Families take a step back in time at town’s first Kett’s Day

Simon Tait, with his son, 17-months-old William Radlett-Tait, in the Tudor Village at Wymondham's Kett's Rebellion Fun Day. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Hundreds turned up to enjoy the historical celebration, which took place today, at Wymondham's old rugby ground, in Tuttles Lane.

Organised by South Norfolk Council, visitors were able to enjoy fairground rides, stalls, crafts, and food and drink.

As well as special guests, Black Knight Historical had set up a Tudor encampment recreating the time of Kett's rebellion.

In 1549, Robert Kett, from Wymondham, led a rebellion of the common people to overthrow the injustices of the Tudor government. He captured the city of Norwich and defeated one Royal army.

Minstrels in the Tudor Village at Wymondham's Kett's Rebellion Fun Day. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Black Knight Historical, which provides living history through costumed performances, was invited to teach the Wymondham community about the life of this historic figure.

Ian Pycroft, owner of Black Knight Historical, said: "Robert Kett was from a long-standing Wymondham family he was a tanner and significant land owner nearby.

"He was elected by his friends and peers to lead a peaceful rebellion and he did a very good job until the line was crossed and it all ended up going to bloodshed on the outskirts of Norwich on Mousehold Heath."

"He pulled 16,000 men together into his camp which was a significant amount of the population of Norfolk, coming from all over as far as Kings Lynn, Great Yarmouth, Blakeney and Thetford."

Steven Payne from Black Knight Historical, with some of his weapons ready for the rebellion in the Tudor Village at Wymondham's Kett's Rebellion Fun Day. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

The Tudor camp offered various craft activities, pony rides and horses, a Tudor kitchen, spinning wheel and weapons of the age.

Jack Hornby, South Norfolk Councillor and deputy mayor, said: "It is the 470th anniversary of Kett's rebellion which started here in Wymondham so the council decided to organise a big event to commemorate this historical event.

"We invited Black Knight Historical down to do the mock Tudor village, and rebels camp and it was also a chance for families to enjoy a day out. A lot of residents came along and it went really well. There is a good community spirit here in Wymondham, as there was 470 years ago."

The locals and villagers listen to Robert Kett at Wymondham's Kett's Rebellion Fun Day. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Making butter in the Tudor Village at Wymondham's Kett's Rebellion Fun Day. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Sir John Flowerdew, played by Duncan Rowe, heckles Robert Kett's speech in the Tudor Village at Wymondham's Kett's Rebellion Fun Day. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Izabela Pitcher of Prior Attire doing tablet weaving in the Tudor Village at Wymondham's Kett's Rebellion Fun Day. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)