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LONGSHANKS & Talesman - Events

Events that bring you the landscape's Fact & Fantasy, Story & History, presented by an Archaeologist and a Storyteller with Theatricality & Informality. Covering 8 millennia!

Longshanks & Talesman specialise in site specific events, working to create an interface of interpretation and imagination between you and the site, using relevant archaeological facts and mythology. These are normally promenade events round the site, where the past is brought to life by combining instructive, entertaining lecture and lively storytelling with theatre techniques. All events end with the 3 Minute History of England.

• The length of each event is usually about an hour, and can be performed several times during the day.
• The distance covered around the site is less than 0.5 mile. (Many are cut-down versions of full walks.)
• Although appealing to all ages L&T events are not designed specifically for children and we can not accept unsupervised minors.
• These events are ideal to combine with food and drink
• They can be expanded to include one of our period musicians.

Choose from any of the locations below! In three regions:-

• South Coast (Dorset & Hampshire)
• Severn Valley (Gloucestershire, Herefordshire & Somerset)
• Thames Valley and Ridgeway (Berkshire, Oxfordshire & Wiltshire)

The White Horse and St. George

L&T's most popular event. Stunning views of the vale from Uffington Castle hillfort gets this event off to a fine start. But what were hillforts for? Was this the Iron Age equivalent of a motorway services, on the Ridgeway? Who cut the White Horse, and why? Did St. George slay the beast on Dragon Hill?
Meet L&T in the Uffington Castle car park. Follow signs for it off the B4507.
Grid Ref: SU 293 867 (Landranger Map 174)

The Hidden Side of Lacock Abbey

Under development.
Will feature:- Guide through the Lacock Abbey's lesser known ruined monastic side and the hidden features of the lost gardens. Good opportunity to combine the event with exploring the National Trust house, and the picturesque village. (Fee charged for entry to house and garden).
Grid Ref: ST918 683 (Landranger Map 173)

Vikings in the Vale

Wallingford; a town crammed with history and story. Saxon fortifications attacked by Vikings, a medieval castle attacked by Knights, and a pub lunch attacked by you! L&T make full use of the towns green spaces. This event could be combined with a visit to the towns fascinating Museum.
(It is possible to organise arrival at Cholsey Mainline Railway Station, and then take a ride to Wallingford on the steam railway.)
Meet L&T at Wallingford Castle car park. Follow the sign posts.
Grid Ref: SU 609 897 (Landranger Map 175)

Celtic Clifton

A 350foot limestone gorge built by giants, crowned with Georgian architecture, an Iron Age hillfort and Brunel's famous suspension bridge. All weave together to make 3000yrs of story and history that is Clifton. Ideal event to combine with an exploration of the Victorian Observatory and Caves (a small fee charged), or the Leigh Woods forest. No Pub on route but there are plenty a couple of minutes walk from the starting point.
Meet L&T on the Clifton side of the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
Grid Ref: ST 566 732 (Landranger Map 172)

Curious Bits of Bristol

We can adapt from our radio series, of the same name, a visit of any length covering the less obvious parts of Bristol. Pirates & poets, giants & ghosts, monks & manufacturers, inventors & idiots. This event can combine nicely with a boat trip around the historic harbour, or any of the many attractions that the city can boast. There are plenty of nice pubs, and the main line Railway Station of Bristol Temple Meads gives easy access to the city centre.
Meet L&T anywhere within 2 miles of the city centre.
Grid Ref: ST 590 730 (Landranger Map 172)

The Dark Side of Dyrham Park

Under development.
Will feature:- The great battle of Dyrham 577AD, troublesome tollroads, and the lost lavish water gardens of Dyrham Park House. This events makes the most of the grounds this National Trust house, where Longshanks has done years of research and excavation, (his work is the basis of the official guidebook). (Fee charged for entry to house and garden.)

Derring-Do at Dunster Castle

Under development.
Will feature:- Tales of a sieges, medieval scandals, secret tunnels, a giant and a strange dragon charming saint. We will circumnavigate the magnificant castle and the picturesque town of Dunster from every possible view point (bring a camera). Longshanks has also done extensive research on this castle. (Fee charged for entry to this National Trust house and garden.)

The Horrid History of the High Hall

This event takes place at Acton Court, which was especially built for a visit by Henry VIII, it is a unique survival of Tudor architecture,even down to the loo seat that he sat on. It is only opened for prebooked parties, and a fee is charged. L&T put the manor in context, telling its stories, those of the surroundings and explaining how you get from the grand Medieval Hall, to the small room behind your front door.
Meet L&T at the Car Park of Acton Court, off the B4058, Iron Acton, near Yate.
Grid Ref: ST 676 842 (Landranger Map 172)

Knoble Knightly Knonsense

Under development.
Will feature:- The full story of Goodrich Castle, the sieges and the sorrows. L&T explain all about this spectacular ruin. (There is a fee charge for entrance to this English Heritage property.)

The Rings of Badbury: Ripples in Time

Under development.
Will feature:- Tales of conquering Romans and King Arthur. We will explore the complex landscape of Badbury Rings hillfort, Bronze Age barrows, Roman Temple and Roman Road. This event would compliment a visit to the nearby National Trust house of Kingston Lacy. (Fee charged for entry.)

The Chronicles of Corfe Castle

Under development.
Will feature:- The full history of the rise and fall of the castle, the sieges and the scandals. Would combine with a trip of the local Steam Railway, an explore of the picturesque village or any of the other many attractions of the Isle of Purbeck. (There is a fee charged for the National Trust castle.)

Hengistbury Head: The Sands of Time

Ice Age hunters, a Bronze Age queen, and even 18th century smugglers fighting with excise men on the beaches; all within the massive earthworks of an Iron Age port. This event covers more time periods than any other we do.
No pub but there is a cafe by the Car Park.
Meet L&T at the visitor Car Park.
Grid Ref: SZ 162 911 (Landranger 195)

You want more!?

If none of the above suit we can research and develop a site-specific walk or event for you, be it Castle, Medieval Hall, Abbey, Hillfort or Prehistoric Landscape.

Contact: Catspaw Event Management via jo@catspaw.uk.net