We had delightful weather for Lunds historiedag, a cross between a mini Renaissance Festival and a historical recreation club, spanning 1,000 years in the history of Scania. This year is special because it is 900 years since the inauguration of Lund Cathedral in 1123. Andrea managed to get us registered for 3 guided tours in English, and in spite of a mix-up regarding the viking runes tour, we thoroughly enjoyed the day. Missing one tour might have been for the best as we met up with Carole and were able to visit the medieval market, a soldier’s encampment, complete with demos and food samples, a knight’s mêlée, plus some renaissance dancing. I’m sure I’d have been too tired to see everything if we’d done a third tour. Jewelry, pottery, wool and lots of cool craft items at the market were tempting, but I will need to allow more time at the market to make up my mind.
Our tours covered many familiar places in Lund. We learned about bloody events and intrigues of the past. It was a harsh life as various religious leaders, kings, nobles, and clans battled for control. Even today when building or excavating in Lund, artifacts (and sometimes human remains) are revealed.
The guides managed to throw in a few funny or charming stories of royalty (the wedding between Philippa of England and Eric of Pomerania took place on 26 October 1406 in Lund Cathedral. Philippa was the first documented princess in history to wear a white wedding dress during a royal wedding ceremony: she wore a tunic with a cloak in white silk bordered with grey squirrel and ermine) and student pranks to lighten the subject.
Still, brutal bishops, battles, betrayal and beheadings dominate historic headlines in Lund! Lots of crazy shit went down here… and here, here and here.
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