VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT HOLKHAM HALL

December 8th 2011

" I wanted to write a note to say a very big thank you to you both, and to all of your team who were unfailingly charming and professional.

What a great first Christmas opening for all of us. Thank You."

Viscountess Coke, Holkham Hall.

 

TUDOR SCHOOL DAY

November 18th 2011

I am so sorry this email has taken me so long to write!
I wanted to say thank you so much for the wonderful day you provided for the Year 5 children at our School. We all had a fantastic time and feel that the Tudor period was brought to life at school. The children were buzzing for days afterwards and are so enthused about our history topic this term. As a staff, we couldn’t have asked for more. Your knowledge was second to none and the clothing and artefacts made history real for our children. We would love to book again for next year. Thank you so much again. I have mailed some letters from the children to show their appreciation for everything they have learned.
Please take care, we look forward to seeing you again soon,

Jessica Rexe

 

ISLE OF MAN EVENTS

October 18th 2011

In 2011 we launched two new events ‘A Victorian Extravaganza!’ and ‘Island at War’. Black Knight were heavily involved for both of these events and they truly would not have been the same without their involvement. The staff were extremely well turned out and offered many suggestions that helped bring both events to life and make them a great success.

As a result, we are not only repeating the two events next year, but also adding a 1960’s event to our growing event calendar. Black Knight have already been booked for all three events.

 

MEDIEVAL MERRIMENT AT ROCHESTER CASTLE

Sept 6th 2011

Thanks for a great weekend, very well organised and looking forward to next year. Big thumbs up on the commentary also, always helps when an organiser knows his history, especially maille. Hope you had a good trip back.

Mark Hale
Owner
Cap-a-Pie Maille Armour

 

ELIZABETHAN REVELS at PRIOR PURSGLOVE COLLEGE

May 7th 2011

Prior Pursglove College was looking for performers to take part in our 450th celebrations. After completing internet research, the name of Black Knight kept coming up as the best in their field. This view point was backed by English Heritage who thoroughly recommended them to us.
From the initial contact to staging our event, Black Knight have been wonderful partners to work with. They were keen to find out exactly what we wanted and put together a programme which exceeded all of our expectations. They have kept us in the loop about performers taking part, have been very responsive to requests for information and given us exceptional value for money.
The event put on by Black Knight will never be forgotten by the many thousands of people from Guisborough who attended. The quality of costumes, props and general environment created was incredibly authentic. The quality of performances and demonstrations were exceptional – highly educational and thoroughly entertaining. The quirky characters all had the ability to engage children and adults alike throughout the whole day with a wonderful array of props, activities and performances.
This is a group that definitely goes the extra half mile. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Black Knight to anyone considering putting on an event. Book them now – you won’t regret it.

Robert Grierson
Vice Principal and Organiser 450th Celebrations
Prior Pursglove College
Church Walk
Guisborough

SCHOOL ENDORSEMENT - WYMONDHAM HIGH SCHOOL

May 3-5th 2011

Dear Ian

GOLDEN AGE EVENT AT WYMONDHAM ABBEY
I would like to thank you for your help with the Golden Age Event held by the school last week.
Many thanks for organising such a fabulously colourful and thought-provoking team of practicioners.
The whole experience was very enjoyable and educational.

SCHOOL ENDORSEMENT - TOWN CLOSE PREP SCHOOL

October 11th 2010

There are 4 simple reasons why Ian Pycroft/Black Knight Historical represents an outstanding ' must do' experience for any group of historians - young or old.

1. Superb subject knowledge across the range of his characters who continue to evolve; rather like history itself
2. Superbly authentic costumes and accessories/accoutrements
3. Superb interaction with pupils, history teachers and professional historians alike
4. Superb value for money

Overall, Ian's demonstrable passion and enthusiasm for all things historical has, over the past 8 years, added enormously to the depth of our history syllabus and our children's enjoyment of it . It may be a cliche, but it is nevertheless true, that Ian brings 'the past alive'.

VICTORIAN EXPLORERS at IPSWICH MUSEUM

March 19th 2011

Ipswich Museum was brought to life as a Victorian curiosity shop with Ian and his team on the galleries as costumed characters. They were friendly, approachable and engaged the public. They gave visitors the opportunity to handling and ask questions about the objects and stories they presented. It will be great to have them back again to interpret some of our other collections.

PETERBOROUGH MUSEUM & LIVING HISTORY FAYRE

November 24th 2010

Black Knight Historical provides a friendly, efficient, versatile and highly professional service, whether providing a simgle costumed interpreter or a significant proportion of a heritage festival.
Ian is a pleasure to deal with and provides simple and cost effective solutions to our requirements.

