On the lovely grounds of Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, the inhabitants of the fictional hamlet, Piddle-on-the-Green are being threatened by a dragon, or quite possibly a man dressed in a latex dragon costume. As the audience looks on, St. George swoops in at the last minute, slaying the dragon and saving the village after dispatching an evil Turkish knight who gets in his way. All is well again for the villagers and England’s patron saint has once again saved the day, much to the delight of the crowd.
The slaying of the dragon is the highlight of the annual St. George’s Day festival that takes place in April at Wrest Park, a stately home surrounded by beautiful gardens located in Silsoe, Bedfordshire.
Wrest Park House and Gardens
Wrest Park is the ancestral home of the De Greys, an aristocratic family whose monuments and mausoleum lie in nearby town of Flitton. The present house was built in 1839 and was designed by Earl De Grey himself, who was an architecture student and enthusiast for 18th century French design. The former manor house was demolished to make way for the current French style chateau, which features some of the oldest Rococo revival interiors in England.
The beautiful gardens surrounding the house are a rare surviving example of the French formal style in England and were inspired by the gardens at Versailles. Covering an area of 150 acres, they encompass a pool, avenues, marble statues, fountains and a pavilion designed by Thomas Archer in 1710. Later on, a Chinese Pavilion and Bath House were added to the gardens, as well as a large Orangery built by Earl De Grey. The area surrounding the formal gardens was designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and consists of less formal woodlands and paths. A stroll through this area reveals a canal, more statues and follies as well as the De Grey family pet cemetery.
Now owned and maintained by English Heritage, Wrest Park is open to the public for tours of the house and gardens.
St. George’s Day Celebrations at Wrest Park
Wrest Park hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, but is perhaps best known for its St. George’s Day Festival, which is the largest of its kind in England. Taking place in late April, the gardens are transformed into festival grounds celebrating all things English in honour of St. George. The festivities last all weekend with activities and entertainment for the whole family.
For those with an interest in history, there is a replica Roman encampment and many other historical re-enactments taking place throughout the weekend, including an ear-popping demonstration of historic guns and weaponry used by British soldiers throughout the centuries.
Other events taking place during the festival include demonstrations on medieval falconry, archery competitions and equestrian displays. The knight’s tournament, complete with jousting, is a firm favourite with the crowds.
For the children, there are opportunities to try out traditional games, dress as knights and ladies, play in the bouncy castle or enjoy some storytelling at the children’s theatre. There is plenty of entertainment for adults as well, including crafts and food tents, a historic market and, of course, a pub selling the best English ales, as well as a food court serving other English delicacies such as fish and chips.
The grand finale of the festival is of course the dramatic re-enactment of St. George slaying the dragon. The main arena becomes the site of the unfortunately named village, Piddle-on-the-Green, whose inhabitants, a rather hapless bunch, are being terrorised by a dragon. Just when it looks as if all hope is lost, St. George rides to their rescue and slays the beast, much to the relief of the villagers. With his work done, the crowd can go home, satisfied that their patron saint has demonstrated his prowess in dragon slaying.
The St. George’s Day Celebration at Wrest Park is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a day out at beautiful historic grounds and experience first rate entertainment that will make you proud to be English, if only for just a day.
Information on Visiting the St. George’s Day Festival
Wrest Park is located in Silsoe in Bedfordshire off the A6, 10 miles south of Bedford. Details about Wrest Park, including opening times, ticket prices and festival dates are on the English Heritage website.
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