The Re-Enactor Issue 26, February 2011
Mary Arden’s Farm, Near Stratford, England http://houses.shakespeare.org.uk/mary-ardens-house.html
Readership 1242
Greetings All Welcome to issue 26 of the Re-Enactor, Now read in 31 different countries! Thank you to everyone who entered last month’s 2 competitions, they were the 2 most entered so far! Congratulations to Mike & Simon for winning, the prizes will be on the way to you both shortly. I have 2 new competitions this month with 5 books up for grabs-See the competition page for more details. If anyone knows of an author who would like to supply a book in return for lots of free advertising and publicity please ask them to get in contact. If any traders would like to put up a competition prize in exchange for as much advertising space as they want please do get in contact. As always, I am still on the lookout for more groups, traders, event details, stories, articles and reports. Please contact me at the normal email address with details!
Jason.okeefe@btopenworld.com
Features This Month 1: Graham Ashford: Getting started! 2: Competitions. 3: Invite: Towton Battlefield Society. 4: Haversack article: Keith Burgess 5: Invite: The Tournament at Walraversijde 6: Event Listings 7: The Great Expedition by Nick Wynn
Competitions: All competitions are free to enter Winners will be selected at random on the 24th of each month for the relevant competition. Winners will be notified via email shortly after the draw takes place. No correspondence will be entered into. The editor’s decision is final. The views and opinions expressed in the articles in this ezine are those of the individual authors themselves and not those of the Editor
Getting started by Graham Ashford My redundancy from IT just over two years ago allowed me to reassess what I wanted to do for a living, gave me some of the means to be able to go some of the way to afford any dramatic changes and gave me plenty of time to consider the options. I had been a hobbyist metal worker for about ten years; mostly in spits and spurts of work depending upon how understanding my wife was being, cash and time off. Throughout this time I was able to equip the workshop/shed reasonably well and discovered I had a sympathetic enough wife each time I wanted to go and visit the scrap yard or second hand tool shops. With the redundancy I wondered about whether or not I could turn the hobby into a new career as I was a good way there in materials already and simply needed to get going, or so I thought. Looking back I would probably have advised myself not to start and remain in IT! The experience of starting almost any business, regardless of industry, has to be brought about with a lot of planning, thought, strategy, marketing and more than any of these a big pile of good fortune and close support from friends and family. It did not take me long to realise that to be even remotely competitive in my chosen markets I needed to be a lot more skilled and faster at what I did than I was then able. I discovered, to my amazement, that no one was going to pay a middle aged, ex IT guy any money while they also apprenticed him; in fact they wanted me to pay them! This threw a considerable spanner in the works and brings me to the point of this little story. As mentioned a lot has to be in the right place to start any venture or expand an already successful concern and training is probably one of the most key parts to any starting or expanding business. But, proper training can cost considerable sums of money; something usually in short supply when starting a business. I was fortunate enough to start training under Master Armour Dave Hewitt at White Rose Armoury, but soon realised that the costs of travel, accommodation and the training would be more than I could support each month whilst also starting a business. I failed to find any support for this manner of work through any of the normal channels. Not sure where else to try I wrote to the Heritage Craft Association’s Facebook page and they, very quickly, informed me of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust. A trust designed to support training for people already in a heritage style job. Unlike the applications for things like the lottery fund, the forms were very straight forward and to the point. What you would want the money for, what would it gain you and a breakdown of how much you would like amongst others. Shortly after applying I received an invite for an interview in their offices in London. Taking armour to show them up on the train was a bit of a challenge, especially as it was one of the hottest days of the year. The interview whilst formal was relaxed and more of a chat about what I did, would plan to do and how the money would help my business. Thirty minutes later I was in a cab on my way to the Wallace Collection wondering how the interview had gone; it was a very slick process. As with most of us at interviews I suspected it had been a disaster and knew I had not managed to get any of my important points across clearly. A few weeks later, it was like examine time all over again as the QEST envelope arrived informing me that my application had been successful and the Trust was happy to support my training. This assistance from HCA and QEST has been some of the more instrumental aids in getting my business started. Both groups actively support our heritage and are organisations well
worth looking into to both see if you can offer support and understand what levels of support they may be able to offer you, either as a hobbyist, business or everything in between. I hope this is genuinely useful to you as we seek to continue looking after, displaying and understanding our heritage and history. http://www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/ http://www.qest.org.uk/ http://www.whiterosearmoury.com/ Kindest regards Graham Ashford http://www.greenleaf-workshop.co.uk/
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF GAIUS PETRONIUS MERVA By George Saqqal Available to purchase now in trade paperback form at US$17,95 or electronic form at US$7.50 from my web site: http://www.3mpub.com/saqqal/
Competition one First Citizen Emperor tells the story of Emperor Nero coming of age in the middle of his reign, the high water mark of the Julio-Claudians. These first five Emperors: Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero were all related by blood. They had all inherited the throne because of family ties. It was an informal, vulnerable method of succession. If the system ever broke down, Rome would be plunged into bloody civil war.
