The 2001 film “A Knight’s Tale,” directed by Brian Helgeland and starring Heath Ledger, takes significant creative liberties with the medieval sport of jousting, according to Patricia Cross of Mason.

However, according to Patricia and her husband Matt Cross, the film's portrayal of jousting as a thrilling spectator sport rings true based on their own participation in the sport.

Their journey into the world of simulated medieval combat began during their college years at Worcester Polytechnical Institute, where they were both pursuing degrees in software engineering. It was there that they first encountered historical reenactment after attending a meeting of the Society for Creative Anachronism, where they saw demonstrations of medieval -style mounted combat.

"It was the coolest thing I had ever seen in my life," Patricia said.

She knew the name of an SCA member, to whom she enthusiastically inquired about how to get started in the SCA. According to Patricia, his first question was, "Well, do you ride?"

She didn't, but she was determined.

“Since we were both software engineers with no kids," she explained, "I went home and took lessons three days a week for a year."

Her commitment paid off, enabling her to handle not only the horse but also the prop weapons used in historical reenactment. Soon after, she acquired her own horse and began actively participating in SCA events.

Matt, initially less inclined toward historical re-creation, eventually caught the bug after seeing Patricia's immersion in the hobby. He acquired a horse around 2000, marking the beginning of their involvement in the SCA’s community.

For over 25 years, the Crosses have dedicated themselves to historical re-creation. They moved to Mason in 2004 for more space to care for and train their horses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they seized the opportunity to build a custom property on Chestnut Hill Road, designed to accommodate their horses and the unique demands of their hobby. One side of the house is the living space, the garage is in the middle and the stables are on the other side of the garage, big enough for the horse trailer

The couple emphasized that what they do, from jousting to other types of mounted combat, is a true sport. The competitors are scored for their performance and nothing is scripted. The goal is not to strike an opponent but to shatter the lance on their shield, demonstrating skill and accuracy. Competitors earn points based on the number and location of lance impacts, ensuring a fair and challenging contest.

Matt and Patricia wear full plate-armor costumes when competing. Many of their armor pieces, such as the helmet, gauntlets and shield, are custom-made by SCU-affiliated armorers. The chest and torso armor is made out of an ABS plastic, which is a bit lighter and more versatile while remaining sturdy and protective.

The weapons used are wooden lances capped by foam tips to simulate impact without causing harm.

Events extend beyond jousting to include mounted sword-fighting and archery, all part of the SCA’s array of competitive events known as "skill at arms." These competitions emphasize precision, providing participants and spectators alike with a glimpse into a bygone era when such contests entertained nobility.

“[Jousting] was used as a way for elites to show off to other elites,” Patricia said.

The SCA hosts events just about every weekend throughout the summer. The public is allowed at SCA events, but spectators must make a reasonable attempt to come in costume and pay a site fee. The Crosses have also performed at the NH Renaissance Festival.

According to the Crosses, the historical re-creation community grows and shrinks with the economy. There are currently about 3,000 members across the US. Only about 70 of those members work with horses, while others portray other types of non-mounted combat.

For information on the Society for Creative Anachronism, visit sca.org.