Falconry was a favourite sport of medieval kings. David suggests that the man who lived in the falconer's house on Pilgrim's Way may have had the care of some of the royal birds. The pilgrims may even have watched him at work training some of the young birds, before they were permitted to fly for their royal master. Falconry, which involves using trained falcons and hawks to hunt other birds and small animals, has been practised since ancient times in the Middle East. It was introduced from Europe to Britain in Saxon times and was a favourite pastime of Norman, Tudor and Stuart kings and nobility. The birds used in the sport include the long-winged peregrine. Flown in open country, it swoops on its prey from a great height and with lethal speed. When "swooping" on its prey it is believed to be the fastest creature--having been timed at 150 miles an hour. Short-winged birds, such as the hobby, the kestrel and the merlin, perch on the falconer's gloved fist or a tree branch and take off at great speed once they see their prey. The bird are "hooded" until they are ready to work.