Have you ever wondered what it might have been like to have lived in Medieval times? Well unless you’re a secret time traveller, it’s hard to imagine we’ll ever really know. But at the Centre Azincourt 1415, you can get a feel for those days. The museum is dedicated to the history of Agincourt, the legendary battle, the famous – and infamous – players, and the life and times of those who took part in the battle or who lived at that time. And they likesto shine a light on some aspects of Medieval life in a way that’s interactive!
For a start the museum takes you not just through the history of the battle, it also considers what day to day life was like from the clothes people wore, to what they ate (read more about it in free digital magazine: The Good Life France summer issue. And the Centre holds year-round events that help you ‘experience’ the way of life in the middle ages. For example, they hold a medieval banquet to which all are invited. And of course I went!
You don’t have to dress up though dinner is served by people in costume. And it all takes place in a huge authentically built wooden barn next to the museum. It’s lined with shields depicting the coats of arms of knights who took part in the battle of Agincourt. There’s a huge open fire at one end. I’ve seen smaller apartments than the pit of that fire. It really gives you a feeling of what a banquet 600 years ago might have felt like.
A taste of the past
The four courses that were served – clearly we were treated as upper class guests, that wouldn’t happen if you were poor – were surprisingly good. And about as authentic as it’s possible to be. This taste of the past was created by Fabian Müllers, a renowned expert in medieval food. The medieval meat pie wasn’t very different from the paté en croute that you get in French supermarkets. The medieval pudding reminded me of bread pudding – delicious!
Herbs and spices were a big part of medieval cuisine, flavouring salad leaves, meat and even wine. White wine was typically infused with sage, which after you get over the surprise of the first taste is pretty good. And red wine flavoured with honey and spices is rather delicious!
Fun and Festive
Entertainment was provided by a theatrical group who really worked the room and had the audience laughing and clapping right from the start. It doesn’t matter if you don’t speak fluent French, their antics are easy to understand and the atmosphere is one of friendliness and festivity.
If you’re in the 7 Valleys area of Pas-de-Calais, about an hour from Calais and one of the most beautiful areas of France, pop to the Centre Azincourt 1415 to discover all about Agincourt.
Year round events
The Centre Azincourt 1415 puts on year-round events as well as their excellent permanent exhibition.
What’s on 2022
Throughout July and August from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (except Tuesdays), the Center Azincourt 1415 invites you to travel back in time to the Low Middle Ages thanks to an exhibition produced by La Compaigne Petit Meschin . “Journey to the Low Middle Ages” is a unique exhibition of 15 photographic paintings and 12 cartels made up of portraits and scenes of reconstruction of daily life at the end of the Middle Ages. (Free admission)
There are various events through the year including pottery demonstrations, the art of medieal illumination, workshops and more.
Find out more at: azincourt1415.com
