Medieval sport at the Royal Palace
Come to the Tre Kronor Museum and try pulling the stick, playing skittles, or shooting a 'popinjay' with pole archery. Jump the long jump – the medieval King Erik XIV's favorit sport.
In the medieval vaults below the basement of the Royal Palace, you can take part in three days of popular sports and games from the Middle Ages. Come and challenge each other to 'pull the stick', play skittles, jump the long jump or try a variant of 'popinjay shooting'.
Our guides, dressed in historical costume, will explain in a light-hearted way how balance, strength and speed were practised during the Middle Ages, and will show you how to play the various games.
No previous experience necessary.
MEDIEVAL SPORTS AND GAMES
Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th, and Friday 27th February at10:30–11:30 and 13:30–14:30
Location: Museum Three Crowns, accessed via Norrbro.
The activity takes about 50 minutes, and is suitable for children aged 6–12. The activity cost 50 SEK, excluded the ordinary entry ticket. The palace ticket also gives entry to the Royal Apartments the same date. There is an image hunt for children at the Royal Apartments. The Palace is open 10:00–16:00.
Top image: "Popinjay shooting" in the medieval cellars of the Royal Palace.
During three weekdays, week 9 sport break school holiday in Stockholm, there will be an activity for children at The Palace's medieval Museum Three Crowns. Photo: Michael Steinberg
'Popinjay shooting', is a form of archery which probably originated in France, before spreading to the Nordic cities during the Middle Ages. Pole archery involved a parrot-like figure being placed on a high pole, with competitors trying to shoot it down. Image from A Description of the Northern Peoples by Olaus Magnus.
Strengthening the body through exercise and practising speed, strength and balance were important in the mediaeval world. Photo: Michael Steinberg
The medieval King Gustav Vasa trained his sons in sports, and Erik (XIV) was really good in long jump. Painting of Erik XIV by Steven van der Meulen. Photo: Nationalmuseum