A Day in the Life of a Female Jouster

Nicky Willis was Britain’s first female jouster and a much-loved performer at many of our events. We were fortunate enough to meet Nicky in 2017, when she explained what drove her to compete in the traditionally male world of jousting, and how she prepared herself to take on this challenge. Sadly, Nicky has since passed away, but we will always be grateful to her and her family for allowing us to share her experiences of bringing history to life through her passion for jousting.
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[@fleurcluistra2649]

I want to become a jouster in the future... She is very inspiring for people like me... My only problem is that I don't know if it's possible to become a jouster in Holland....

[@sunnmringenriksheim7812]

Arne Koets one of the greatest jousters come from Netherland. I thing it is possible. ;-)

[@knucker4931]

It's high time jousting was an Olympic sport!
Well done Nicky.

[@dawnqwerty]

Knucker maybe x games?

[@ArmourArtist]

well there was a joust at the 1936 olympics but I think it was just for show and not a real contest.

[@thessie]

I never met you Nicky but I know the ripples of your work everywhere I go now. Rest in peace, fantastic lady.

[@mashbury]

R I P Nicky .. you are sadly missed.. ride on Big Bird ..

[@aiai-j7i]

Amaaazing! I would love to see this in person! SO cool!

[@francisalanbeattie4458]

Well done.

[@jozebutinar44]

I want to joust too where can i sign in?

[@konsueloramirez]

Joze Butinar how is your comment 3 days old if they posted the video a minute ago?

[@papamuerte5752]

Ser Brienne of Tarth I salute you!

[@dannytwells3321]

Not all Angel's have wings.. she loved and lived each day R.I.P

[@funda298]

RIP Nicky xxx

[@recoyetiskin1155]

Ottoman flag my favourite

[@UnAshamed2010]

Are there other female jousters?

[@alexb8783]

Yes there are! Obviously no events last year, but there's many female jousters in competition and display events now.

[@gabrielreichert5362]

That isn't a woman

[@slimetank394]

Clearly you have the authority to dictate people's gender

[@emmanuelgoldstein3682]

@@slimetank394 Authority derived from sight and hearing.

[@mitchrils]

Watched Nicky joust at Pendennis castle. It's very fun to watch. She even signed my flag!

[@EnglishHeritage]

+XPR Mitch Amazing!

[@harkrishangour7854]

XPR Mitchlovk

[@glamazon6172]

I'm a lady and I jousted in my 20s. We weren't quite as intense but it is thrilling regardless! I've since retired and moved on to eventing with my draft horses.

[@markpearson6997]

I remember a female jouster back in 2007-2010 called Demelza who was great

[@infowolf1]

Henry the 8th wouldn't have put out such a decree unless women were jousting.

[@alalalala57]

Yep. The law is there probably because someone was doing it and he didn't like it. Party pooper.

[@ArmourArtist]

Yer I'm more interested in why they felt that they needed to ban it.

[@icecream_philosopher]

it should be skill, not your gender, that garners you respects

[@dorel2625]

I must see her joust live now! Amazing- she is so skilled

[@mildlyspicy7850]

she is so cool! ^^

[@eaglebreath5]

Three cheers for Nicky. Hip hip hooray hip hip hooray hip hip hooray.

[@sherriecosmo]

Wowser!!! Never knew there were women jousters!

[@emiliomagro4216]

The great courage of this amazing lady

[@cheyannerockett8870]

Is there anywhere to get lessons like jousting needs more of recognition. It has so much skill.

[@nathaniel4334]

Very cool.

[@konsueloramirez]

second!

[@konsueloramirez]

1:14 sunglasses are not from that era!

[@mitchrils]

She is not a historical reenactor.

[@eklctc1Kng1arrw]

She is a Pimp-Shades-Wearing time traveler

[@OUTBOUND184]

Not sure this is historically accurate...