The Re-enactor issue 29 PDF

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The Re-Enactor Issue 29, May 2011

Tournament at Castle Guise

Readership 1362


Greetings All Welcome to issue 29 of the Re-Enactor, It‟s a very busy time for me here in England as I have just returned from a 4 day event at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire before heading off for another 4 day event at Hampton Court Castle in Herefordshire. It‟s for this reason that the magazine has been sent out a couple of days early.

The International Living History Fair 2011

Congratulations to Melisende in Australia, Hugo in Canada, Roger and Steve both in the UK for being the lucky winners of last month‟s competitions. Your prizes will be in the post very soon-next week at the latest! There are 2 competitions in this month‟s issue with 5 superb books, a mug and bag up for grabs, so make sure you get your answers into me as soon as you can! I will post out the prizes to wherever in the world the winners live! A big thank you to Manda Scott and Lynda Kempsey for their prizes this month and there will be another prize from Manda The Scott soon.

International Living History Fair 2011 There are now over 200 hundred traders and over 200 groups listed so please do have a look through the lists.

Features This Month 1: Once more into the breach by Nils Visser 2: The Archers 3: Competitions 4: “Living in History” by Eli Ofir 5: Kats Hats 6: The Tournament at Walraversijde 7: Mary Arden‟s Farm 8: The Castle of Guise, France 9: Event Listings 10: In Memorandum-Cedric Hill

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 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


Once more into the breach By Nils Visser It‟s hardly surprising that many traditional archers have a healthy interest in history, particularly, of course, with regard to the role played by the bow. However, whether one is interested in the construction and background of a Longbow, English War Bow, Flemish Flat Bow, Viking Bow or composite bow of Hungarian, Mongolian or Turkish origin (to name but a few), all of these living history amateurs or experts will be acquainted with the date of 25 October 1415, also known as Saint Crispin‟s Day. On this day, 596 years ago, a muddy field in Northern France became the location of an impressive yet bloody spectacle, the Battle of Agincourt. This battle has become iconic for the special position taken by the archer. A characteristic of Hundred Year War battles was the so-called arrow storm, meaning the almost unbelievable amount of arrows shot at the enemy by the ranks of English and Welsh archers. There were about 5,000 archers in Henry the V‟s army by the time it reached the battlefield. These archers could shoot about 15 arrows a minute, in other words, a collective total of 75,000 arrows in a single minute. The continued interest in this battle can be gauged on location to judge by the impressive visitor‟s centre and museum, which forms a contrast to the aura of economic hardship exuded by most of the surrounding region, as well as the annual medieval camp, which has been organized by the Azincourt-Alliance since 2002, and which seems to be increasing in size and popularity every year that it‟s held. Said interest in the battle can also be found online, where the VT buzz has been increasing steadily on forums and social networks, especially over the last few months. This latter because those 596 years are taking us awfully close to the 600 year anniversary, which raises the question: Wouldn‟t that be a fine moment to organize something special? Last summer members of the Azincourt-Alliance had already hinted that they were entertaining similar thoughts, which set off rumour and counter-rumour on the internet. In February 2011 came the hard news, there were plans, and the plans were big. The intention is to re-enact Henry‟s march from Harfleur to Agincourt in October 2015, hiking 238 miles in 19 days, dressed in suitable medieval gear of course, in order to enter Agincourt on October the 24th. Preceding this event, the summer (July the 25th to be precise) will see an attempt to write history once again, by means of “The Big Shoot” , during which it is hoped a new Guinness World Record will be set. The aim is to field no less than 1,000 archers, all dressed in appropriate medieval gear, and armed with War Bows and suitable arrows. The War Bows and arrows are to be based on the specifications of the archery gear found in the wreck of the Mary Rose. (See www.azincourt2015.info for exact specifications). Archers are requested to bring about 30 arrows. In order to avoid delays during the meet, there won‟t be time to collect arrows between the various parts of the event. The first of these parts is a volley shot, during which each archer will fire one single arrow, at this stage “only” a thousand arrows will pierce the sky. After that comes the timed volley. The organizers


