Historical Shows

We offer the following periods of history:-

LATE ROMAN
ANGLO SAXON / NORMAN
EARLY MEDIEVAL
LATE MEDIEVAL
TUDOR
ELIZABETHAN
VICTORIAN
EDWARDIAN
1940s - WWII

You might imagine that every period of history we present means no more effort than a costume change, well that could not be further from the truth! Each of our period presentations is unique and distinctive because of course each chapter of history is unique in character. Whatever period you choose you can rest assured that it is thoroughly researched, accurate to the timeframe and oozing in period detail. For a sample of each time period click on the Tabulae logo on our home page and look up the specific historic period of interest, there you will find us listed with a more detailed period profile. You can link straight back to our website from there.

Our flying demonstrations are the most slick and professional you are likely to see. Scripted, rehearsed and well executed, we are a theatrical performance with free flying birds as the cast. We focus on presenting natural flights and encouraging the best out of each bird while weaving a flowing story around our actions. All flying is conducted from within a safety arena and with use of a public address system so that even the largest audiences can be engaged.

We are not a flying circus; there are no tricks or gimmicks, no awkward silences, no cheesy stunts - just fine traditional falconry set within the magical and theatrical context of history. And for peace of mind we are fully insured, CRB checked and carry out on site risk assessments.

Static Display

All falconers are expected to provide a selection of birds on perches to view between demonstrations, we are no exception but we have to gone to exceptional lengths to make our static display one of the best in the industry.

The Hawk Mews is a carefully crafted period tent customised to house our flying team, like stage scenery it helps to create the right historical atmosphere and provides safe all-weather shelter for the birds. We use different tents for different periods but each is lavishly decorated with hand crafted perches, fabrics, furniture, props and equipment appropriate to the time period. It is a visual feast for the eyes!

We work to a very high standard of historical authenticity and find that the Mews is a major attraction in its own right. It is open for external viewing only and encourages the visiting public to take photographs, see the birds at rest and talk to the falconers. Pictures of the Mews can be found in the picture gallery.

Flying Demonstrations

We offer 2 or 3 half hour flying demonstrations per event day, each contains a variety of birds and where possible we try to make each demonstration different. Our bird team reflects those used in history so our focus is on the hawk, owl and falcon family, each flown in individual style and presenting its own story. And that's what we do as we fly, we tell the story of the social history of falconry and reveal how hunting with birds contributed to our national heritage. Some of our period displays, where appropriate, even include the use of our trained dog "Bella" to demonstrate the use of hounds in falconry past.

Audiences of all ages squeal in delight at the lightening stoop of the Peregrine Falcon as he streaks overhead, then there's the graceful flight of the Lanner, the majesty of the royal Gyr, the bewitching charm of the owls, the cheeky darting chase of the Kestrel and the powerful military-style hunting hawk - but by far our star performers are the cast or pair of falcons, they don't look much but never cease to impress in competitive carousel. During the demonstration an eloquent commentary accompanies the action revealing facts, folklore, tales and legends, anecdotes, traditions and people and places of notoriety - all in keeping with the historical period and event theme. Plus every display during an event day is different thus encouraging visitors to stay at your venue longer!

If you need us to we can supply our own top quality rechargeable PA system, arena equipment and safety signage. Please note however that the selection of birds we fly depends entirely on the size and nature of the event area and we cannot guarantee bringing any one particular bird.

Falconry from Horseback

We were the first professional falconers in recent times to revive the concept of authentic mounted falconry within historical context. Back in the year 2000 we launched a public exhibition of falconry from horseback for English Heritage, at that time mounted falconry had not been seen in the public arena since the 1970s when it was more hollywood than historical. Our aim was to recreate the visual splendor and technical complexity of working birds from horseback so we collaberated with Dominic Sewell of Historic Equitation and the professional horsemen of English Heritage Events. Many years on we now have a team of birds that fly confidently from horseback, we have a pool of bird-trained horsemen and women and together we have created some of the most exciting period presentations ever seen. Our mounted cameos have included a Norman hunting party, a Victorian falconry hunt, Medieval Knights hawking as peacetime training, an Elizabethan hunt, Roman venatores and a stunning recreation of Henry VIII and his Queen hawking whilst on progress. If you are looking for something truly spectacular then please do get in touch, there are various images of mounted falconry scattered about the gallery for your inspiration!

Event Suitability

We are very flexible in terms of the types of events that we are suitable for inclusion at. Much of the time we work alone as sole performers providing a stand-alone period falconry event and we are fully equipped and experienced to do this. We offer a full daily programme and can provide period table games and a bird hunt/quiz. We also work equally well as an arena-based attraction at larger events such as Roman Festivals, Jousting Tournaments and Victorian Fairs. Wherever we work there are specific technical and geographical requirements necessary for us to be able to perform and put on a good show. Not all venues are suitable for falconry due to their size or location so do please get in touch to discuss, we can often make recommendations and devise a "best fit" plan for your venue.

Our Secondary Display Team

Due to popular demand for our historical falconry services we now offer a second display team to cover those dates that we, the main team, are unable to attend. Our secondary team comes in the form of Sue Alderman - a friend, falconer and qualified historian. She periodically represents us under our commercial name and although the face may be different you will certainly recognise the style, the equipment and even the birds! So if you need a period falconry display and we are already engaged...we can send you Sue instead.

Sue offers everything that we do; a period static display tent, 2 arena-based flying demonstrations, authentic period costume, a professional PA system and arena equipment. She has represented us to great satisfaction and praise at Hever Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Gillingham Park, Wrest Park Gardens, Pendennis Castle and Peterborough Cathedral.

We offer our Secondary Display Team in the following periods of history only:-

MEDIEVAL
TUDOR
VICTORIAN