Aragon Day 2011
Saturday, 30th July from 11 am

A taste of the programme this year:

Lace-making Demonstration
Bedfordshire has a long history of lace-making, and legend has it that Katherine herself may have introduced it to the area. Come and watch Mistress Bevan weave the beautiful patterns together and hear the history behind each of them.

Stocks
Show your feelings about the divorce and throw a sponge at Henry or the local gentry.

Master Goodman, Surgeon
In Tudor times people were warned that if they wanted to enjoy a long and healthy life they should avoid doctors and surgeons.  See how the various nasty and revolting diseases of the time would have been diagnosed and treated in Ampthill at the time of Queen Katherine. You may well come to the same conclusion when equally nasty and revolting cures are suggested - a crossbow for example!

Ezra the Ranter
As you walk through the market square down to the Hop Field you may well come across the dissenting priest. With a portrait of the bearded Saint Uncumber in one hand and a tankard in the other he will leave you in no doubt of his views.

The Peddler
And if you miss the priest in the square, you will probably be accosted by the peddler as she tries to persuade you of the virtue of her wares.

Mistress Lambourne, the Storyteller
The younger visitors will love to hear the tales they would have heard in Katherine’s time and may be treated to a visit from the Queen herself, passing by with her ladies.

Minstrel Extraordinaire
A fascinating glimpse into the world of the minstrel and his music.

The Aragon Mummers
These performances were as popular at the last Aragon Day as they were in the sixteenth century – watch from the audience and laugh like your ancestors, or you may be asked to join in the show and take your applause. Adults and children alike will want to experience the story unravelling.

Michael Brown, Gardener
Our gardener will provide an absorbing insight into the plants and gardens of Tudor times and how these plants could help to improve your looks, relieve your pain, spice up your food or despatch your pests.  A plant for every problem? 

Birds of Prey
Meet some of the birds from the Shuttleworth Birds of Prey Centre and learn about their habits and history.

Kids Crafts Corner
Be a princess for the day when you make your own crown, or a gallant knight when you make your own sword.  Create your own Tudor world at Aragon Day.

Traditional Games for Everyone
Tear yourself away from the computer to test your skills with skittles and quoits.

Tudor Cakes
Bringing all sorts of delights from the Tudor bakery, Mistress Morrison will tempt you with her Catterning cakes, Tudor pancakes,spicced gyngerbrede and lumbolls.

Hog Roast 
And last, but by no means least, our ever-popular hog roast will be back.