hand. Blade thickness way thinner than any replica I've handled.
- Italian style, late 14th century. Looks exactly like the Deltin two-handed Italian blade with the plain disc pommel, wire-wrapped hilt, and finger ring, but as a single handed weapon. Despite the blade length (864mm), incredibly light in the hand.
- German messer type, two-handed hilt, flare instead of pommel, quite wide quillons with small side hand guard, typical "knife" blade. Just over a kg, but doesn't feel it.
- German rapier, about 1610. The quillons are fairly standard, but done in a combination of flat and round bar - quite striking. The weight sits comfortably in the hand, making it stable, and a pleasure to wield.
And we got to see the manuscript!
The Royal Armouries is exactly what it name says it is. A museum of arms and armour. It was built for the collection, and makes a fascinating contrast, between the old (content) and the new (building). It engages one with plenty of hands-on, and interactive displays, but without becoming "Disney-fied". Just good solid information, presented well. And you won't believe the talks and displays they host. Jousting, falconry, knife-throwing classes, and more.
Eventually we had to leave, because it was closing time. Made our way to Bradford, were settled in, quietly chatting about music, fantasy, sci-fi, wargaming, and swords, and drank interesting beer.
Fascinating experiences! Just your health holds. Hot chocolate, Paracetamol and a hot toddy should do it.
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