Falconry

Falconry is an ancient "sport of kings". Widely practised in the Middle Ages, it has fallen out of favor in recent decades, thanks mainly to the expense of maintaining a collection, or mews, of birds. The relentless urbanization of our cities and towns has also led to an overall reduction in the number of predatory birds, and those birds that remain extant have by necessity learned to mistrust mankind.

Falconry in the Middle Ages

Falconry was a popular pastime in medieval England, and in Europe more generally. No nobleman's castle would have been deemed complete without at least one mews, and the office of court falconer was a highly esteemed position.

Falconry today

Falconry is rarely practiced in this modern age, due to its expense and the dedication required to train a bird.

Applecot, H.W. "Falconing". In Fun for Boys, 1931.

Greer, S. The Boys' Book of Outside Pastimes. Scribner's: New York, 1892.