Knights in shining armour for Valentine lovers in Conwy

Feb 4 2010 North Wales Weekly News

IF YOU’VE ever wanted to be swept off your feet by a knight in shining armour – or even be that knight – then now’s the chance to fulfil your romantic dream!

The Knights Gone By shop in Conwy is renting out suits of armour to more imaginative lovers for Valentine’s Day this year.

The business, which began in 1999 as a small gift shop, has expanded to become one of the largest suppliers of armour in Europe.

For just £80 a week you can hire a full suit of Gothic armour, while for £100 you can rent a full suit of English armour.

Business owner Bryan Tunstall said: “The rental side of the business is doing well. Purchasing the same armour would set you back nearly £2,000!

“Our most famous rental was a suit of armour for DJ Scott Mills to wear in the recent TV adverts for his Radio 1 show.”

The strangest request the company’s received so far?

“It was probably to sponsor somebody with a suit of armour to run the Cardiff marathon,” explained Bryan.

“He broke the world record and had this confirmed by Guinness.

“Although, ITV West weatherman Bob Crampton wearing a full suit of armour to present the weather forecast on St George’s Day would be on a par with this!”

Suits of armour for marriage proposals are one of Knights Gone By’s more regular requests.

Bryan commented: “Most people pull out all the stops and hire a horse for the day as well.

“We’ve already taken a few bookings for Valentine’s Day proposals!”

So if you see a knight on his charger heading your way on February 14, you know that a marriage is in the offing – as long as the damsel accepts the proposal!