The Headless Horseman at Wimpole Estate

Every autumn, Wimpole Estate runs Halloween events. Every autumn, I ride through their grounds in the dark in full medieval armour without a head.

The role

The Headless Horseman is a character performance for the National Trust's Halloween programme at Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire. Full medieval kit: great helm, maille, surcoat. The "headless" effect comes from the armour configuration and low light.

Why it works

It works because it is real. Real armour, real horse, real riding skill. Not a costume on a mechanical horse. Visitors can hear the hooves, feel the ground vibrate, see the armour catch the light.

The cows

Word got around. Even the Wimpole cows came to see the Headless Horseman. They were not scared. They were not impressed. They were cows.