suggest that each archer will need 10 to 15 arrows for this part, which implies there will be 60 seconds in which to fire as many arrows as possible (experienced archers can fire one arrow every five seconds). This will be the first proper arrow storm seen in Europe in more than 500 years, consisting of 10,000 to 15,000 arrows shot in rapid succession. As the organizers say, after the arrow storm we will be able to verify if the field does indeed look as white as snow due to the arrow fletchings, as suggested by a medieval text. After the timed shot there will be target shooting, for which each archer will need about 10 arrows. That leaves a handful of arrows, which will hopefully be employed in flight shooting, but there is no confirmation on that as of yet (watch this space!). It should be abundantly clear that the ambitions for the anniversary are unique and grand in design. A lot of traditional archers will realize that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So preparations are in order after this call to arms, and after that: To Battle!

Bloody Muddy Drama, by Nils Visser The preceding article Once more into the breach, has looked into the expected Battle of Agincourt anniversary events in 2015. This article is a short exploration of the factors that make this battle so special. A significant contribution to the status of Agincourt was made by Henry the Fifth‟s propaganda machine. Let‟s face it, the English army wasn‟t in France with very honourable intentions, it was all about power, land and loot. However, any politician worth his salt is be able to garnish such goals with lofty aims and varnish it with heroic intentions, and Henry the Fifth proved to be a skilled politician. He managed to turn what was pretty much an application of havoc and mayhem into an almost divinely inspired business venture. Upon his return in England he made sure he was preceded by minstrels acquainting the populace with the newly written Agincourt Carol, “Deo Gratias Anglia redde pro Victoria” (thank the Lord oh England for this victory). But to be frank, the general populace is seldom as thick as those in power like to think, and it is unlikely that the English population would still have such a strong collective memory of the Agincourt campaign simply because a politician employed some very smooth spin. For almost three hundred years Europe had been dominated by mounted ruffians, whose major job requirement was to have an aptitude for violence. King Richard the First, of Lionheart fame, generally celebrated as a great king, was, in his own day, renowned for being able to hew an enemy skull down to the jawbone, try adding that to your resume as an additional skill today! This horde of hoodlums had developed into the nobility, who were increasingly learning to disguise their inherent violence with fancy stories and pretty rhymes about patriotic heroism, but who, in all fairness, were hardly very conducive towards the wellbeing of the people they ruled.


