Ricardian Revels

Divertissements and Festivities in Medieval England

July 8 - July 18, 2000

Jesters,

Jousting,

and Jongleurs!

Minstrels,

Mummers,

and Merriment!

Come join us for a millennium celebration with a fabulous twist! This unique tour of Richard III's England will feature medieval entertainment and pastimes, and we are the invited guests. Join in the fun of the Middleham Festival! Frolic at the Sheriff Hutton Medieval Fair! Marvel at the York Mystery Plays! Enjoy a falconry display, visit a royal hunting lodge, and more! We will receive a warm reception from many English Ricardian friends in whose company we will enjoy several special occasions. Also planned is a feature presentation on medieval entertainment.

Our delightful tour is perfect for those with a keen interest in Richard III and England's medieval period in general. Sites we will visit having associations with Richard III include, but are not limited to: the ancient city of York; Middleham, Sheriff Hutton, Richmond, Barnard, Skipton, Penrith, Pickering, Bolton and Warkworth castles; and the churches at Penrith, Sutton Cheyney and Dadlington. We will be treated to an excellent guided tour of Bosworth Battlefield, where Richard III lost his crown and his life. Also included in the itinerary will be such outstanding venues as magnificent Durham Cathedral, the beautiful ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, ancient Lindisfarne , a scenic tour of the Lake District and the opportunity to view the ongoing and exciting restoration of medieval Barley Hall in York, a project of great interest to Ricardians.

You will enjoy 11 days of leisurely touring in a comfortable mid-size coach, with a helpful escort and driver/courier. Accommodation will be in welcoming, well-appointed, select smaller hotels and inns in charming towns or in the lovely countryside, well away from large package-tour groups. Tour coordinator is Linda Treybig, long-time member of the Richard III Society, specialist on travel in Great Britain, and director/escort of 9 previous Ricardian tours.

Maximum group size is 15 persons (minimum of 7) with space available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Note: Preference will be given to members of the Richard III Society; however, members of the general public are invited as well. As several persons have already made commitments, please make your reservations as early as possible, especially if you wish to attend a performance of the immensely popular York Mystery Plays (an optional event). Come join our enthusiastic little band of travelers for a truly memorable tour of 15th century England!

LAND TOUR RATE & PAYMENT SCHEDULE: $2,496.00. (Single Supplement: $280.00). Deadline for deposit of $250.00 and your reservation form is February 15, 2000. Balance in full is payable by April 15, 2000.

CANCELLATION FEES:

60 days or more before departure:

Loss of deposit plus any non-recoverable payments made on client's behalf.

45-59 days before departure:

35% of tour cost plus any non-recoverable payments made on client's behalf.

30-44 days before departure:

50% of tour cost plus any non-recoverable payments made on client's behalf.

Less than 30 days before departure:

Nonrefundable, but any recoverable monies may be returned to client.

* CANCELLATION INSURANCE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
PLEASE ASK FOR DETAILS.

[Printable Registration Form]

TOUR ITINERARY

July 8:

Early morning arrival at Manchester Airport. We will greet our driver, board our coach and set off for our attractive coaching inn in Yorkshire. (Possible stop in Middleham, depending on Festival schedule.) The rest of your day is free, so you can get a little catch-up sleep, take a relaxing walk, or just absorb the ambience of Richard III's favorite area of England. A delicious dinner tonight will round off our first day.

OVERNIGHT (3 NTS.): Middleham or Richmond area

July 9:

Off to the captivating little market town of Middleham, often called the "Newmarket of the North" because of its strong connections with horse racing. Most of the day, we'll be right in the midst of those enjoying various events at the Middleham Festival; and there will be ample time to explore the splendid ruins of Middleham Castle and the town, including the parish church with its Richard III Memorial Window. Our friends from the Yorkshire Branch have been invited to join us on this special day. Before returning to our comfortable lodgings, we will pay a late afternoon visit to Bolton Castle, once home of the powerful Scrope family. A fascinating castle, also famous as one of the prisons of Mary Queen of Scots, its prime position provides panoramic views over Wensleydale.

July 10:

The splendid market town of Richmond, dominated by the magnificent keep of its castle, will be first on our agenda today. This fine 12th C. castle passed into the hands of Richard III on the death of the Duke of Clarence in 1478. Next, we will learn a little history about one of the most popular medieval sports as we enjoy a falconry display at Zion Hill Hall. Our final venue for the day will be the extensive ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, an early 12th century Cistercian foundation of remarkable beauty and peace.

