The Black Knight

» Profile

Ian has been performing as a Knight in shining armour for 20 years

From Cathedrals and Castles to the classroom and village fetes, for a magnificent centrepiece to your event, The Black Knight is brought vividly to life by Ian's knowledge of historical facts, acting ability and real armour.

The act can be expanded to include other medieval characters - executioner, barber surgeon, archer, monk, falconer, minstrels etc.

Ian has also made hundreds of appearances in other historical roles, ranging from Roman Centurion through to Second World War RAF pilot. All are brought to life with humour, well researched background information and attention to detail.

Ian owns all costumes, accessories, suits of armour, props to make the presentations more realistic. He is able to ride horse, lead dances, fly falcons, and more.

A Horse can be brought along as part of the act - POA

» Previous Clients

• Dover Castle
• Castle Rising Castle
• Kenilworth Castle
• Oakham Castle
• Framlingham Castle
• Carisbrooke Castle
• Norwich Cathedral
• Peterborough Cathedral
• Festival Of History
• Schools
• And Many More!

» Optional Characters

• Roman Centurion
• Anglo Saxon Thegn
• Norman Knight
• Medieval Monk Or Friar
• Medieval Merchant
• King Henry Viii
• Sir Walter Raleigh/elizabethan Gentleman
• Guy Fawkes
• Matthew Hopkins / Witchfinder General
• Capability Brown /georgian Gentleman
• Thomas Masterman Hardy /captain Of Hms Victory
• William Fox-talbot, Victorian Gentleman Photographer
• Lord Augustus Holkham, Victorian Explorer
• World War 2 Soldier,sailor,airman, Home Guard, Air Raid Warden

» Testimonials

I just wanted to pass on some thanks to English Heritage and to the Knight in question for his excellent presentations at Framlingham Castle (and elsewhere namely Pensthorpe).

The knowledge of this Knight about the period in question, his obvious enthusiasm and entertainment and information value was exceptional.

I thoroughly enjoyed our day at Framlingham which was made all the more special by the Knight being in attendance.
- Jackie, day visitor to Framlingham castle.

Black Knight Historical provides a friendly, efficient, versatile and highly professional service, whether providing a single costumed interpreter or a significant proportion of a heritage festival. Ian is a pleasure to deal with and provides simple and cost effective solutions to our requirements.
- Stuart Orme, Vivacity, Peterborough

From our point of view, the evening was a complete and utter success. The sponsors were delighted with the theme, the activities, the characters involved who not only looked superb but were also brilliant at interacting with a bunch of insurance professionals. The birds were a massive hit as well. We hope you got as much pleasure as us from the evening. We will begin planning for next year's event around December/January time so we will be in touch to see if you can help us again - I have no doubt you can! Thank you for everything and very kindest regards
- Wendy G, Cavell Management Associates

This re-enactment led by Ian Pycroft (Black Knight) was one of the best Ive ever booked for a summer show. BKH filled the castle yard with an authentic camp, stalls displays, demonstrations and characters who visitors chose as their champions during the final combat display. A real family event and enjoyed by all.
-Norman Fahy, Custodian.

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC, WELL DONE AND THANK YOU!
-Suzanne Mead, Hertford Town Council.

Thank you so much for the effect you and your fellow members put into our wedding. You really made the day. We couldn't have wished for anything more, everyone had such a good time and you got everyone involved, everyone said how hard you worked and how much they enjoyed it. The setting and the weather was wonderful - I hope you enjoyed the day with us, I've got some really great photos. I really can't put into words how pleased I was with how things went, it must have been my lucky day when I bumped into the Black Knight in Norwich on that cold December afternoon and the spark was lit; everyone who was there will remember that day for sometime to come! I wish you all the very best for the future. Very kind regards
- Jackie [nee Kemp] Taylor

Hi Ian
We thought the Medieval Cruise went well and all at City Boats and our customers were thrilled with its success. Your commentary certainly kept our customers enthralled. Kind regards
- Linda, City Boats, Norwich

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and all your group. The Keep looked great and I know visitors and staff really enjoyed it. I know you were really busy and worked your socks off all three days. It was a pleasure having you at Dover.
- Alysha Sykes, English Heritage

Thank you so very much for attending the opening of Boston Guildhall Museum over Easter weekend, and at such short notice.

It was great to have you wandering round in all your finery, helping to bring the building alive; it had been empty for so long, it really was magnificent.

As you have seen and heard yourself we plan to have many more events which we do hope you will be a part of.

You really were an asset to have for the opening, especially saving the day and officially opening the museum, slashing the ribbon in full armour - quite spectacular!

Your interpretation skills are outstanding and the quality of the costume and characterisations are all super! We cannot thank you enough for your help and enthusiasm.

Many Thanks from us all here at Boston Borough Council who were involved with the opening.

We hope to see you again in the Guildhall soon.
-Boston Guildhall Management

Thank you so much for joining us for our Medieval Evening at the Cathedral.

We have had a lot of very complimentary feedback from those attending.

You looked just the part in your splendid outfit and by chatting to people there you were able to pass on some of your great knowledge of the period, which was much appreciated.

I know this was your first visit to Ely and I hope it will not be your only one! The Cathedral makes a perfect setting for an evening such as this. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and were very excited to be a part of it - the most ambitious fundraising event the Cathedral Education Department has ever organised!

It was good to meet you, Ian. Many thanks again for giving up your time to be with us.
-Jan Munt, Ely Cathedral

Dear Ian
I wanted to write you a quick letter to thank you for all your hard work that you put into this years event. As ever your organisation and efficiency helped make the event a success with positive feedback from both our visitors and our staff. We look forward to meeting with you and talking through next years event and to continue building on its reputation as the regions largest and finest Medieval re-enactment. P.S. The event is really gaining big stature in the region. Many thanks and congratulations!
- Bill Jordan, Owner, Pensthorpe

We are writing to formally thank you for all your help at our recent National Archaeology Day at Castle Rushen. We are extremely grateful for all the time and effort you put in to preparing for the day. We both very much enjoyed your portrayal of Sir Thomas Stanley and we have excellent feedback from our visitors and members of staff alike. On a personal level it has been a pleasure to meet and discuss ideas with you over the weekend - it is fantastic to speak with someone with such a passion for living history and interpretation. We hope that we will be able to work together again in the future and please don't hesitate to contact us.
- Katy, Manx Heritage

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