Retinue Brings 15th Century to Cleethorpes

Fifteenth century Gainsborough took over Cleethorpes' Memorial Hall today, as the Old Hall's living history group Lord Burgh's Retinue came to town.   

Although numbers were down on previous events due to the bank holiday effect, all those who attended had the opportunity to gain a fascinating insight into what life was like during the period known as the Wars of the Roses. As our picture shows, visitors were able to get their hands on all manner of lethal weapons, whilst the barber surgeon Master Reade was on hand to demonstrate the surgical instruments used to treat the injuries and ailments of the day, definitely not one for the squeamish!

Visitors were also able to talk to the Manor's wisewomen about medical matters, discuss finance with Master Foottit the Customer of Gainsborough port, learn about life in the Old Hall's kitchens and take a lesson in handwriting from the Scribe, before sitting down to enjoy our customary tea and cakes.

Thank you to everyone who turned out on the day, especially to our dedicated volunteers and the Masters and Mistresses of the Retinue for helping Friends of Cleethorpes Heritage to once again bring history alive in North East Lincolnshire in an innovative way.

Our next event takes place on Saturday 15th June when Nick Barratt from the BBC's Who Do You Think You Are comes to the Memorial Hall to give a presentation on family history research. The doors open at 12pm, admission is free and as usual there will be more tea and cakes on offer than you can shake a stick at.

View photos from today's event here