A blast to the very distant past
Recently opened by University of Guelph alumni Thomas Gofton, The Royal Garrison offers patrons the opportunity to step into the greaves of medieval warriors.
During the new establishment’s opening celebrations from Feb. 23 to 25, community members had the opportunity to try unique activities such as fencing, medieval-style combat, archery, axe-, knife-, and dart-throwing, and even javelin throwing.
The medieval martial arts theme was inspired by Gofton’s childhood obsession with the Arthurian legend.
In an interview with The Ontarion, Gofton said, “I’ve always been a big medieval nut. Everything I’ve done in life, from film to writing to whatever, has always led me to do some sort of fantasy or medieval setting.”
Hand-crafted medieval décor such as flags, stone walls, and wooden fences were used to transform the the former warehouse space.
“When this space opened up, I immediately thought of axe-throwing and archery, which is something that I used to do a lot of,” said Gofton. “The medieval garrison is sort of where the knights would train between their times drinking at the tavern.”
The name, The Royal Garrison, is a nod to Guelph’s nickname: The Royal City.
Gofton graduated from U of G with a B.A. in psychology, something that he claims has nothing to do with what he’s doing now.
“Except for dealing with people,” he added with a laugh.
On his experience studying at U of G, Gofton commented that it was fundamental to his entrepreneurial career path.
“Time management, friendship, confidence, team-building, all that stuff is an integral part of being in school,” commented Gofton. “That was actually the massive inspiration for me to have the confidence to be able to be an entrepreneur and be a big boy in the world.”
The Royal Garrison aims to appeal to guests of all ages, ranging from eight-year-old fencers just starting to learn, to middle-aged hunters getting in some target practice, to corporations and businesses organizing team-building exercises.
Feature photo by Karen K. Tran.