With his six-foot spear in hand, medieval warrior Neil Ashton prepared for battle against the two attackers. They had attacked his base out-of-the-blue, and with no-one around to provide backup, the lone player grabbed the nearest weapon and went on the offensive. But this was not role-play, this was real life, and re-enactment fan Neil…
This week we travel with host Dan Snow to visit the impressive Dover Castle. Perched high atop the white chalky cliffs, Dover Castle has been a military installation for over 800 years. Dover’s last major military role was during WWII. In this episode of Battle Castle we see the construction set forth by Henry II…
Don’t miss the previous recaps: Episode 1: The Ultimate Extreme Sport and Episode 2: Unhorsed Episode 4: ‘Blood and Guts’ In the Black Team’s locker room Rod is telling Joe that he had a great joust with a broken lance and unhorsing, that’s all they are asking for. Joe is still disappointed with his loss….
Battle Castle, the outstanding castle documentary series, explores the medieval history of six castles. Today we have an interview with Nicole Tomlinson, writer for Battle Castle. I talk to Nicole about writing for the series and how she approached the research process. We also cover how the castles were picked, castles that were left out,…
Last week we reviewed Crac des Chevaliers, the premiere episode of Battle Castle. Although the series isn’t airing in the U.S. yet the kind folks at Battle Castle sent over an advanced copy of episode 2: Chateau Gaillard. Does it hold up to the quality of the Crac des Chevaliers episode? Let’s find out… The…
This Thursday Battle Castle Episode 2: Chateau Gaillard premieres. Take a look at the trailer and the incredible web comic they released. Then tune into the History Channel Canada at 2100 ET to watch the episode.
Don’t miss the previous recaps: Episode 1: The Ultimate Extreme Sport and Episode 2: Unhorsed Episode 3: ‘Death Sticks & a Coffin’ In the Red Team’s locker room everyone is celebrating Jakes victory. Jake states that everyone thought he was a clown but after his “epic victory” they will now see him as more a…
Battle Castle a new series by Parallax Film Productions (Blowdown, Ancient Megastructures) is set to debut tomorrow night on History Television (Canada). There are numerous posts on this site highlighting the media released leading up to the premiere. Like the medieval recipes they released (I recommend the Cherry Soup!) and the 3D pictures of the…
Did you miss the previous recap? Read the Episode 1 recap. WARNING: As with all recaps there will be spoilers, including the eliminated jouster. Episode 2: ‘Unhorsed’ In the Black Team’s locker room we see Josh K. and his teammates celebrating the victory. Over in the Red Team’s Mike is apologizes for his lack of…
Here’s a fun little fact: I have a mild case of arachnophobia, spiders specifically. It all started in the corn fields when I was a kid. Running down the rows of corn I would inevitably hit an orb spider, but not just one, it was always two or three or more. And then I would…
Full Metal Jousting (FMJ) debuted on the History channel Sunday night pulling in over 1.9 million viewers, finishing second in its time slot. FMJ is produced by Pilgrim Studios which has produced other hits including Dirty Jobs, American Chopper, Top Shot and The Ultimate Fighter. Their use of high speed and aerial cameras is superb….
Our friends at Battle Castle have released the trailer for the first episode of the series. And as you probably guessed by the title it features Crac des Chevaliers! For those who are unfamiliar with Crac des Chevaliers, it is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the world. Located in Syria it sits…
A mass grave found in Dorset could belong to a crew of Viking mercenaries who terrorised Europe in the 11th century – according to a new documentary on National Geographic which pieces together the story behind the burial. A crew of Viking mercenaries – some of the fiercest and most feared killers in the medieval…
The excavation, or trial by trenching, of the former library site in Church Street is being headed by Chris Birks Archaeological Services, based in Frettenham, near Norwich. It was originally ordered by Breckland Council and Norfolk County Council’s Historic Environment Service, based at the Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum, near Dereham. An application has been…
The good folks over at Battle Castle have outdone themselves! First they create a show about medieval castles, then they give us great medieval recipes to enjoy and today they released over 60 pictures of the castles. But not just any pictures, these are in 3D! (click on the pictures to embiggen them) All you…
