Performing as Taillefer at the Battle of Hastings

Taillefer was a Norman jongleur who according to legend rode out alone ahead of William's army at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. He juggled his sword, sang the Chanson de Roland, killed an Englishman, and charged into the Saxon shield wall. He did not come back.

I play him at the annual Battle of Hastings reenactment at Battle Abbey.

The performance

The reenactment takes place on Senlac Hill, the actual site of the battle. Hundreds of reenactors form the Norman and Saxon lines. Before the battle begins, one rider goes out alone. The Saxons are banging their shields. The Normans are waiting behind you.

Why Taillefer matters

A performer who was also a fighter. Someone who combined spectacle with genuine martial skill. Whether the legend is historically true is debatable. Whether it makes for brilliant living history is not.

The reality

You are riding a horse into a crowd of people with weapons. Everyone is experienced. Everyone knows the safety protocols. But the horse does not read the risk assessment.