To be in with a chance of winning a copy of this novel visit http://www.mossynoecy.com/first-citizen-emperor/ and answer this simple question: Q: What years are covered in this book?
Competition two THE TIME TRAVELLER'S GUIDE TO MEDIEVAL ENGLAND A HANDBOOK FOR VISITORS TO THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY The past is a foreign country - this is your guidebook. Imagine you could travel in time, back to the fourteenth century. What would you see? What would you smell? More to the point, where are you going to stay? Should you go to a castle or a monastic guest house? And what are you going to eat? What sort of food are you going to be offered by a peasant or a monk or a lord?
I have 4 signed copies of this excellent book to give away, just visit http://www.ianmortimer.com/ and answer this simple question: Q: Complete the title of another of Ian’s books, “The dying and …………”? Send your answers for both competitions to my email address along with your full postal address before February 24th to be in with a chance of winning! Email: Jason.okeefe@btopenworld.com
The International Living History Fair February 25th – 27th 2011
*New Venue*
History Boot Camp April 2nd & 3rd 2011 Frederic Osborn School, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England http://www.sfosborn.herts.sch.uk/
Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, England. http://www.bruntingthorpe.com/
Last year saw 28 seminars and 26 traders.
www.pikeandshot.com
www.history-boot-camp.co.uk
Olde England Presents A Victorian Fete 10th & 11th June 2011
Midland History Festival 6th & 7th June 2011
This is your chance to learn a new skill or teach a skill to fellow re-enactors in a very The international Living History Fair relaxed atmosphere. exists to provide a market place, a meeting place and a fabulous opportunity for all, Most Seminars are free visitors and re-enactors alike, to meet and £23.00 for the weekend discuss all periods of our historical past. Large flat field, indoor accommodation Many of Europe’s best artisans, craftsmen available, hot showers, proper toilets, and traders are on hand happy to advise subsidised bar and good food. on and provide a huge array of items and No Ninja Squirrels! replicas of our historical heritage
Templecombe, Somerset, England
Ragley Hall, Alcester, England http://www.ragleyhall.com/
A Neo-Victorian Medieval Fete and A multi-period event, Roman through to campout where Steampunk gets to go WWII medieval, Victorian style. Large Living History displays Historical Craft Market Weekend ticket: £40.00 Battlefield and small arena Saturday ticket: £25.00 (includes evening) Archery, Man-at-arms competitions Sunday public day: £5.00 Trolls Bottom re-enactors bar Forge work demonstration Lots to see and do all weekend including Falconry Victorian cuisine, scrapheap challenge, Craft Marquee medieval men-at-arms competitions, historical dance, steam organ, music and 10% of profit to Royal British legion burlesque. www.olde-england.co.uk
www.mid-fest.co.uk
Haversack/Habersack or not to Havresac ? For a long time now there has been some conflict of opinion in regards to the haversack having been used by civilians. I have always maintained that such an item, once used to carry oats for horses from as far back as at least the Crusades, must have been used by civilians at one time or another. So for those of you who are not military, and wish to use a haversack, here is the documentation you need to justify using “The Haversack”. The English called it a Haversack, the French a Havresac, and the Germans a Habersack. All three names mean the same thing, an oats bag. Somewhere along the line this bag got used to carry food for soldiers, and because there are good records kept regarding military matters, then there is more information pertaining to the use of the haversack by soldiers than anyone else. However, once I started going back in time to the medieval period and beyond, I soon found that there was more than one bag matching the description of the haversack, and these bags tended to take on the name, related to their use. Some of these bags are: the Pilgrim’s Bag, Foraging or Forage Bag, Sack Bag, Bread Bag, Pocky. This style could also be known as a Beggar’s Bag, and probably more names that I have not yet found. All these bags follow the same style, some large and some smaller, some with flaps and some with no flap, some with buttons closure, and some without buttons and finally some with what appears to be a slit opening near the top of the bag, on the outside. In the following pictures and quotes you will be able to see for yourself that soldiers, militia, and civilians from all walks of life used these bags, by whatever name.
