Couple's medieval marriage

6:30pm Monday 22nd September 2008

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A COUPLE who share a love of medieval history tied the knot in style this weekend.

Bride Pamela Blanden, 44, and groom Russell Bennett, 38, of Albion Road, Westcliff, got married on Saturday at the 14th century Southchurch Hall.

The entire wedding party wore period costume and were greeted by staff who also dressed up for the occasion.

Family and friends helped create costumes, as well as medieval thrones, banners and shields and Tudor-style portraits of the couple.

Pamela said: “We went to a Tudor day at Southchurch Hall and loved it. We wanted to do something unusual, not an everyday wedding, and spent 18 months getting everything ready.”

The bride’s green velvet and tapestry dress was handmade, while the groom’s and bridesmaids’ costumes came from the set of the Hollywood film the Other Boleyn Girl, courtesy of an agency in London.

Of course, the bride arrived by horse and carriage.

Rob Colby-Blake, guide at Southchurch Hall, was pleased to have an occasion to wear his Tudor costume, which he uses when schools visit the hall for Tudor days.

He said: “We have been holding weddings here for 10 years, so you would think a lot of people would do this kind of thing, but this is only the third such wedding and this couple have taken it quite seriously.

“The irony is that during the Tudor period weddings would not have been held here and in those days everyone married in church.”

The reception was held at the Anne Boleyn pub in Rochford.

The couple also installed a suit of armour and stocks for any unruly guests. A monk was also on hand to perform magic tricks and keep the guests entertained.