Blow's Downs Heritage Trail - Post 2
Alongside the poem below, written by a Beech Hill Primary School student, you will find the second letter of the anagram, continue along the trail to find and collect the other letters and see if you can rearrange them to reveal the mystery word.
Poem by a Beech Hill Primary School student
Heritage Trail Map
You are currently at number 2 on the trail map; Jeans Way.
Follow the footpath to find post number 3, or scroll down to find some more information about Jeans Way.
Jeans Way
In Medieval times Dunstable was one of England’s four main centres for knightly tournaments, it is likely that they took place right where you are standing now. Mêlées weren’t the same as the jousting tournaments of Tudor times; Instead, they were mock battles fought over a large area. Mêlée organisers divided the ‘armies’ into two separate settlements, which then led mass charges while spectators watched from the stands. The fight would then spread out into numerous running battles. Historic documents note that a Dunstable tournament in 1309 had around 250 knights taking part.
Credit: Clickcreative
Th tournament was attended by Sir William la Zouche under the Earl of Warwick’s banner. Also in attendance was Sir Giles Argentein who was considered one of the greatest knights in Europe. The register of the 1334 tournament includes a mysterious ‘Sir Lionel’ who was almost certainly King Edward III.
With special thanks to David Turner, a previous volunteer of BCN, for sharing his extensive research with us.
Today this area is managed for wildlife. The Wildlife Trust BCN has worked very hard to turn this from an ex-arable field into the wildflower meadow it is today. Further information about this part of the reserve can be found on the nearby interpretation boards.
Credit: Clickcreative