Note that this 1750 French Havresac looks similar to the period satchel.
1636ad. This bag shown attached to waist.
th
Late 18 century. Dr Syntax’s servant wears a haversack.
MILITIA. “powderhorn, bullet pouch to contain 40 leaden balls, knapsack, canteen, a firearm of good worth, a haversack, a belt, a good pair of overalls.” (Boston Gazette May 26, 1777)
1672-1708. The Bear Leader. This picture clearly shows the bear leader wearing a haversack or the same type of bag as the haversack.
Dated 1737, this knife grinder uses a haversack or similar, with what looks like a slit opening.
1. John Short, Violent Theft > highway robbery; George Thomas, Violent Theft > highway robbery, 2nd July 1746. ... you find them above Ground? West. They were in a Haversack in a Handkerchief under the Hedge, in a Bush, a Piece of green Grass over them: That Gentleman, Mr. Terry, discharg'd one of them in the Field. Court ... Nightingale. Yes, my Lord; please you, my Lord, he told me of the Haversack and Handkerchief, and every Thing; he told us they were Pieces made out of Muskets, before ever we saw them . http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/search.jsp?form=searchHomePage&_divs_fulltext=haversac k&_persNames_surname=&_persNames_given=&_persNames_alias=&_offences_offenceCa tegory_offenceSubcategory=violentTheft%7ChighwayRobbery&_verdicts_verdictCategory_
verdictSubcategory=&_punishments_punishmentCategory_punishmentSubcategory=&_divs _div0Type_div1Type=&fromMonth=&fromYear=1674&toMonth=&toYear=1750&ref=&su bmit.x=43&submit.y=12
This lantern merchant clearly uses a large haversack type bag.
the prepared throne, you can see the open book of the Sacred Scriptures (symbol of the presence of God awaiting the Final Judgement), Adam, Eve and the Angels are all kneeling with smaller angels – 5) above the door: The Archangel Michael weighs the souls with scales and the Devil puts those who belong to him in his haversack http://www.initalytoday.com/veneto/venice/torcello.htm
At least a couple of haversacks can be seen in this picture which I believe to be civilian French militia, late 17th century to early 18th century. Certainly there seems to be no uniforms.
In 1885 he made the acquaintance of Monticelli. The two artists wandered through Provence on foot, haversacks on their backs, http://www.serdar-hizli-art.com/modern_painting/cezanne_paul.htm
These 15th century pictures show two different haversack type Pilgrim bags.
HISTORY AND UTILIZATION Beagle is the oldest hunting-dog breed and belongs to the smallest boodle hounds. Name "beagle" is deduced from a word "small" (celtic "beag", oldenglish "begle", oldfrench "beigh"). There are notations in books about so-called dwarfish beagles, which used to be carried by hunters in haversacks on horses. “Boone supposedly carried Jerk and Johnny cakes by the Haversack full, if I could find the exact reference... (Draper)” http://www.oldetoolshop.com/trekking/library/foods.html
Another type of haversack type bag which appears to have pouches attached.
"farmers," "yeomen," or "husbandmen;" "shopkeepers," "fishermen," "labourers;" clothing, haversacks, and blankets were served out to them “Parkman, Francis, Montcalm and Wolfe 1823-1893.
http://infomotions.com/etexts/gutenberg/dirs/1/4/5/1/14517/14517.htm Minute Men. “a powderhorn, a bullet pouch to contain 40 leaden balls, a knapsack, a canteen, a firearm of good worth, a haversack, a belt, a good pair of overalls.” (Boston Gazette May 26, 1777)
1806. Houndsman wearing a haversack.
”It should also be watched that the men bring good Arms and Accouterments, Blanket, Haversack and Knapsack at their own expense.” 1776.