CASTLE RISING, NORFOLK.

August 14/15 2010

BLACK KNIGHT HISTORICAL –MEDIEVAL TIME TRAVEL 1066 – 1485

This re-enactment led by Ian Pycroft (Black Knight) was one of the best I’ve ever booked for a summer show.
BKH filled the castle yard with an authentic camp, stalls displays, demonstrations and characters who visitors chose as their ‘champions’ during the final combat display.
A real family event and enjoyed by all.

WORLD WAR 2 INTERPRETATION - NEWARK CASTLE

31 July 2010

Black Knight supplied a range of activities and re enactors in World War II period costume and interacted with the large crowd that were drawn to them all day. Visitors were very interested in talking to the group and children in particular were enthralled by the weapons. It was good that they actually got to touch some of the exhibits which helps to bring it all to life.

From an organisers point of view, on the day, they were very amenable and easy to talk to and sensitive to the heritage of Newark Castle as a site. The event would have been much the poorer without them." - Emily Gillott, Nottinghamshire County Council's Community Archaeology Team.

Patrick Fisher of Winthorpe, said: “It has been a wonderful summer with this event. It is fantastic that local people can learn all about the history of Newark and this is great for children.”

Nicholas Fisher, Winthorpe, said: “I liked talking to the army soldier. I liked looking at all the weapons and way he explained them to us.”

Carl Freckleton, Newark, said: “It is good to see history through the different ages, like the medieval things through to Second World War. “It is bringing people from outside Newark into the town as well. The town has been really busy and that is good to see.”

Hopefully we will be able to run this event again next year; HLF seemed very keen on it! All the best Emily

MEDIEVAL SUMMER FUN - LINCOLN CASTLE

7-8 August 2010

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who worked at Medieval Summer Fun this weekend. It was a huge success for us with 1,483 visitors on Saturday and 1,398 on Sunday which is fantastic, by far the best event we have had this year.

We have had some great comments on the visitor survey forms:

"This event has been thoroughly worth every penny. The activities were varied and interesting. Even I got to make a Jester's mask!"

"Absolutely fantastic, staff were amazing loved the live interaction with the prison actors. My girls (6 & 4) loved the visit too thank you we had a great day"

"This has been a super event. So much for the kids to do at no extra charge"

"Thank you for a lovely day, we've had so much fun"

"We have never been to Lincoln Castle before and came for the summer fun event on Saturday. We just wanted to say thank you for a really wonderful day. Not only do the activities appeal to a wide range of tastes for the children but they are accessible for all abilities and needs. We will most definitely be coming again!"

ABEL SMITH SUMMER FAIR

3 July 2010

Hi Ian,

The Summer fair went really well on Saturday, it was a great success and enjoyed by all. Simon and his crew were fantastic, we couldn't believe how much stuff they brought with them. They worked really hard and made it all look very authentic. The archery was a great success and enjoyed both by the children and adults.

Thank you once again, I will certainly be recommending you.

BEESTON HALL SCHOOL DAY

29 June 2010

Ian Pycroft and the other Black Knight 'cast members' put on a wonderful Medieval Day for the children and staff here at Beeston Hall Prep School near Sheringham in North Norfolk in June 2010. We cancelled all lessons that day and instead divided the school population into 6 groups.

Each group spent 3/4s of an hour at each Medieval 'station' around the school. In discussions with Ian we chose the following stations for our day - falconry, arms and armour, diet, medicine, religion and art.

Ian also arranged a Medieval dancing session for our boarders. The staff from Black Knight were knowledgable and worked really hard for the whole day. They dressed up in authentic costumes. They kept the children entertained and engaged.

The next day we had 'thank yous' from both parents and children. The pupils learnt so much and still talk about the things that they learnt that day, even though it is several months later.

POWIS CASTLE WW2 DAY

12-13 June 2010

Hi Ian,

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for supporting our WW2 event at Powis on June 12th & 13th. The event was a great success and we had some excellent feedback from visitors.

POWIS CASTLE WW2 DAY

12-13 June 2010

Dear Ian,

First of all, I would like to say how much we all enjoyed our afternoon at Powys Castle last Saturday! What impressed me was how knowledgeable all your team are and how well they responded to the children, taking time to encourage their curiosity and answer all their questions.

Thank you once again,
Lisa Manna-Smith,
Visitor

CORPORATE MURDER MYSTERY

12 March 2010

Hi Ian,

Thankyou so much for all your effort and hardwork for our event - I have heard nothing but praise for you since Friday!