July 11:

This morning, we travel into the unspoiled county of Northumberland, first visiting Barnard Castle and church. Also along our route, we'll make a photo stop at Raby Castle (once home to the Neville family but now having a mostly Victorian interior) and include a short visit to St. Mary's Church in Staindrop to view the tombs of Richard Neville's forbears. Our final venue today is magnificent Durham Cathedral, arguably the finest Norman structure in Britain and site of the tomb of the Venerable Bede and the ancient coffin of St. Cuthbert. As a man of the North with strong religious beliefs, Richard III must have known this place well, and it has stood virtually unchanged over the centuries.

OVERNIGHT (2 NTS.): Hexham area

July 12:

The historical gems of Northumberland, England's northernmost county, remain unrevealed to most tourists as they hurry through on their way into Scotland. Today we will become acquainted with two of these treasures: First, a visit to spectacularly-sited Warkworth Castle, stronghold of the Percy family. Begun before 1215 AD, its impressive ruins include a marvelous 15th C. keep. Then, passing through fine coastal scenery, we cross by causeway to mystical Lindisfarne (Holy Island), one of the earliest and most influential seats of Christianity in England and famous for the glorious Lindisfarne Gospels (c 698). Although there is no trace of the first monastery, the remaining ruins of the Benedictine priory, dating from 1083 and very like the mother church in Durham, are a superb example of Norman work.

July 13:

Our route today takes us along the military road bordering Hadrian's Wall into Cumbria. During the morning we will visit two of the few sites in this area having connections with Richard III. During his lordship, Richard III made several additions to Penrith Castle, including the banqueting hall. After an exploration of the castle ruins, we will make a short stop at the Church of St. Andrew to view two of its stained glass windows relating to Richard III and the Neville family. The Gloucester Arms was once the home of the Dockwra family with whom Richard stayed during his alterations to the castle. Today, as we tuck into a pub lunch here, we will see what are probably 19th C. carved representations of Richard III and his queen, Anne, fronting the bar, and a panel of the Royal Arms with boar supporters above the entrance door. A short tour of the wonderfully scenic Lake District adds a final touch to the day.

OVERNIGHT (1 Nt.): In or near the Lake District

July 14:

We begin the day with a gentle journey through the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. In the thriving Dales market town of Skipton stands an attractive castle rebuilt by Robert de Clifford in the early 14th century and possessed for a time by Richard III. Restored by the prodigious Lady Anne Clifton in the 17th century, Skipton Castle remains roofed and floored throughout. The fine wooden roof of the adjacent parish church was repaired by Richard III as Lord of the Castle. After a pub lunch in the countryside, we continue through the spa town of Harrogate to the ancient, historical city of York. After checking into our hotel, we will pay a special visit to Barley Hall, where we can view firsthand the results of this outstanding restoration project-in-progress. The rest of the day and evening, you are free to explore the many attractions of York. Tonight, we recommend the marvelous York Mystery Plays at the Minster and will be happy to obtain your ticket for this superb optional event. (See general information.)

OVERNIGHT (2 Nts.): City of York

July 15:

A really enjoyable experience lies in store for us today! Overlooking the pleasant town of Pickering are the ruins of an interesting castle. It is known that Edward II lived here following during a campaign in Scotland, and it was widely used as a hunting lodge by many medieval kings. This morning, we plan to join members of the English Richard III Society tour group in an exploration of Pickering Castle with the aid of strategically placed plaques illustrating its history. After a brief visit to the church here to view its excellent medieval wall paintings, WE'RE OFF TO THE FAIR! The Sheriff Hutton Medieval Fair, a nationally advertised millennium event, will take place among the ruins of Sheriff Hutton Castle. Though the schedule of events is not yet available, it is sure to include all manner of medieval pleasures and pastimes; and we may expect to be sharing this delightful experience with many other Ricardians! A late dinner at our hotel will bring to an end a very rewarding day.

July 16:

This morning, departing York, we hope to join the English Branch tour group on a visit to Towton Battlefield before beginning our journey south to the Leicester area. Otherwise, we will break our trip with a stop at historical Lincoln Cathedral, home of the famous Lincoln Imp. The tombs of Bishop John Russell (Chancellor to Richard III) and of Katheryn Swinford, ancestress of the Beauforts (and therefore of Richard and Anne) are also to be found here. Then, just sit back and relax as we continue on the journey to our charming hotel for the final two nights of the tour.