And potatoes were a common crop. We know that because hungry German mercenaries scavenged for spuds in the field where many were to be slain the next day, even, said witnesses, tying off the ankles of trousers and filling them with the tubers when their forage bags were full. http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/features/fraser/story.html?id=1dd7a18c-9086-448697ef-f90b01fae970
Two “Beggar’s Bags” joined on a medalian. Geuzen medal by Jacques Jonghelinck, cast silver, original gilt, 1566 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geuzen_medals
FORAGE BAGS.
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=BrE3yA2emYC&pg=PA31&lpg=PA31&dq=FORAGE+bag%2B17th+century&source=web &ots=4yHIg-sIBC&sig=s2pVukPTzEgiajKc0yTS-SAyXU&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result#PPA31,M1
FORAGE, FOOD BAGS ETC. http://books.google.com.au/books?id=54vrDNXJAMgC&pg=PA20&lpg=PA20&dq=forage+ bag&source=web&ots=U5hIMm8X3l&sig=Isyy_cAIw0cPH08E67SdoewxuCk&hl=en&sa= X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result http://groups.msn.com/ReenactingtheMiddleAges/forsale.msnw?action=get_message&mvie w=0&ID_Message=517&LastModified=4675616685675603216 http://caergalen.org/pipermail/sca-list_caergalen.org/2006-November/003489.html http://cailin.blox.pl/html http://www.realgeek.com/forums/bill-gates-should-dragged-hung-84712-2.html http://bagorama.blogspot.com/2006/06/pilgrims-bag.html http://www.ushistory.org/carpentershall/history/pa.htm http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/9154/Joemodeling/packframe.html
COPYRIGHT KEITH H. BURGESS. 31/8/08 MSF 2007, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia. My thanks to Keith for allowing me to reprint this fascinating article
The Tournament of Walraversijde The 30 and 31 ofJuly 2011 Organised by v.z.w. “Het Gruuthuse Huishouden” First of all, we would like to thank all the re-enactors who came to the tournament the last 2 years. It was a successfully 1st and 2nd edition. The re-enactors and the public loved the whole event, so in 2011 we organise it again.
So, Noble and redoubted knights, honoured and gentle squires, craftsmen, musicians, dancers and jesters. the very noble Lord Louis of Gruuthuse, Lord of Bruges and Earl of Winchester, my very redoubted Lord, greets you, and has charged me to deliver these invitations to each and one of you.
We would appreciate if you and your entourage could join us again for the tournament, which will be held on the 30 and 31th of July 2011 at the Walraversijde, Ostend, Flanders, Belgium The highlights on the program: *Opening of the camp with a huge ceremony *Combat for knights on foot with swords, daggers, spears and pole arms *Combat for squires on foot with swords, daggers, spears and pole arms *Archery tournament on a course with different targets *Mêlée, Demonstrations, Craftsmen, Market, Living History, Cooking,... Every tournament will have his winner and shall be awarded with a price. Prices are *Knights champion *Squire champion note the winner of the squires tournament will have the chance to show his skills and participate in the knights tournament on Sunday *Archery champion *Best camp And many more
Only re-enactors and traders, doing the medieval 15th century in authentic equipment, and with a confirmed invitation form, will be allowed on site. People who don’tt have a confirmed invitation will be asked to go away We want this to be a top event, I think you all understand. It is possible to camp on site from Tuesday 27th July until Monday the 1st of August I truly hope to see all of you at the tournament. To inscribe your self and your group please visit our website at www.gruuthuse.be If you have any questions, then feel free to contact us on frederiek.de.smeyter@gmail.com Frederiek De Smeyter President and Captain of The Gruuthuse Household Phone: 0032(0)486/881386 (*)Only authentic tents will be allowed!!!