The English archers represented a shift in social status and interaction. They were from a simple background, but not quite the villeins and peasants they are sometimes made out to be, these were the yeomen, the skilled craftsmen who formed a very early prototype of the Middle Classes. And these fellows managed to defeat the expensively dressed and fancily titled nobles time upon time upon time. Henry the Fifth‟s army had already been weakened by dysentery, the knights and men-atarms in particular had suffered badly, which gave the already numerous archers a considerable preponderance in the English army. A reasonable estimate is that Henry commanded 1,000 men-at-arms, and 5,000 archers. Facing this force was a French army of some 30,000, mostly men-at-arms. The latter considered the battle as good as won, in their mind there were only 1,000 serious opponents, namely those of a similar social status. Because the centre of the English line at Agincourt, formed by the 1,000 or so men-at-arms, offered the most opportunity for ransom, honour and glory, it was this part of Henry‟s army which would be the focus of the French assault. Then , from the flanks, came the arrow storm. The average archer could loose 15 arrows a minute, calculate for a moment what will happen when 5,000 archers do this simultaneously. The French flanks, mounted on horses, attacked the archers but succumbed to the arrows, after which the archers aimed their arrows at the much larger centre formations of the French army, these were dismounted and struggling greatly, torsing 60 to 70 pounds of armour and equipment through the wet clay which had been recently plowed. The arrowstorm forced them into a funnel. Once they reached the English men-at-arms many of the French didn‟t have the space to swing their weapons, tightly constricted as they were by their neighbours, moreover, their comrades behind them pushed them straight onto the English blades. A veritable massacre followed, and a very convincing victory for the smaller and supposedly weaker army. Agincourt is special because it is surrounded by high drama. We have a young warrior king, who, as we have been told, was not too lofty to mingle with the ordinary troops and talk to them and with them. Then there is the predicted outcome of a battle in which a much smaller and ostensibly weaker army is very likely to be overwhelmed by a numerically superior opponent, which is subsequently annulled by aristocratic arrogance, highly skilled specialists and mud, lots of mud. It is natural, human, to side with the underdog, and pleasing when David defeats Goliath. Last-but-not-least, Agincourt represented the victory of the common man, not unimportant in an England in which there were great discrepancies between Norman nobility and Anglo-Saxon commoners. The lesson taught by Agincourt was that England was strong if the two worked together, and if there was an acknowledgement that the commoner had a useful and necessary role to play. It wasn‟t a coincidence that Shakespeare‟s Henry (The Life of Henry the Fifth) had a mouth full of the brotherhood between men regardless of the status given to them by birth, of the equality he perceived within the happy few within his band of brothers. This is something intuitively recognized by the populace, and this the reason that the old battle cry still finds resonance, “For Harry, England and Saint George!”.


The Archers A re-enactment society with a difference The Archers has been designed around utilizing archers from every re-enactment society and group no matter what period. The idea of bringing archers together at events to put on a show with like-minded people with the love and enthusiasm of the history of the longbow in one too great to miss. By joining The Archers you will have access to events that you may have previously never thought to attend as they are out of your period, now you can just don kit of the period, join massed archers and feel the exhilaration of seeing hundreds if not thousands of arrows blackening the sky before you! A sight every longbow archer wants to experience. Annual shoots will be held for your enjoyment

The Archers will have several events a year with the likes of English Heritage and Plantagenet Events to name but two. If you are interested check out the website for more details.

www.thearchers.webs.com Competition one


Competition One Here is your chance to win the 4 books in the Boudica Series by Manda Scott. “Dreaming The Eagle”, “Dreaming The Bull”, “Dreaming The Hound” & Dreaming The Serpent Spear” are all up for grabs. Just answer this simple question: What did Manda Qualify as from Glasgow University? Visit: http://www.mandascott.co.uk/default.aspx to find out the answer and learn lots more about Manda Scott.

Competition Two The Puppeteer by Lynda Kempsey is the prize in this competition along with a mug and cloth bag. Just answer this question to be in with a chance of winning: Where is the book set? Visit: http://www.nittygrittylearning.co.uk/the-puppeteer find out the answer and lots more about Lynda Kempsey.

to

Send your answer for either one or both of this month‟s competitions along with your full postal address to: th jason.okeefe@btopenworld.com before May 24 2011 to be in with a chance of winning!


