Medieval Day at The Burrell Collection
Kings, Queens, Knights and Jesters, come ye along to the
Burrell and step into the Middle Ages!
Join us on Saturday 14 October from 11am-4pm for a Medieval family day brimming with early modern fun. Wander through our galleries and meet knights, craftspeople, Queen’s lady’s and more, all whilst learning more about the objects in our collection.
On the day, you could get involved with:
Medieval Arts and Crafts | Calligraphy and
Medieval ladies’ crafts (Courtyard)
- Join our scribe Margaret and learn about the role of a calligraphy tutor in 14th Century Scotland. Discover the different scripts that were used as writing evolved throughout the centuries before being taught how to prepare a writing quill. You can let Margaret design a calligraphy bookmark with your name on it, or learn how to make your own ink and paper to have a go when you get home.
- Learn how to create chord by making your own Trollen wheel.
- Learn how to make your own tablet weaving equipment and hand-held loom and take photos of some examples to recreate at home.
Medieval Falconry often took advantage of trained birds of prey to hunt small wild game such as squirrels and rabbits, and other birds.
Live music | Gaita Medieval Music
Care for a dance, fair maiden?
Get involved with traditional Medieval music from across Europe with Gaita, who will be filling our Courtyard with their merry sounds. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
Medieval Careers | Meet the Makers in
our galleries
Have you ever wondered what the world was like for Queen’s Lady, or a Medieval Stonemason? Find out with the help of some real Medieval characters…
Early Medieval Queen’s Lady | (Central Galleries)
Meet
Margaret Maxwell, Countess of Angus and hear how she prepares to go to the
court of Queen Marie de Guise. Hear about the intrigue that abounds within the
Queen’s corridors of power!
Discover how the Ladies of the court would be dressed by their maids and how
they in turn would act as Ladies in waiting to the Queen.
Learn how some of the games were played in the 16th Century to while away the long winters in the court.
Medieval Stonemason | (Makers Galleries)
Join
our stonemason James, to hear about life working stone in 14th Century
Scotland. Hear about the path a stonemason takes from being an apprentice, then
journeyman to eventually becoming a master. Learn about the evolution of
stonework in castle building from the Motte and Baily to the huge Norman influenced
castles of today
Medieval Knight – Catch up with him if you dare! (All galleries and spaces throughout the day)
Meet one of King Robert’s Knights from the
Scots Wars of Independence and learn all about life in the king’s court, the
feudal pyramid, Robert’s path to kingship and the aftermath following his
death.
Medieval Blacksmith – (Makers Galleries)
Join our blacksmith Patrick and hear about
the essential role that the smith had in castle and community life. Learn about
the evolution and mystery of Smithing from the Iron Age onwards when it was
possible to pull a ‘sword from a stone’. Hear some of the fables told around
the glowing forge about the Gods, Goddesses and famous smiths that appear in
folklore.
Talks and Tours
Hear from Curator of Medieval and Renaissance Art, Ed Johnson, Curator of European Arms and Armour, Ralph Moffat, Curator and Research Manager for Art, Rebecca Quinton, plus volunteer led tours.
Family Activities
Face painting, storytelling, crafts and
activities plus much more…!
PLUS… lots more Medieval characters to meet, including a travelling Troubadour! Learn all about his travels around Scotland bringing news, songs and stories to the inhabitants of castles and villages alike.
All events are FREE and materials will be provided. Fun suitable for the whole family!