info@gruuthuse.be
or
Artifest 2011 Pennsylvania USA
in
Allentown,
The second annual Artifest, sponsored by the Museum of Indian Culture, will take place June 11th and 12th, 2011, on Museum grounds, in the beautiful Lehigh Parkway in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This year, the Museum of Indian Culture celebrated its 30th year anniversary. To kick-off the celebration, the museum hosted its first ever multi-cultural event, Artifest 2010, featuring live performances and exhibits by Native Americans, African-Americans, Asian Indians, Australians, Colombians, Mexican, Moravians, Pennsylvania Dutch, and many more. Visitors overwhelmingly agreed that Artifest 2010 was truly remarkable. “One moment you are entwined in Shakespearean parody, then the next you find yourself on stage hoola hooping!” Artifest 2011 is currently inviting performers from all cultures and ethnicities to participate. If interested, please fill out the performer application by emailing interest to info@museumofindianculture.org, or by visiting the event website at http://artifest.intuitwebsites.com/
The Grumpy Olde Archers In Assoc. with Marks hall Estate
April 9th & 10th 2011 Marks Hall estate Coggeshall England A weekend of archery including clout, wand and popinjay shoots. Medieval Market & living history encampment In aid of Help for Heroes All shoot and pitch fees to charity
The Battle of Mortimer’s Cross 550th Anniversary September 17th & 18th 2011 Main A49, 1 mile north of Leominster, Herefordshire England Battle re-enactment each day with fully armoured knights, archers and gunners. Separate arena for barber surgeon, medieval dancing, mummer’s plays and music. Living history encampment Traders row Beer tent Local food stalls Passamezzo Early Dance Owain Leech (Barber Surgeon) Nominus Adults £5, Under 16s FREE, Concessions £4 Free Parking for all Contact: Bob & Pennie:01989 762159 Or Jason: 01432 352755
www.thegrumpyoldarcher.co.uk
www.mortimerscross.co.uk
Event Listing February 5th ACWS Lincoln Shrine Parade & Encampment, Redlands, California http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142711762446747 12th Las Vegas Council BSA Mountain Man, Moapa Indian Reservation, Nevada http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119000964828789 18th – 20th Military History Fest! Reenacting and trade fair, North Shore, Westin, Chicago http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112813195453989 19th Living History in Worcester 7, Worcestershire, UK For more information: wrbrian@yahoo.co.uk 19th ACWS Calico Ghost Town Reenactment, Barstow, California, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=159922170716925 19th & 20th Skills sharing & AGM http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 26th & 27th 550th anniversary of The Battle of St Albans (Conference & Battle field walk http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 27th The Great Northwood Company Clout Shoot, The Streatham & Croydon Rugby Club, Contact Ruth Mulley: 07720299369, www.all-of-a-quiver.com
March 11th – 14th The 4th Annual School of The Soldier, Tarago, NSW, Australia http://andersonzouaves.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4thsotsinvite.pdf 12th SWCWA Picacho Pass Reenactment, Picacho Peak State Park, Arizona, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=162753473764033 19th ACWS Picacho Pass Reenactment, Los Angeles, Nevada, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=166101403422182 19th Perth Medieval Fayre, Supreme Court Gardens, Perth, Western Australia For information: http://www.wama.asn.au/Home/home.html 25th West Texas Heritage Days at Fort McKavett State Historic Site http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=182701508409620
April 2nd SCCWA Prado Dam Reenactment, Chino, California, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108008195935117 2nd & 3rd History Boot Camp, Frederic Osbourn School, Welwyn garden City, England http://www.history-boot-camp.co.uk or email: admin@history-boot-camp.co.uk 8th – 10th EMA training session at Tournament Stud, Brackley, Berkshire, NN13 5TR http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=155115546647
9th & 10th The Grumpy Olde Archers at Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall, England Email: Weston_kevin@btconnect.com 10th Boughton House, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 16th & 17th Celebrate the Renaissance in The Castle Loumarin http://www.chateau-de-lourmarin.com/ 24th & 25th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Knebworth House, England http://www.knebworthhouse.com 24th & 25th Kenilworth castle, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 30th – 2nd The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Blenheim Palace, England http://www.blenheimpalace.com
May 30th – 2nd The Medieval Siege Society at Hedingham Castle, England http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 1st & 2nd Hedingham Castle, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 7th & 8th The Medieval Siege Society at Cressing Temple Barns, England http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 8th Northampton, Battlefield Walk http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 14th Las Vegas Helldorado Days Parade, Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149478625098796 14th World War II Day, Calvert County Fairgrounds, Prince Frederick, Maryland, USA www.circleofangels.org 14th & 15th Bentley Wildfowl Trust, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 14th & 15th The Gold Strike Casino’s Grand national Competition of The Old West, Jean, Nevada, USA www.goldstrikejean.com or from the RGA Home Page Link www.rgamerica.org 29th & 30th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hedingham Castle, England http://hedinghamcastle.co.uk
