Preparations underway for Linlithgow Palace’s most popular event in history.

It’s the event that broke all visitor attendance records two years ago, with close to 7000 people attending in just one weekend; so this time round, preparations for Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace on 14th and 15th July have commenced slightly earlier than usual, starting with a bit of a lancing challenge for Palace staff.

Alan Mowat, Historic Scotland Monument Manager at Linlithgow Palace said:
‘The Spectacular Jousting event was such a success here in 2005, everyone wanted to get involved, leading to a great rush on replica lances from our shop. To avoid selling out this year, we have more than tripled the amount of stock to keep up with demand, so it will definitely be a case of strictly come lancing for families over the weekend!’

The Knights of Royal England are back to thrill the crowds with a breathtaking display of duelling on horseback. This will be the only chance to see the Knights in Scotland this year, so it promises to be a contest like no other.

As the horses charge and the lances are drawn, visitors will hold their breath to see if their chosen knight survives the ‘clash’. Using skill, strength, stamina (and a bit of fun) who will be the jousting champion at the end of the day?

As well as the jousting, visitors will also get the chance to soak up the atmosphere of the period by taking a walk through the large medieval encampment set up on Linlithgow Peel with, amongst other activities, fascinating archery and combat demonstrations by the Fire and Sword Society. Children had better watch out though, as many of the groups, including the jousting knights, will be on the lookout for new young recruits to join their ranks.

Nick Finnigan, Events and Filming Manager at Historic Scotland said:
‘Spectacular jousting is consistently Historic Scotland’s most popular event, and this year is even more special as it is the Knight of Royal England’s only performance north of the border. The shows are fast-paced, exciting and it is a real thrill to see such skill and strength in action. Visitors can get involved in the action as much or as little as they prefer, whether it’s becoming new recruits or simply deciding on which knight they think will become the champion overall. Enjoy wandering around the medieval encampment and discover a bit more about this truly fascinating period of history.’

Spectacular Jousting is at Linlithgow Palace on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th July 2007 from 12.30pm - 4.00pm each day. Jousting shows will be at 1.30pm and 3.15pm. Tickets are available on the day or save 10% by buying online at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/shop

• Linlithgow Palace is in Linlithgow off the M9. Admission for the Spectacular Jousting event is: Adults £8.00, Children, £5.00, Concessions £6.00. Family tickets are available. The event is free to Friends of Historic Scotland.
  
  
• The magnificent ruins of Linlithgow Palace are set in a park beside a loch. All of the Stewart kings lived here, and numerous renovations to the Palace’s grand facades and chambers were carried out as each sought to create the ideal modern palace.
  
  
• The Palace was last visited by the Stewart family in 1745, when Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed. In 1746, the Duke of Cumberland set the Palace on fire as he left to travel north to fight this very same Stewart at Culloden.
  
  
• Linlithgow Peel has been altered by human activity and traces of that activity, from prehistoric times to the present can still be detected. Two of the islands in the Loch, the ‘Rickle’ and ‘Cormorant Island have been identified as Crannogs (ancient loch dwelling found throughout Scotland and Ireland). Built some 5,000 years ago, they were originally timber roundhouses supported on piles driven into the loch bed. They now appear as tree covered islands.
  
  
• The Loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the extensive wildfowl population. A well surfaced walkway around the loch gives good views of the abundant water birds including swans, ducks, great-crested and little grebes.
  
  
• The Knights of Royal England are a Kent-based re-enactment group which regularly perform for audiences of thousands at some of the most famous historic venues in the UK. Please visit the website – www.knightsroyal.co.uk