‘…and out of the strong came forth sweetness…’ (The Bible, Judges, Chapter 14/14) Once upon a time there was a 14 year old boy who couldn‟t sit still for a minute. All day long he was playing ball in the school yard, dancing to rock ‟n roll music, strumming his guitar, running, climbing and swimming in the sea. He couldn‟t concentrate on anything that wasn‟t tangible or physically in front of him. This, of course, included his school work. There was no common ground between his visual and emotional worlds and school books, exams and timetables. There was one thing though that connected the boy‟s heart to the outside world, something magical. He loved to draw. He‟d never really learned how to draw, but ever since he could remember he‟d drawn imaginary figures and scenes from distant lands and fantasy worlds, such as kings, castles, princesses, dragons, warriors and fairies. Unfortunately, drawing kings and castles was not part of his school‟s curriculum. This made it difficult for the boy to express himself except through drawing on tables and chairs during lessons. These were his canvases. Unsurprisingly he frequently ended up in the headmaster‟s office, waiting his weekly punishment…or just a telling off if he was lucky. One Spring morning, in yet another boring literature lesson, the boy was scribbling away on the table in front of him, concentrating on the mysterious figure taking shape under his pen. It was a man crawling on all fours, bleeding, with torn clothes, with his hand stretched out in front of him as if he was trying to reach out for help. The boy was so focused on the figure he didn‟t notice a shadow looming above him. “What are you doing young man?” yelled a familiar voice. The shocked boy tried to hide his drawing with his hands, but with no great success as it covered more than half the table. “Let me see what masterpiece you‟ve created here today…” continued the voice sternly. The boy didn‟t even look up. He was already planning the excuse he‟d be telling the headmaster in a few minutes time…and planning what he would be doing for the rest of his day after he was thrown out of school. He slowly moved his hands away from the drawing. There was silence. The air in the classroom was still. Nobody moved and nothing was heard from his teacher, not even the slightest groan or angry grunt. The boy lifted his eyes slowly upwards. His teacher was staring at his drawing as if there was no one else around, let alone 43 pupils waiting for her to continue with her lesson. She was totally engaged with the bleeding figure on all fours, crawling its way to the edge of the table. The boy noticed that his teacher was holding a book of poems by Yehuda Amichai. Her finger was on the page she‟d just been reading out to the class before she‟d been interrupted by the budding artist.


“What have you drawn here?” she asked after what felt like an eternity. “Nothing…just a man...I don‟t know...I‟m sorry…‟ replied the boy nervously. “Don‟t be sorry,” said the teacher. “Just tell me what you were thinking when you drew this figure.” The boy noticed that the teacher‟s voice had changed. To his amazement it was now soft and tender. “..The man is injured and…he‟s trying to reach a place where he can get help,” he replied. “What‟s he feeling?” “He‟s angry,” answered the boy quietly. The teacher looked at him with a compassionate, motherly gaze. The boy was alarmed – she must have gone completely crazy! The teacher, however, opened her book very slowly and, looking straight into his eyes, began reading out the poem she‟d been reading to the class a few moments before. “…and on grownups he has no pity at all, He leaves them alone, And sometimes they must crawl on all fours In the burning sand To reach the first-aid station Covered with blood...” The boy was in shock, realising he‟d unconsciously drawn a scene from the poem. „OK, nice one,‟ he thought. „…so maybe it won‟t be the headmaster today…I wonder what kind of punishment the teacher will give me instead.‟ “Young man,” said the teacher. “From this moment onwards…‟ „Here it comes‟, laughed the boy in his mind. “…you will not participate in writing in any of my classes and exams…” „Wow! That‟s a new one‟, thought the boy. “…instead you will only…draw!” The boy‟s jaw dropped. „What?! I must of missed something here…‟ he thought in astonishment. The teacher continued, her voice warm and soft: “From now on in all my literature lessons you can draw whatever you feel like drawing,” she said. “Just please bring a sketch book and some pens and pencils with you next time – I don‟t want to fund these tables from my own money!” The boy couldn‟t grasp the magnitude of what had just happened. For the first time in his life someone had seen his potential and the inner beauty and creativity that was his natural gift. He didn‟t realise it yet, but this teacher had poured the first drop of water onto the seed of talent God had planted in him, the seed that was to blossom into the realisation of his true potential. The teacher‟s name is Mrs Dvora Silverstone. This wonderful woman was brave enough to act outside the strict guidelines of the school and so she succeeded where others had failed. She recognised the thin line connecting my inner world and the world outside. She discovered the language I needed to express myself and grow to fulfil my destiny.


