See The War Of The Roses Recreated At Barnet Medieval Festival

See re-creations of the War of the Roses battle.

Barnet. Famous as a terminus of the Northern line; and widely deployed as a slang term for haircuts. But it’s got some proper serious history going on, too.

A throne was won on Barnet’s lofty slopes. It was here, on Easter Sunday 1471, that Edward of York saw off the Lancastrian forces, all but securing his future as Edward IV. The Battle of Barnet is seen as one of the most important battles of medieval England, and it happened right here, within what is now Greater London’s borders.

Every year, the good citizens of Barnet put on a big shindig to celebrate their manor’s momentous past. The 2026 Barnet Medieval Festival takes place on 6-7 June and promises to be a spectacle for all the family. As well as battle recreation, you can also see archery and cannon demonstrations, medieval artwork, mounted knights in combat and… well, we might as well just drop the flyer in:

Sadly (though perhaps wisely) the battle won’t rage throughout the town, nor on the prime battle site in Hadley Green. Instead the action takes place at the wonderful Lewis of London farm — famous for its ice cream cafe — on Galley Lane. It’s a bit of a schlep if you’re coming from afar, perhaps a 45-minute walk from the Tube station. But there is a shuttle bus from the Spires shopping centre, and parking is available on site for those who drive.

The Battle of Barnet memorial, a little north-east of the festival site, in Hadley Green. Image Matt Brown

Although the main action is at the ice cream farm, a walk through central Barnet will also turn up plenty of nods to the battle. Look out for the 90-or-so medieval banners, fitted to lamp posts and hanging in the Spires shopping centre (photo above from 2023). The pennants were created by volunteers at the Museum of Barnet, and are based on the heraldic devices used by combatants in the battle. The town even has a commemorative bench or two:

Image: Matt Brown

The main event is organised by the Barnet Medieval Festival Committee. Tickets are available on the gate or in advance at £10 for adults, £5 for teens (children free). Parking is available. While you’re in the area, check out the whalebone arch, or go hunting for fairy doors.