A Medieval Tournament in Egham?
In August 2022 Julian Moody got in touch with us with a question. He had a mug with a picture of a knight, Ed Stewpot’s signature and the memory of entering a competition for the best medieval costume in the 1970s. Could we help him find out more about the event? Challenge accepted!
With a bit more help down from Julian, we were able to check the Staines and Egham News which confirmed that a “Medieval Tournament Show” had been held by Egham Round Table on Saturday 22 July 1972 at Manorcrofts Field, Egham.
There was a lengthy report in the Staines and Egham News the following week attributing the event’s record crowds to the “perfect” weather; unsettled enough in the morning to stop people going to the coast and then brightening up in time for the show.
During the day, disc jockey Ed “Stewpot” Stewart (who was hosting the event) interview three young boys for his Sunday “Junior Choice” show. Spectators at the event were able to watch the Greensleeves Morris Men and Laleham Archery Club perform and browse stalls. Other activities included an obstacle course, the 1st Egham Scouts’ aerial runway and a pick a ticket stall run by the 1st Virginia Water Guides.
Julian Moody recalls his memory of the event, in particular the fancy dress competition:
My mother, Audrey Moody, was always very keen on competitions, so obviously I was going to take part. I do remember making the shield, with white card art board purchased from Coventry’s in Egham town. The cross was painted with poster paints and the edge decorated with brass paper split rivets. My mother made the rest of the ensemble. The helmet was constructed around her red bathing cap with a floor mop fixed to the top. Red crepe paper (popular in the 70s) was employed for various elements. I seem to remember feeling a bit dubious about the whole affair but was assured there would be lots of other children doing the same thing so I went along with it.
The day arrived, I was dressed and a photo taken in the garden of my family home in Manor Way, Egham. The event was being hosted by Ed “Stewpot” Stewart a TV and radio personality and quite a household name at that time. Crowds gathered and out into the arena walked the children. Three of us, me aged 9 and two small girls sporting smocks and mop hats (sisters I think). As you can imagine I did not feel awkward at all! 1st and 2nd prize was awarded to the girls, Ed Stewpot announced, on account of them being so young and third prize for myself. I did think their costume wasn’t as elaborate as mine but I thought, fair enough as it turned out all of the prizes were exactly the same – a china mug and plate with a transfer of a knight. Ed kindly signed my autograph book (which I think was bought specially for this occasion).
After my mother passed away I found the mug and photos and I still had my autograph book so I decided to bring these things together. Sadly the plate did not survive. The second photo is of me (in the yellow jersey) enjoying a ride of the Round Table’s “Runnymede Rocket”, a kind of land train for children. The school buildings (now demolished) can be seen in the background.
Thanks to Julian Moody for letting us know about this intriguing event, and for sharing memories with us!
It made us wonder, who else remembers this unusual event?