The Archers and Knights Of Herstmonceux Castle AND The Stix of Herstmonceux Castle, too!
The Archers of Herstmonceux Castle were formed originally as part of Park Wood Archery Club.
Our household is based in the history of Herstmonceux Castle and the descendants of its Fiennes family. The Castle was originally built by a descendent of the Monceux family, Roger Fiennes and his brother James Fiennes.
Sir Roger Fiennes was the treasurer of the household of Henry VI of England, and it was his position as treasurer which enabled him to build the castle for £3,800 in 1441. His younger brother, James Fiennes distinguished himself fighting for King Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt and later became Sheriff of Kent, Surrey & Sussex.
Our household flag has an interesting mix of history with our times. Whilst the shape & colour of our shield is a acknowledgment to England's Festival Organisers, it is also the Fiennes family colours, as are the lions. We gratefully acknowledge England's Medieval Festival organizers as we are the only archery household to be affiliated with them. The Crown featured on the left of our shield is shown as a mark of respect to the castles current owners the Queens University, whilst the two arrows denote us - as The Archers of Herstmonceux Castle, The Stix Drummers fly a similar flag, when they accompany us at Medieval events, only theirs features crossed drum sticks, which naturally just signify s them as drummers and the Knights naturally have crossed Swords!
At Medieval events we play a group of archers from the Castle, which would of been completed by our era of 1460, under the reigns of King Henry VI & Edward IV. We follow the beliefs of Sir Roger Fiennes & defend our home. Some of us, are from the Castle itself, some are Drummers who would have sounded the entrance of people or led the way to war, keeping the spirit of the castle upbeat and happy. There would have been over 100 people living in the castle in our time. Others are friends or family helping to fight our cause. We enjoy taking part in the festivals, as their were many types of medieval entertainment which varied according to status but included feasts, banquets, jousts and tournaments, Mystery Plays, fairs, music, games and sports, hawking and of course, hunting, for our Castle.
Should you wish to join our household, you will require the correct costume for the period, traditional bow and/or some fight training. You will also need to be aware that we will require your help in participating, organizing and preparing for events. Household members are always welcome, but you will need approval from the Captain of Archers and/or our Man at Arms, to join. There is no additional costs to joining but you must be a fully paid member of the Club, for Insurance purposes.Please contact Stix Drummers if you interest is in the drums!
The Retinue of Sir Fiennes, trains at our home grounds on the first and third Saturday of the Month. Please contact us, if you are interested in training as a Knight.