Living in history I become very emotional when I draw beautiful old houses. They are living history scattered everywhere across the English countryside. Driving along narrow country roads you can be sure that nearly every driveway you pass ends with a beautiful house with a history all of its own. When I‟m drawing a house, the fine detail of my pen work takes me on a magical journey where the history of each property is revealed with every brick and stone I immortalise. The uneven lines of the roof, walls and beams deepen this mystery. That‟s why I slightly enhance these elements to bring out the warmth and personality of the houses. This Gentle Twist to Perspective is my unique style and my artistic signature. It transforms a house into a work of art that tells an ancient story. I always draw with a free hand and never use a ruler. I use pen and ink and soft pencil and then smudge the pencil to shade some areas. I never use colour as I believe black and white brings a house to life more than colour ever will. My passion for old and magnificent houses grows by the day. It‟s fascinating to realise that – whether a person lives in an end-of-terrace, semi-detached, detached or a manor house – they are literally living in history. This is why I do my best to visit every house I draw and take photos and get a feel for its personality. I love to meet owners and hear their stories about their house and its history. If a house is too far away for me to visit I ask the owners to take photos from as many angles as possible. This gives me a good feel for their home and, most importantly, the way they feel about it.

Full circle Over the years I have drawn hundreds of beautiful houses for many different clients. I‟m so grateful for this privilege. When I looked through my portfolio recently I had the idea of illustrating the historical evolution of English architecture through my drawings. I made contact with Ros and Jane, both very experienced house historians, and together we came up with the fascinating journey you see in this book. I hope we have done justice to the truly magical beauty of English homes. I feel humble and grateful that I am blessed with this talent for drawing and that I am able to pass on this heavenly gift and touch the hearts of others. I can say with pride that I have finally returned to my roots, when I was a little boy drawing on a classroom table so long ago… …once again I am drawing castles in the land of kings and princesses.

Eli Ofir


From the artist’s introduction to the book ‘Living Featuring house portraits By Eli Ofir

Book out now at: www.livinginhistory.co.uk

in History’


Bromsgrove Militaria, Medal & Arms Collectors Fair Sunday May 29th 2011

Spadesbourne Suite, Council House, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AA 9.30am - 2.00pm. Admission £2.50 e-mail fairs@rzmilitaria.com www.rzmilitaria.com/events.php Olde England Presents A Victorian Fete 10th & 11th June 2011 Templecombe, Somerset, England

The Mortimer History Society Spring Conference Saturday May 21st 2011 The Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1AZ Morning Dr Ian Mortimer The Mortimers & the Royal family

The Border Waites Music at the Royal Court & castle

Afternoon The Border Waites Full Music Concert

Alison Weir Queen Isabella-She France

Wolf

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Ticket prices: Members £20, Non Members £25.00. To book use link below: http://www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

Midland History Festival 6th & 7th August 2011 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


Made by Nobility, for Nobility

Historical Headdresses, Costumes and Accessories

New to ‘Kats Hats’ for 2011 Season! A ‘Juliet Cap’ Headdress which has been accurately and authentically reproduced from a Medieval C15th Effigy in Kingskerswell Church, Devon. This Juliet Cap Headdress is a reproduction of Lady Dinham’s effigy, (2nd wife to Sir John Dinham) and is correct in length, depth, width and down to the detail of the criss-cross fret over the cap which at each intersection is a small gilded pewter flower as depicted on the effigy. Available with Goldwork, Gilded Pewter Flowers and Freshwater pearls. No trace of colour remains on the Cap of this beautiful effigy of Lady Dinham as well as that of the criss-cross fret and is entirely up to the wearer how and what colour combination is chosen. More Authentically Reproduced Effigy based Headdresses available soon. Website: - www.kats-hats.co.uk Email: -kats-hats@blueyonder.co.uk Headdress Design © 2001 - 2011All Items produced by Kats Hats are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced under any circumstances.


