Battle cries and the crash of steel on shield will echo round Scone Palace, the medieval crowning place of Scottish Kings, next year.
Melee combat will return to the ancient venue as some of the world’s most battle-hardened knights test their mettle on the Perthshire park lands.
They will challenge each other as the historic visitor attraction hosts the International Medieval Combat Federation World Championships from May 10 to 13, 2018.
To get visitors in the mood, the palace will host the UK’s premier full-contact medieval battle group for a day of duelling, team fights and archery on July 29 this year.
There will also be the sights, sounds and smells of a medieval military encampment for visitors to explore.
While medieval re-enactment fighting has been popular for decades, countries around the world are now signing up for full-contact events, in which ancient combat is revived as a regulated sport featuring historically accurate weapons and armour.
Organisers and participants say competitors remain relatively free of injuries and that rugby players sustain more bumps and scrapes than those taking part in full-contact medieval fights.
The idea for Scone Palace to start hosting the full contact battles came from William Murray, Viscount Stormont, son of the Earl of Mansfield and Lady Mansfield.
While working in New York, William, 28, learned about the growing popularity of the sport and met several American and Canadian fighters.
After meeting the vice-president of the International Medieval Combat Federation, he offered to host the 2018 World Championships.
William said of his first brush with full-contact medieval combat: “It was quite the spectacle, like watching boxing in armour.
“It was hugely entertaining to watch, and not for the faint-hearted.
“I was brought up watching the film A Knight’s Tale, so I found myself completely taken by the sport.
“It’s a real coup for us to be hosting the World Championships.”
Heather McArthur, events manager for Scone Palace, added: “We’re thrilled to be adding Battle Heritage to our line-up of events this year at Scone Palace, and we feel that this is the perfect setting for next year’s International Medieval Combat Federation World Championships.
“With 2017 being Scotland’s Year of History and Archaeology, it is fitting that we should be bringing alive the past, and the medieval period in particular, in our historic grounds.”
This year’s event, entitled “Battle Heritage – the Tournament of Destiny” runs from 10am until 4pm.
Admission is free to season ticket holders, while ticket prices start at £5.
Visit www.scone-palace.co.uk for more information.