OVERNIGHT (2 Nts.): Oakham or Melton Mowbray

July 17:

Today, we pay homage to the life and death of Richard III with our annual visit to Bosworth Battlefield. Following an intelligent, personalized tour of the battlefield, during which there are sure to be both lively discussion as to the course of the battle and moments of quiet reflection, we will also visit both Sutton Cheyney and Dadlington churches. Time and traffic permitting, we will then make a stop in the city of Leicester to view the striking statue of Richard III erected by the Richard III Society. Tonight, we will enjoy a last delicious dinner together.

July 18:

You are invited to have a say in the agenda on this, our final day! We will be making our way from the Leicester area to London. A few options: Coventry Cathedral, Kenilworth Castle, Shakespeare's tomb at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford, Minster Lovell Hall or possibly Sudeley Castle. Your tour coordinator would like to know your preference(s) as soon as possible and will be pleased to consider any sites you would particularly like to visit along our general route. The final itinerary will include the two sites most requested by prospective tour members. Our tour comes to its conclusion on our arrival in London in the late afternoon.

Note:

Reservations will be made for all tour members at a moderate tourist class hotel in central London tonight, and you are invited to join your escort for a last dinner together. (Accommodations and dinner not included in the tour price.)

TOUR INCLUDES:

• 11 full days of touring in a comfortable mid-size coach
• Services of friendly, helpful driver/courier and tour escort throughout tour
• Accommodation for 10 nights in attractive and highly recommended smaller hotels and inns
• Full English breakfast daily and all dinners while touring except for 1 night in York
• All admissions and entrance fees
• Baggage handling throughout tour
• All service charges and VAT
• Driver's gratuity

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare (see general information)
• Lunches or snacks
• Expenses at Middleham Festival and Sheriff Hutton Fair other than admission fees
• Ticket to York Mystery Plays (optional event - see general information)
• Hotel and dinner in London on the last night of the tour (July 18th)

OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION:

Air arrangements: The tour departs from Manchester Airport and ends in London. We are pleased to offer air arrangements to suit your needs at a very competitive price.

Pre/post-tour arrangements: Do you want to spend more time in London or visit another area of England? Just ask about any special arrangements before or after the tour, including hotel, transportation and flights to suit your needs.

Lunches: Most of our lunches will be at interesting pubs recommended for their food. They are not included in the price of the tour in order that you may choose from a varied menu exactly what and how much you would like each day. Your budget should include £5.00-6.00 per day for lunch.

York Mystery Plays: The Plays are included as an optional event only because some of our group members may already have attended performances of the York Mystery Plays and may prefer an alternative for the evening. Dating from early medieval times and performed every three years, the Plays are justifiably popular worldwide. Tickets at £21.00 for best seats (£14.00 for next best) must be purchased months in advance in order to guarantee a good seat. If you haven't seen a performance, you shouldn't miss this opportunity! Make your reservations as soon as possible to be sure of getting your ticket.

NEED MORE DETAILS? Please contact:

Linda Treybig
340 Sprague Rd., # 303
Berea, OH 44017
Phone: (440) 239-0645
E-mail: treybig@stratos.net

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Reservations are only considered confirmed on receipt of deposit: $250.00 per person. Deposit is nonrefundable. Tour balances are due and payable by April 15, 2000. If booking is made within 60 days, payment in full is required at time of booking. Payment by check or money order only. Regrettably, credit cards cannot be accepted.

RESPONSIBILITY

Linda Treybig, tour coordinator and escort, acts only as agent in arranging transportation, hotel accommodation and all other services included in this tour and declines responsibility for any loss or damage to personal property, person- al injury, or any expense connected with the provision of services for this tour. The tour coordinator reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a tour participant, to expel any tour participant from the tour, and to make changes in the itinerary whenever deemed necessary for the convenience, comfort or safety of the tour participants. Luggage and personal articles are at owner's risk unless insured. Should the number of participants drop below the minimum number stated (7), the tour coordinator reserves the right to adjust the tour price or to cancel the tour. However, the tour will not be cancelled less than six (6) weeks before the scheduled date of departure. In this event, the limit of liability is the return of monies paid by the tour participant.