June 1st- 5th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Leeds castle, England http://www.leeds-castle.com 3rd – 6th Pencampwr Gan Abertridwr, SCA Camping Event, Wandi Community Grounds, DeHaer rd. Wandi For information: http://www.sca.org.au/abertridwr/ Email: jo-ann@bigpond.net.au 10th – 12th Olde England Presents A Victorian Fete at Templecombe, Somerset, England http://www.olde-england.co.uk
11th & 12th The Medieval Siege Society at Weald Country Park, England http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 11th & 12th Museum of Indian Culture 2825 Fish Hatchery Road, Allentown, Pa USA 18103 Information: info@museumofindianculture.org 11th & 12th, Chester Roman Festival Contact: info@romantours.co.uk 17th – 19th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Cardiff Castle, Wales http://www.cardiffcastle.com 18th & 19th Tatton Park Medieval Fayre, England http://www.plantagenet-events.co.uk 18th & 19th Eltham Palace, Greenwich, London, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk
July 2nd & 3rd Chetwynd Medieval fair, Chetwynd, Shropshire, UK For information: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=162707270437533&ref=mf 2nd & 3rd The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Linlithgow Palace, Scotland http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_199@PropName=Linlithgow’
3rd & 4th fête médiévale de briançon http://www.facebook.com/?page=1&sk=messages&tid=1574642256880#!/group.php?gid=148203611869332 4th Summerlin 4th July Parade, 2011, Summerlin or NW Las Vegas, Nevada, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=107344416001487 9th Old Fort MacArthur Days Timeline, San Pedro, California, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142170442501203 9th & 10th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Linlithgow Palace, Scotland http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_199@PropName=Linlithgow
10th & 11th Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, Tewkesbury, England www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org/ July 12th – 17th Viking Market in Gudvangen http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45100027297 16th & 17th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hever Castle, England http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/ 16th & 17th The Festival of History, Kelmarsh, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 22nd – 24th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hever Castle, England http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/ 23rd & 24th The Arthurian Centre, Slaughterbridge, Camelford, Cornwall, England http://www.arthur-online.co.uk/ 24th MSS 1469 Edgecote Commemoration (Battlefield Walk, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk
26th – 31st Das Drachenfest 2011, Diemelstadt, Germany www.drachenfest.info 29th – 31st The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hever Castle, England http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/ 30th & 31st Berkeley Skirmish at Berkeley Castle, England http://www.plantagenet-events.co.uk 30th & 31st The Tournament of Walraversijde, Ostend, Flanders, Belgium www.gruuthuse.be
August 5th – 7th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Blenheim Palace, England http://www.blenheimpalace.com/ 6th & 7th Midland History Festival at Ragley hall, Alcester, England http://www.mid-fest.co.uk or Email: admin@mid-fest.co.uk 6th & 7th The Great Wagon Road Encampment at East Montgomery Park, Elliston, Virginia, USA fortvauseoutfitters@gmail.com 6th & 7th The Military Flying machines Show, Damyns Hall Aerodrome Upminster, Essex RM14 2TN http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149302048457663 12th – 14th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hever Castle, England http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/ 13th & 14th The Arthurian Centre, Slaughterbridge, Camelford, Cornwall, England http://www.arthur-online.co.uk/ 13th & 14th The Medieval Siege Society at The Siege of Bodium Castle, England http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 13th & 14th Lincoln Castle “Preparing for Siege”, Lincoln castle, England http://www.plantagent-events.co.uk 19th & 21st The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hever Castle, England http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/ 20th & 21st Ruislip Castle, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 27th & 28th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hever Castle, England http://www.hevercastle.co.uk 27th – 29th England’s medieval Festival at Herstmonceaux Castle, England http://www.herstmonceux-castle.com/ 28th & 29th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hedingham Castle, England http://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/
September 3rd Huntington Beach Reenactment, Hunington Beach, California, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168122296543585
