Montgomery Castle 800 | 1st October 2023

800 years of Montgomery Castle

At the turn of the month, Montgomery residents, visitors and guests gathered to celebrate in style the 800th “birthday” of Montgomery Castle. It may not be known what Welsh weather greeted Henry III on his 16th birthday on 1st October 1223, but 800 years later a wet morning meant that some events planned for the castle celebrations had to be hastily moved into the town. But while the castle ruins were dampened, the spirits were not, and all the planned activities went ahead to the immense enjoyment of all.

A medieval market was held inside and in front of the Town Hall, with costumed stall holders including Montgomery Market regulars and other local traders. A royal pageant paraded along Arthur Street to the Town Hall, where a herald announced, in fine medieval French, that the hill was granted to the King on the occasion of his sixteenth birthday in order to build a magnificent castle. After a blessing from the Abbott, local entertainers performed for the king, including youngsters singing Happy Birthday and Penblwydd Hapus; Monty Folk performing medieval repertoire and a new tune composed especially for the occasion; and a duet by Lydia Bassett and opera singer Elizabeth Sillo, Chair of the Welsh Hungarian Cultural Association. There was a small disturbance as some local Welsh peasants objected to Henry’s plans to subdue them, and a skirmish with the English Free Companye (EFC) ensued!

After calm was restored, the assembled crowd heard from Montgomery Town Crier Sue Blower, who was the News Bearer for the day; Deputy Mayor Claire Weston who greeted the assembly in English, French, Welsh and Hungarian; and Reg Cawthorne Esq, High Sheriff of Powys, who spoke about the significance of the day and the history of the role of High Sheriff.

Other special guests included Mr Martin Berkeley, Honorary Vice Consul for Hungary in Wales; Mr Ron Wrigley, President de L'Association des Montgomerries, Normandy; Mr Balint Brunner, Chair of Magyar Cymru; and Mr Russell George MS.

During the afternoon, there was music from Monty Folk and Parsley’s Clocke; storytelling from Juliet Humphrey; dancing with the Sally Gartell Academy of Dance; medieval crafts and games; a talk from Myfanwy Alexander on the realities of medieval life; an exhibition of medieval finds at the museum; a weaponry display from EFC; lots to eat and drink; and some juggling and even fire eating! As the weather improved in the afternoon, Eric Fairbrother, Chair of the Montgomery Civic Society, was able to lead a history tour of the castle.

Cllr Jill Kibble, who led the organisation of the day alongside the Tourism Committee and a large number of volunteers from the town, said, “What an absolutely incredible day for Montgomery. Montgomery spirit and enthusiasm was evident throughout, ensuring everyone had a memorable and enjoyable day. Lovely to see such a mix of ages and of residents and visitors, and a bit more known about our town’s history. A wonderful partnership project that showcased Montgomery at its best.”