It was lovely to meet you all, and yes it WAS thoroughly confusing!!

My sincerest thanks to you all once again.

ROMAN DAY AT CORPUSTY PRIMARY SCHOOL

1 December 2009

Dear Ian

Thank you for such a fun and interesting morning. We loved today and we wish you could come again. It was good to be able to see and touch the Roman things you brought for us, they were seriously fascinating. Your sword was very heavy and sharp and your shield was heavy too. We liked your shiny helmet and your armour. Your equipment was amazing.

You organised us Romans very well. We liked saying that those horrible Celts smelt. It was hard standing in a straight line and marching together. We liked marching and doing it with a real Roman.

We enjoyed learning about the Roman numerals and trying to work out the dates. We learnt a lot of new Roman words.

We have never met a real Roman before so it was good to meet you. Please will you come again.

From Jed, Ben, Fenella, Billie, Archie, Charlie, Holly, Casey

PENSTHORPE MEDIAEVAL SPECTACULAR 2009

29-31 August 2009

Dear Ian,

Just to say Pensthorpe was great again this year, excellent as always, very well organised. Jim the potter is always good to watch at work and it's good to have the chance to buy his pots and nice, as an arcaheologist, to see the complete pieces as we are generally used to small fragments!

The falconer was brilliant and Star the Saker Falcon is the best bird of prey I have ever seen in such a show (and I have seen a lot of falconry displays), it's amazing how they work together.

Best wishes,
Julie

DENNY ABBEY

30-31 August 2009

Dear Ian

I would just like to thank you and to ask you to pass on our thanks to the group who were fantastic over the bank holiday. The visitors (755 over the 2 days) really enjoyed the event with lots of great feedback, especially about the nuns with suggestions to have them as a regular feature in the Abbey! The group were very entertaining, interactive and professional and a lot better than a lot of groups we've had in the past.

I'd really like to have your group again for next year if this was acceptable (I think they enjoyed it and liked the site!) so I'll ask Lisa and see what we can do.

THE NUNS OF LACOCK ABBEY

15-16 August 2009

I just wanted to once again pass on our thanks for a wonderful event last weekend.

Our visitors thoroughly enjoyed the activities, displays and presentations throughout the day and the general consensus was that 'The Nuns of Lacock Abbey' successfully brought to life both the building and the story of the nuns who once lived here.

The group of performers and actors that were brought together for this event were all a joy to have in Lacock and made the event the little bit more special for those of us behind the scenes as they could not have been friendlier or more approachable.

Thank You once again for all the time, energy and enthusiasm that went in to making 'The nuns of Lacock Abbey' not only a success but a bespoke, unique event that really captured the spirit of the place.

RENDEZVOUS - CAVELL MANAGEMENT SERVICES

From our point of view, the evening was a complete and utter success. The sponsors were delighted with the theme, the activities, the characters involved who not only looked superb but were also brilliant at interacting with a bunch of insurance professionals. The birds were a massive hit as well. We hope you got as much pleasure as us from the evening. We will begin planning for next year's event around December/January time so we will be in touch to see if you can help us again - I have no doubt you can!

Thank you for everything and very kindest regards

HERTFORD CASTLE - KING ARTHUR MEDIEVAL EVENT

9-10 May 2009

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC, WELL DONE AND THANK YOU!

NORWICH CATHEDRAL - HISTORIC CHRISTMAS FAYRE

12-14 December 2008

Grateful thanks are offered to all who made the second Historic Christmas Fayre at Norwich Cathedral such a success; including stallholders, entertainers and all those who volunteered.

The weekend was both successful and enjoyable and a special word of thanks must go out to Ian Pycroft of Black Knight Historical for managing this event for us. The relationship between Ian and the Cathedral is extremely good and keeps building every year.

It is wonderful to attract so many locals through the doors of their Cathedral to enjoy themselves, spend some money but also to connect with the building and see the rich heritage upon their doorstep which often goes unnoticed.

Cathedrals are repositories of the living history and spiritual welfare of this country and your support is both appreciated and reciprocated. With best wishes for the future and the hope that you will enjoy a blessed and holy celebration of the birth of Our Lord.

ROCHESTER CASTLE - MEDIEVAL MERRIMENT

6-7 September 2008

Medieval Merriment at Rochester Castle Gardens was an enjoyable weekend for both visitors & residents alike.

All re-enactors were very knowledgeable and professional which really brought the castle to life and encouraged visitors to learn more about Rochester and for residents to take a step back in time.

