This is a charming little blue and white jug by Royal Doulton dating to the late 1930s. It was probably made as a cenetenary commemorative relating to the original 1839 Eglinton Tournament.
The 1839 tournament was a lavish medieval jousting re-enactment held at Eglinton Castle in North Ayrshire, Scotland. It was famously disrupted and largely ruined by torrential rain and the sodden knights had to return home by train from the newly opened Irvine railway station.
The three-day tournament was organised by Archibald Montgomerie, 14th Earl of Eglinton. The event attracted a total of 100,000 spectators all arriving unexpectedly with free tickets (only 4000 were expected). It was certainly a rather shambolic and overly large gathering for that corner of Ayrshire in early Victorian Scotland! But all trials were undertaken with great humour and tolerance. Of all the proposed participants only 14 knights actually turned up to take part in the organised jousting events. The opening parade featured only 40 people.
It is ironic that such a large event was to be covered hundred years later on this small Doulton Jug but a celebration of the event 100 years later is not without interest. The words Eglinton Tournament appears on the interior of the spout.
I hope for an exhibition relating the bi-centennary of the event in 2039. I know that recently some of the original shields left behind by the knights have been found.
Dimensions. from base to top of spout is 5 1/2 inches. Diameter 4 1/2 inches. From handle to spout is 6 1/2 inches. Diameter of base 3 inches. My jug is in excellent condtion with no damages. Nice and clean.
The wee jug will be sent to you with Royal Mail Tracked post. This will be applied to your order at the checkout.