Loxwood Joust - meet a Mediaeval Peddler

There's just one week to go until the Loxwood Joust begins, bringing its own brand of mediaeval mayhem to life.
Loxwood Joust's Mediaeval PeddlerLoxwood Joust's Mediaeval Peddler
Loxwood Joust's Mediaeval Peddler

Now in its fifth year, the family festival will be held on August 6&7, and 13&14 offering plenty of opportunity to enjoy the sights as history is brought to life at Loxwood Meadow.

As well as the action-packed jousting tournament and weaponry displays, the event also features a huge living history village, music, children’s kingdom and performances from dance troupes, the court jester, and many more colourful characters.

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Among them you will find the Mediaeval Peddler, who joins our series of interviews celebrating the forthcoming event.

For full details of the festival visit www.loxwoodjoust.co.uk

Stephen the Mediaeval Peddler

The Peddler was a common merchant and often went from town to town selling whatever goods he had to offer. The items could be anything from novelty items to candles or even tourist-styled souvenirs.

Usually the Peddler was an enterprising business person but often stood to make meagre earnings as their profits were subjected to high taxation by the lords and nobles of the communities they did business within. One seldom found a rich Peddler and often it was a means of basic survival.

What is your name and occupation?

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I am Stephen the Peddler and I peddle my wares to the good folk of the villages hereabouts from my wooden hand cart. I walk many miles a day to earn my bread, it’s a hard life.

What is your aim in this life?

I hope to make enough money to sleep indoors, buy my bread and one day afford a matched pair of leather shoes for the lanes and highways of England are very hard upon my poor feet.

Tell us something about your life that we would not know.

As well as selling what goods I have on my cart, I also take news and the latest songs from London and the ports to villages along my way.

What skills are most important to you?

I must know what my customers want, and know how to drive a hard bargain. This season Flemish lace is very much sought after by the ladies. I must also be a good teller of tales and be able to play a pipe to draw a crowd.

Is your occupation a solitary one?

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Walking from town to town and sleeping wherever I can, I find that the chances for company are slim. It is a lonely life, perhaps because last night I slept under a tree.

What do you eat and drink on a normal day?

Bread and cheese, some oats made into a porridge and perhaps a broth made of vegetables. For drink I have water and small beer.

What is your most prized possession?

My cart, without it I would have no way to transport my goods, and nothing to sleep under at night.

For more stories on the Loxwood Joust:

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