Everyone who came along to the castle enjoyed themselves with around 4000 visitors attending.

Many thanks

PENSTHORPE MEDIAEVAL SPECTACULAR

23-25 August 2008

FEUDAL ARCHERS AND I. G. WOLF e.V. AT PENSTHORPE

Members of Feudal Archers were pleased to be at Pensthorpe again this year as it is such an atmospheric place, well away from motorways, light pollution and other modern distractions.

We were again joined by some of our good friends and colleagues from the German group I. G. Wolf, who recreate the same historical period. The occasion was even more significant as Feudal Archers marked their 10th anniversary as a group, holding an informal and very convivial celebration around the campfire after hours on the Saturday.

Occasional showers and ever-present hoards of sugar-hungry wasps failed to dampen our spirits, while the addition of music and song to our repertoire was an uplifting and joyous experience. Many visitors seemed especially impressed by the music.

Observing the monastic hours, demonstrating archery, crafts, cooking and the equipment of a 12th century knight gave us all an opportunity to interact with visitors and (hopefully) entertain and educate which we see as vital components of Living History.

Thanks, Ian, for the opportunity, the venue and the company.

WHAPLODE EVENT

4-6 July 2008

Ian,

It was a pleasure to work with you again, and the members of Tournee were very complimentary throughout the event, commenting particularly on how nice it is to work for someone who is relaxed, in control, and also concerned to make sure that the re-enactors are having a good time!

The event had a lovely atmosphere, and those of our ranks who missed it for whatever reason are now regretting it as they see the photos and hear the feedback from those who attended.

WEDDING OF PAUL TAYLOR AND JACKIE KEMP, DRAGON HALL, NORWICH

28 June 2008

Hi Ian

Had a great honeymoon thanks.

Thank you so much for the effect you and your fellow members put into our wedding.

You really made the day. We couldn't have wished for anything more, everyone had such a good time and you got everyone involved, everyone said how hard you worked and how much they enjoyed it.

The setting and the weather was wonderful - I hope you enjoyed the day with us, I've got some really great photos from Dave (House of De Clifford), and all the guests; if you would like any more I would be glad to pass them on.

I really can't put into words how pleased I was with how things went, it must have been my lucky day when I bumped into the Black Knight troupe in Norwich on that cold December afternoon and the spark was lit; everyone who was there will remember that day for sometime to come!

I wish you all the very best for the future.

Very kind regards
Jackie

CITY BOATS TOUR OF MEDIAEVAL NORWICH

7 June 2008

Hi Ian

We thought the Medieval Cruise went well and all at City Boats and our customers were thrilled with its success. Your commentary certainly kept our customers enthralled.

Kind regards

DOVER CASTLE EVENT

24-26 May 2008

Hi Ian

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and all your group. The Keep looked great and I know visitors and staff really enjoyed it. I know you were really busy and worked your socks off all three days. It was a pleasure having you at Dover.

WRETTON HISTORICAL ORGANISATION

17 May 2008

Well, what can I say?

How can one condense in a few words one of the best days I can remember for ages?

From the humble idea in my head to the fully fledged occasion. Mr Pycroft saying yes, yes and yes when asking if this and that were possible.

The generosity of the sponsors, the eagerness of the church cleaning party. Maureen putting a lot of herself into producing a beautiful painting of the church. To the four Johns for erecting tents, being really funny and not realising it.

The Saturday evening shenanigans, the mead and Mr Jennings tall tales by candle light combined with the aroma of wood smoke.

Finally to the tummy churning day itself. The escaping down to the river first thing, to the early dance group taking over my house. Loved the poignant speech from Neil and his portrayal of the WWI padre. Like all good things seemed to go so quick.

A brief snapshot of the day? Has to be all those smiles. The smiles from the public reflecting in the smiles of the re-enactors.

BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL, IT WAS MAGIC.

KENILWORTH CASTLE EVENT

4-5 May 2008

Hi Ian

Just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work for the event at Kenilworth Castle. I could not fault your organisation of the event and it all flowed really well over the weekend without a single hiccup. It really brought the castle to life and we've had nothing but praise from the visitors. I look forward to working with you on future projects.

BOSTON GUILDHALL OPENING EVENT

26 March 2008

Dear Ian,

Thank you so very much for attending the opening of Boston Guildhall Museum over Easter weekend, and at such short notice.

It was great to have you wandering round in all your finery, helping to bring the building alive; it had been empty for so long, it really was magnificent.

