Bonfire night passed with some very loud bangs emanating from the parks area, but this didn't move us to go out or watch from the attic. It wasn't such a good day for me, festive eating paying me back as I feared it would. Nevertheless, there was an interesting programme to watch, reconstructed the huge fireworks party arranged by the Earl of Dudley at Kenilworth Castle when he was wooing Queen Elizabeth the First. Those ruins are familiar to us, as we often go past when we take a family walk up there). A contemporary record gives a plan for the display, and other books of the period record the required know-how for different kinds of firework making.
It was presented by historian Lucy Worsley and materials scientist and enthusiast Zoe Laughlin who attempted to reproduce sixteenth century fireworks recipes with original materials as far as possible, the only exception being the use of modern electrical remote detonation mechanisms, for safety's sake. She has a series of her own about the materials which make our modern world what it is. For the most part, the live firework display that climaxed the programme was a success. Many of those invited to watch wore period reenactment costumes, except for Zoe, who appeared in her all black garb throughout the show. A timeless, stylish and striking contrast. As the 'engineer' of the key element of the reenactment, it was quite appropriate, I thought.
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