THE SUNDAY SNAP

A trip back in time at Cardiff Castle, and a glimpse into the future with History, Etc

On Saturday afternoon we stood in lovely spring sunshine outside a pub across the road from Cardiff Castle. An hour earlier we’d watched a faintly ridiculous rugby match, in which Italy, the international game’s eternal underdogs, defeated the home team, Wales, with the last kick of the game. There were some long faces as 70,000 fans wandered off into what was left of the weekend. But I never feel too glum when I can smell a castle. Particularly Cardiff’s, with its wild blend of authentic medieval architecture amid outrageous nineteenth century confection.

Anyway, when I came home I went down a Cardiff Castle wormhole, looking for bits of its history we overlooked in the episode of Secrets of Great British Castles. Thus I came across a series of photos from the 1931 Cardiff Castle Pageant - or to give its full title, the Fete and Pageant in Cardiff Castle in Aid of the Students’ War Memorial Union. Part of the entertainments, which occurred on June 23rd of that year, were a series of historical re-enactments. This picture shows the Emperor Constantine addressing his troops, with the medieval keep in the background.

Here’s a summary of what happened in that tableau:

A dispatch rider brings news that the Emperor Constantine will soon arrive. The legionnaires pour out of their quarters and assemble. Constantine rides in at the head of his escort, and the Prefect, Postumius Varus, advances to pay loyal homage. He gives a speech, in Latin, saluting the Emperor. Constantine and his aides dismount, and proceed to the tribunal. The Emperor addresses a few words to the assembled legionnaires, reminding them of their prowess under his father, and exhorts them to loyalty to himself and the Empire. They are dismissed, and trumpets are sounded, before the whole of the assembled troops give the Imperial Salute. Constantine rides out slowly with his cavalcade, and the troops return to their quarters. The Herald announces the passing of six centuries, and the arrival of the Danes.

(For more detail, see here.)

It must have been quite fun, I think.

This week on History, Etc, there’ll be news of the next book in my collaboration with Marina Amaral - and a chance to win an original colorised image by Marina. There’ll be a subscribers-only discussion thread on Wednesday and the podcast on Friday. As well as more (mostly) medieval content.

Thanks so much to everyone who subscribes - you guys are the best. If you’d like to join the gang, just click here.

I’ll see you tomorrow.

Dan x