Bolling Hall Reopening

Hmm, a bit of a surreal picture, the Lord Mayor of Bradford with two visitors from the middle ages and a large blue and white bear.  It was the official reopening of Bolling Hall museum at the weekend after recent refurbishment work on the building, parts of which date back to the 1370s, and also the official opening of a small public library in one of the rooms there, which will be open during museum opening hours.  There was also a family fun day being held as part of the celebrations which explains the bear, still think the picture looks a little bizarre though.

Bradford Birds Of Prey

This little owl (I can't remember the species) was one of number of owls on display at Bolling Hall last weekend.  The birds belong to Bradford Birds Of Prey, a 24 hour emergency rescue service for injured birds based here in Bradford.  The organisation also visits local schools with static and flying displays.

Bolling Hall - The Bradford Militia

An enthusiastic Bradford Militia force the Kings men into retreat.  I might add that I feared for my own safety at this point.

Bolling Hall - Prepare To Die!

A terrific display of military weaponry and how to use it at the Medieval Living Event, Bolling Hall.  The chap who appears to be winning is actually recovering from a recently broken foot and that armour he is wearing weighs around six and a half stone (40kg). 

Medieval Living Event - Bolling Hall

The Great Hall at Bolling Hall and a re-enactment of life during the Wars of the Roses by members of Frei Compagnie.  Bolling Hall is one of the oldest buildings in Bradford and was opened as a museum in 1915.  It was used as a base by Royalists to attack the town of Bradford during the English Civil War, the commander was supposed to have been asked by a ghost to 'pity poor Bradford' on the eve of the attack and the citizens were subsequently spared the sword on the following day.  The museum really comes to life during these re-enactments, the chap in the picture is a doctor or surgeon with the tools of his trade spread out on the table, an assortment of fearsome looking instruments and unusual potions.

Sealed Knot Society - Bolling Hall

Bolling Hall has been taken over by the Earl of Newcastle's Regiment of Foote this weekend in a re-enactment of the events leading up to the siege of Bradford in 1642. Members of the Sealed Knot Society, which is the largest re-enactment society in Britain gave very entertaining outdoor demonstrations of pike, musket and canon, whilst indoors typical food from the period was being prepared. A word of warning though, if you attend one of these events, the canon fire can be incredibly loud, I was sat in my car and almost spilt a cup of tea when the canon was fired for the first time!

Military Helmet - Bolling Hall

     This is one of a number of replica military helmets which were on display when I visited Bolling Hall yesterday.  The Hall was very quiet, I think I was the only visitor, but occasionally there are special events such as Civil War re-enactments which really bring the place to life.