4th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Knebworth House, England http://www.knebworthhouse.com/ 17th & 18th The 550th Anniversary of The Battle of Mortimer’s Cross, Leominster, Herefordshire, UK www.mortimerscross.co.uk 18th & 19th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Leeds Castle, England http://www.leeds-castle.com
October 8th ACWS Helendale Re-Enactment, California, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=129725463752666 29th ACWS/SNLHA Spring Mountain Ranch Reenactment, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108090669259640
November 11th Las Vegas Veteran’s Day Parade 2011, Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102684859803236 26th & 27th Ludlow Castle Medieval Christmas fair, Ludlow, Shropshire, UK Craft fair, medieval traders, combat, have a go archery http://www.ludlowcastle.com/
The Great Expedition I have always loved history. And to me re-enactment was the closest thing I could find to a time travel machine. I've re-enacted just about every time period and many different cultures but my heart has always been Western Europe before the use of gun powder. In the 90's I lived in America and was a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). A strange mix of historical re-enactment and fantasy role playing. "History as it should have been" being the motto of many SCA-dians. I learned the basics of sword and shield. Developed the personas of Richard of Gwydir and Etienne de Bayonne. I fought as a man-at-arm's in the West War for the Kingdom of An Tir. Good times. But then with the Millenium I moved to the UK. I dabbled in the re-enactment community but something was missing. When I spoke of first person re-enacting common in America I was given blank looks. We put on a good show for the public but something just wasn't right. I turned to more contemporary military combat re-enactment using airsoft guns. Lots of adrenaline but again, something was lacking. Then one day someone introduced me the UK live action role playing (LARP) community. I had such great fun! My three favorite things, strong drink, a good fight and beautiful women!
Work has a way of interfering with one's hobbies and I took a break from LARP for a few years. I became entirely too focused on my job and at the urging of my friends I decided to try my hand at LARP yet again. This time though, I wanted to try something different. Something really ambitious. The advantage of work that distracts you from your hobbies is that it often pays well enough to allow you to enjoy your hobby better when you can find the time. So in 2010, with not so much as a single thought to expenses, I took the plunge and committed to the idea of going to Germany for two weeks. My plan was to attend two of the largest and most highly regarded medieval fantasy live action role playing events in the world, Drachenfest and Mythodea. To be fair I was fortunate enough to have made a friend online, a native German, who offered to be my hostess and guide for both events. Without the help of her tent and car, I would have been hard pressed to make the journey and I owe her a debt of gratitude. Thanks, Cathrin! What can I say about Drachenfest and Mythodea? Simply amazing. I've always been a bit of costume snob (but not quite a stitch counter). I'm critical of films and their costuming. Halloween often makes me cringe, although it’s one of my favorite holidays. I was stunned to see so many German live action role players in historical re-enactment quality kit. From tents to clothes, food to song...it was like walking into another world. Suspension of disbelief is a term I use often for films and for live action role playing. It's what takes a costumed fancy dress party and turns it into a life changing experience. Costuming is part of the magic. Getting into the role and really trying to experience what it was like to BE a knight, a blacksmith, a yeoman or a serf. The Germans seem to take a very ernest approach to their LARP. Its as if re-enactors had mixed with LARPers to create a wonderful blend of both worlds. I had such a great time I decided I had to share this fun with other people who were missing out. To that end I created the UK Grand Expedition. A group of like minded individuals who could come together and help each other to have the greatest adventure of a life-time! It started slowly but as time passed we had more and more people joining. They brought their own skills, resources and experience to the table. Its said a burden shared is a burden lightened. Such is the case with the Expedition. Each person that joins helps make the venture greater than it was before. We've even been fortunate enough to recruit a group of Australians who will be flying all the way from "Down Under" to join us. We've got local Germans to serve as guides and interpreters. We've got tents, camping equipment, weapons, armor and costumes. There are all kinds of people in the group, police officers, professional caterers, soldiers, artists, students, even families. We have a whole caravan of vehicles planned to make the trip. But there's room for more. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in please don't hesitate to get in touch. I can provide more details. Enter a whole new world! For more information: www.thegreatexpedition.org By Nick Wynn