For one performance, only local historian and author Mark Lucas delighted audience members with a talk about Richmond Palace. Which was built by Henry VII in 1501 and heavily used by other Tudor monarchs. It was mostly demolished in the 17th century.

Lucas has extensive knowledge of how the Palace was constructed and the finery that adorned the outside. It would have looked spectacular in it’s time especially with the gold flags on the roof.

There’s a few characters on the screen that were bought to life using technology advances and explained what their role was in the presentation from one of the valuers to a female neighbour who was horrified when the Palace was pulled apart during the period when Oliver Cromwell and parliament ruled the land.

A few ghostly tales are added into the talk. Royal spirits rumoured to have been present in the Palace. Without the Palace being in existence, I am not sure whether these details are confirmed or anyone has experienced their presence. That’s for each audience member to make up their own mind.

The audience was treated to a rare opportunity as one of the original bricks from the Palace was handed around, which was kindly on loan from The Museum of Richmond. By the weight of the brick, you could certainly feel a difference to how much lighter modern bricks are.

Opportunities to attend one-off performances like this one is one of the great parts of attending Fringe Festivals. It’s always worth checking the programmes and seeing what is coming up while you are there.

For more information about The Fireside Folktales Barnes Fringe Festival please use the link below.

https://shadowroad.com/fireside-folktales-fringe/

https://www.museumofrichmond.com/