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A re-enactment performer was left seriously hurt at a National Trust property this week after a sword was accidentally plunged into his face during a mock battle, with witnesses including children left screaming and in tears.
The man, who was taking part in a medieval reenactment, was rushed to hospital after suffering a horrendous sword injury.
The 37-year-old man was taking part in the living history demonstration at Bodiam Castle in East Sussex just before 3pm on Sunday when the incident occurred.
During a mock battle between knights a sword accidentally entered the visor of his helmet.
The incident was witnessed by a large crowd of people, including children, who were enjoying a day out at the 14th century castle near Robertsbridge, East Sussex.
Police say the man, from Horsham, was wearing body armour when his opponent’s sword entered his visor during a combat reenactment just before 3.00pm.
The reenactment had attracted dozens of visitors who were thrilled at the hand to hand combat.
But they were shocked and distressed by the ‘freak accident’ with many children left in tears.
The man, who was taking part in a medieval reenactment, was rushed to hospital after suffering a horrendous sword injury at Bodiam Castle in East Sussex (pictured – those involved in the reenactment not pictured)
The moated castle was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward II
The castle, which is run by the National Trust, often hosts groups of volunteers with a passion for history and training (Pictured: Stock image of a medieval battle reenactment)
One witness said: ‘It had been a really thrilling fight reenactment and then suddenly it went catastrophically wrong.
‘It was clear the man was very seriously injured and people were very shocked. Some kids were in tears. It was quite upsetting for everyone who was there.’
The man was treated by paramedics at the scene before being rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he is currently in a serious condition.
The moated castle was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, with the permission of Richard II, to defend the area against possible French invasion during the Hundred Years’ War.
The castle, which is run by the National Trust, often hosts groups of volunteers with a passion for history and training.
Dressed in full armour, they show what medieval combat may have looked like, through showing weapons and explaining techniques.
Visitors are then invited to ask the participants questions to build up their knowledge of medieval life and combat.
Detective Inspector Barry Chandler said the force is treating the incident as an ‘accident.’
He said: ‘We are offering support to his family. His opponent, a 36-year-old man also from Horsham, and the organisers are helping us with our enquiries.
‘We know the re-enactment had drawn a large crowd and understand that anyone who witnessed the scene could have found this distressing.’
Responding to a comment online asking about the man’s condition, the National Trust said: ‘Thank you for your concern, like you, our very best wishes are with the injured person, their family and friends.
‘At this time, we don’t have any further information to share.’
A spokeswoman for the National Trust said: ‘Following the accident at National Trust’s Bodiam Castle in Sussex on Sunday 29 June, our thoughts and concerns are with the injured man, his family and friends.
‘The safety and wellbeing of everyone on site is extremely important to us, and we are co-operating fully with the relevant authorities. As this is a police matter, we are unable to comment further.’
