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by Ellie
Buchdahl

The medieval tradition of the Christmas
kissing bough has been revived at Dover Castle, and King Henry II
was quick to take advantage of it.

He and his son's bride-to-be, Princess
Alais of France, were caught having a festive encounter under the
mistletoe in the castle's Great Tower.

In Medieval times, girls would wait under the
mistletoe and collect a berry from every swain who kissed them.

The King and Princess are
among the characters who will be brought to life at the
castle in the festive season.

In the King’s Hall visitors can pucker up
under the giant bough which has been specially made for
the occasion by leading London florist Jamie Aston.

The globe of woven willow, evergreen,
mistletoe and apples measures more than one metre in diameter and
weighing more than 10 kg, filling the hall with Christmassy smells
and lights from its flickering candles.

Those who fancy a royal pampering in the
aftermath of Christmas can join the King again from December 27 to
31, when he will name a Lord of Misrule two or three times a day.
There will also be stories, songs, dancing and singing throughout
the festive season.

Full story in this week's Dover Mercury.

Visit
www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/dover-castle