As you have seen and heard yourself we plan to have many more events which we do hope you will be a part of.

You really were an asset to have for the opening, especially saving the day and officially opening the museum, slashing the ribbon in full armour - quite spectacular!

Your interpretation skills are outstanding and the quality of the costume and characterisations are all super! We cannot thank you enough for your help and enthusiasm.

Many Thanks from us all here at Boston Borough Council who were involved with the opening.

We hope to see you again in the Guildhall soon.

PASTON CHURCH, NORFOLK

22 March 2008

Dear Ian,

I would just like to say a big thank you on behalf of the Paston Heritage Society to all your re-enactors who came and performed in such difficult conditions.

The event was a big success for us and can be viewed on www.northnorfolk.tv this week.

If we are fortunate enough to gain further grants, we will be keen to ask for your input again.

I enclose some photos taken by Crabline - the North Norfolk free paper.

ELY CATHEDRAL BANQUET

7 February 2008

Dear Ian

Thank you so much for joining us for our Medieval Evening at the Cathedral.

We have had a lot of very complimentary feedback from those attending.

You looked just the part in your splendid outfit and by chatting to people there you were able to pass on some of your great knowledge of the period, which was much appreciated.

I know this was your first visit to Ely and I hope it will not be your only one! The Cathedral makes a perfect setting for an evening such as this. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and were very excited to be a part of it - the most ambitious fundraising event the Cathedral Education Department has ever organised!

It was good to meet you, Ian. Many thanks again for giving up your time to be with us.

PENSTHORPE MEDIAEVAL SPECTACULAR

25-27 August 2007

Dear Ian

I wanted to write you a quick letter to thank you for all your hard work that you put into this years event.

As ever your organisation and efficiency helped make the event a success with positive feedback from both our visitors and our staff.

We look forward to meeting with you and talking through next years event and to continue building on its reputation as the regions largest and finest Medieval re-enactment.

P.S. The event is really gaining big stature in the region. Many thanks and congratulations!

FESTIVAL OF HISTORY - KELMARSH

11-12 August 2007

Hi Ian,

Just a quick note to say a big thanks for your great display at Festival of History this year.

Things got a bit crazy up there what with that trench queue and everything and you did a brilliant job in helping keep everyone happy, entertained and in a festival mood!!!

I hope you enjoyed it.

CASTLE RUSHEN, ISLE OF MAN

22 July 2007

Dear Ian

We are writing to formally thank you for all your help at our recent National Archaeology Day at Castle Rushen. We are extremely grateful for all the time and effort you put in to preparing for the day. We both very much enjoyed your portrayal of Sir Thomas Stanley and we have excellent feedback from our visitors and members of staff alike.

On a personal level it has been a pleasure to meet and discuss ideas with you over the weekend - it is fantastic to speak with someone with such a passion for living history and interpretation. We hope that we will be able to work together again in the future and please don't hesitate to contact us.

PETERBOROUGH LIVING HISTORY DAY

19 May 2007

Dear Ian

Thank you and your whole team for coming along to the Living History day on 19th May 2007 and helping to make it such a success.

I thought it all went very well and everyone I spoke to said how much they enjoyed the day.

You and your group certainly added hugely to the day, thank you for all the effort you must have put in to organising things at your end.

BELL HOTEL, THETFORD

12 February 2007

To Whom It May Concern

We have had the pleasure of employing the services of Black Knight Historical to entertain our customers on several of our themed events evenings here at the Bell Hotel.

We have enjoyed working with Black Knight Historical and all events have been a great success thanks to Ian's organisation; he and his team of entertainers have always impressed.

We heartily recommend Black Knight Historical to anyone wishing to stage a themed event.

FRAMLINGHAM CASTLE EVENTS 2006

Dear Ian

Thanks again for your Thursday sessions at the Castle, we really enjoyed having you at Fram and hopefully we can do some more next year. Below is some very positive feedback from a visitor named Jackie that we thought you might like to see. I am sure many of the visitors felt the same.

Hope to see you again soon. Good luck with the medieval village. Let me know if you need any wenches!

Best wishes

Gill
English Heritage employee, Framlingham castle

Hello

I just wanted to pass on some thanks to English Heritage and to the Knight in question for his excellent presentations at Framlingham Castle (and elsewhere namely Pensthorpe).

The knowledge of this Knight about the period in question, his obvious enthusiasm and entertainment and information value was exceptional.

I thoroughly enjoyed our day at Framlingham which was made all the more special by the Knight being in attendance.

So a big thank you to him and to you

Kind regards
Jackie

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