Visitors to Longleat this half-term will be able to watch birds of prey soar across the skies in a spectacle inspired by a centuries-old tradition stretching back to the estate’s earliest days.
The Wiltshire attraction is set to host daily flying displays as part of its Close Encounters Live programme, reviving interest in the falconry heritage established by Sir John Thynne more than 450 years ago.
Sir John, who completed the building of Longleat House in 1580, is known to have brought falcons to the estate as early as 1555, with historical records revealing the scale of care and expense involved in keeping the prized hunting birds.
Among the most remarkable species flown at Longleat was the gyrfalcon — the world’s largest falcon — a bird so valuable in the 16th century that contemporary accounts described it as being worth more than any other.
Emma Challinor said Sir John and his falconers kept several types of birds of prey, each chosen for different hunting skills.
“They were highly prized for their stately looks and ability to hunt large prey and were an expensive bird to obtain,” she said, referencing historical records from Tudor falconry texts.
Longleat’s archives show that falconry extended well beyond hunting, with hawks and falcons exchanged as prestigious gifts between noble families to strengthen political and social alliances.
Letters preserved at Longleat reveal correspondence between Sir John Thynne and Thomas Howard discussing gifts of hawks and falcons during the 1560s.
Historical accounts also detail the costs of maintaining the birds, including leather collars, hoods, bells and specially constructed mews — buildings used to house birds of prey.
Sir John’s son later continued the tradition, commissioning a new mews in 1589, while falconers remained employed at the estate into the early 18th century.
The modern-day displays will form part of Close Encounters Live, running from 23 to 31 May and included within standard admission.
Guests can expect to see a variety of species including owls, hawks, kites and eagles, while organisers hope weather conditions will also allow a lanner falcon named Scuttle to take part.
Scott Ashman said the event would give visitors an insight into the skills and behaviours of different birds.
“This exclusive show features our keepers who will be sharing information on the speed, stamina and unique adaptations of a range of different birds each day,” he said.
Four displays are planned daily in the Events Arena at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3pm and 4.30pm, with entry available on a first-come, first-served basis.
