My life in history: jouster at the Royal Armouries

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However, jousting was always the heart of the Medieval Society’s live shows, being the first organisation for hundreds of years to joust using armour created to mirror the originals from the 15th century in design, materials and weight. Having ridden horses from a very young age, being a knight was right up my alley.

When did you start working for the Royal Armouries?

In 1996, having had only moderate success as an actor, a new opportunity arose: the chance to perform every day on horseback or in uniform telling the stories of warriors past. The nation’s collection of arms and armour had previously been housed in the Tower of London but was in the process of being moved to a new, purpose-built museum in Leeds called the Royal Armouries.

It came with a menagerie court full of horses, working dogs, hawks, owls and falcons, plus performance areas where we could demonstrate sword styles from around the world while dressed in correct period kit. What an opportunity! I gave everything up and moved to Yorkshire. That was now more than 25 years ago and I’m still playing ‘dressing up’ today.

Why was jousting so important to medieval society?

The development of the iron stirrup (probably in the early eighth century) meant riders suddenly had a more stable platform when riding a horse, enabling them to wear more protection and carry heavier weapons: the throwing spear was replaced by a sharp, four-metre-long lance, for example.

By the 11th century, knights (covered head to foot in mail) were practising cavalry exercises in preparation for battle, and by the 14th century, this had evolved into spectacular tournaments, with jousting as its centrepiece. Kings were still leading their armies in the Middle Ages, so to be seen competing successfully in the joust was important.

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But another reason it remained a sport for the privileged few was because of the huge costs involved. The armour, horses and large retinue of people needed to maintain and transport the equipment everywhere means it was naturally very exclusive – a bit like owning a Formula 1 team today.

What sort of training do you do?

Medieval knights were fit and took part in comprehensive training programmes that included running and even climbing in their armour. Importantly, they were also required to undertake exercises with their destrier (war horse), ensuring that the animal was also fit, balanced and responsive.

Today the training is similar, and over the years I’ve used rugby, karate, swimming and riding to keep in good shape, while also trying to take part in as many competitions as I can. Ultimately, I need to be able to control 1,200lbs of fiery horse, while travelling at nearly 30mph and wearing 75lbs of armour. Then, with only a quarter inch slit in my visor to look out of, I have to hit my opponent’s shield. It’s a difficult thing to do when they’re trying to do the same thing to you at a closing speed of over 50mph when you connect. It’s explosive!

What are the best parts and worst parts of your job?

The best part of the job? When it comes to jousting, winning! It sounds very arrogant, but it means all those hours of slogging and preparation have paid off.

And the worst part of the job? Losing – or at least not performing to the standard you know you are capable of.

Have you suffered any bad injuries while jousting?

After nearly 30 years in this silly sport, I’ve fractured vertebrae, dislocated shoulders, broken thumbs and fingers, and had my teeth cracked a few times. But I’ve suffered worse injuries playing rugby, and felt far more ‘beaten up’ after karate! Give me jousting any time.

This article was first published in the April 2022 issue of BBC History Revealed