Britain's What's On Event Guide
Time Bandits
It’s been a while but we’re pleased to announce the Time Bandits are back!
Come and join the amazing Time Bandits as they bring history alive with the story of swords through the ages – with live demonstrations of fighting styles and an extensive collection of swords.
The history of sword making in the Derwent Valley began in the seventeenth century when immigrant swordsmiths from Germany established a flourishing business in Shotley Bridge, where the fast flowing River Derwent provided a ready water supply and an iron-founding industry already established in the area.
The Shotley Bridge blades they forged were so flexible that story tells of a wager to find the most flexible sword. Swordsmith Robert Oley appeared at the meeting place with no sword in his hand – but then revealed to his puzzled competitors, his double edged sword coiled around the rim of his hat. Oley was instantly declared the winner!
The Time Bandits will show you how various swords through time were hefted, from the Siege of Troy through to the Prisoner of Zenda along with demonstrations of sword fighting!
This event will be held outside the Heritage Centre, near the Courtyard area.
No booking required, donations welcome to help hosts events such as this.
The Sword Makers of Shotley Bridge by John Saddler of the Time Bandits:
“There’s no museum dedicated to the sword makers of Shotley Bridge in County Durham but there should be.
Come and join the amazing Time Bandits as they bring history alive with the story of swords through the ages – with live demonstrations of fighting styles and an extensive collection of swords.
The history of sword making in the Derwent Valley began in the seventeenth century when immigrant swordsmiths from Germany established a flourishing business in Shotley Bridge, where the fast flowing River Derwent provided a ready water supply and an iron-founding industry already established in the area.
The Shotley Bridge blades they forged were so flexible that story tells of a wager to find the most flexible sword. Swordsmith Robert Oley appeared at the meeting place with no sword in his hand – but then revealed to his puzzled competitors, his double edged sword coiled around the rim of his hat. Oley was instantly declared the winner!
The Time Bandits will show you how various swords through time were hefted, from the Siege of Troy through to the Prisoner of Zenda along with demonstrations of sword fighting!
This event will be held outside the Heritage Centre, near the Courtyard area.
No booking required, donations welcome to help hosts events such as this.
The Sword Makers of Shotley Bridge by John Saddler of the Time Bandits:
“There’s no museum dedicated to the sword makers of Shotley Bridge in County Durham but there should be.
Saturday 1 Jul 2023
Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre, Spa Well Road, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon on Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE21 6RU
The Time Bandits will be on site between 11:00 and 15:00 - free entry but donations welcomed to support these events
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