Historia Originata 14th & 15th May 2011 The market place for re-enactors, historical enterpreters, the heritage industry and historical enthusiasts. The Swallow Hotel, London Road, Carlisle, CA1 2NS Free Car parking on site-easy public transport access Open from 10am – 5pm daily FREE preview evening on Friday 13th 4pm – 7pm www.historiaoriginata.co.uk

Macclesfield Royal Charter th 750 Celebration 16th & 17th July 2011 Come to the Pageant & Carnival Gawsworth Carnival and the Rotary Club of Macclesfield have joined forces to bring you a spectacular event. Site open to the public 10am Saturday Car Boot Sale 7am Display & blessing Macclesfield Town Centre Saturday morning. Carnival Procession through Gawsworth at lunchtime. Afternoon displays include Engine Rally, Classic Cars, Motorbikes & Tractors, Medieval Battle, Pirates, Ceremonial Mass, Arrow Shoot, Living History Displays, Fun Fair, Beer tent, Bands, Fireworks. Gates Close 6.30pm Re-open 7.30pm for evening shows, close at midnight Sunday shows: 10am until 4.30pm

www.macclesfieldrotaryevents.co.uk

Scotland‟s Festival of History

Histeria

20th & 21st August

Getting excited about history

Lanark

24th & 25th September 2011 King‟s Manor, York

Archery, Battles, Historic Market, Music & Dance, Jesters & Jugglers Children‟s Activities Falconry, Craft Displays Romans, Vikings, Medieval Covenanters, Jacobite, Napolenic, WWI, WWII Fun for all ages exploring the ages at the Country‟s largest re-enactment event. www.scotlandsfestivalofhistory.co.uk

Workshops, demonstrations, lectures, period traders.

Guest Speakers Comedian, screenwriter, actor, director, author & historian

Terry Jones (Subject to work commitments) Archaeologist & Television presenter

Mark Olly Historical interpreter & moneyer

David Greenhalgh Limited tickets available Contact: apisevents@hotmail.co.uk


Made by Nobility, for Nobility

Historical Headdresses, Costumes and Accessories

New to ‘Kats Hats’ for 2011 Season! A Gold Thread ‘Fretwork Crispinette’ Headdress which has been reproduced from a small C14th Medieval Pillar Carving in York Minster, York, England. This Gold Thread Fretwork Crispinette Headdress is a reproduction of this unknown Lady’s headdress. It is very unusual for heads, especially of female heads, to survive on Pillar carvings due to the Civil War when Cromwell’s soldiers smashed anything that was iconic. Her hair is confined in a fret, edged in pearls and with a jewelled circlet about the head. No detail of Colour remains on this remarkable surviving and beautifully petite pillar carving. Available with Goldwork, Freshwater Pearls and colour of your choice. More Authentically Reproduced Effigy based Headdresses available soon. Website: - www.kats-hats.co.uk Email: -kats-hats@blueyonder.co.uk Headdress Design © 2001 - 2011 All Items produced by Kats Hats are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced under any circumstances.


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


Events 2011 MARY ARDEN’S TUDOR FESTIVAL & SHEEP SHEARERS FEAST (3rd year running) 28th 29th & 30th MAY Please come and join us for an action packed long weekend of Tudors, their treasured sheep and all things woolly! To celebrate the first cash crop of the year – the Tudors will be merry making and engaging in most woolly activities, from shearing, spinning, weaving and also the female farmers felting competition!! We also hope to involve sheep dog trails, archery and of –course- our excellentfalconers will be present throughout the day Ever FELT like joining us?! We are looking for rural crafts stallholders – both authentically Tudor and modern day – to fill our large site over this special weekend. We only charge low rents and estimate that we will welcome 800-1,000 visitors per day. As we are a farm – we have limited under cover space – so for optimumease when setting up, and as to maximise the spaces available – we ask that you make yourself as weatherproof as possible.

CRAFTY BEASTS NEW FOR 2011 23rd & 24th JULY Kicking off the school holidays we are offering an event for all the family. Avoiding all Cockerel puns – we will be focusing on our great British rare breeds. We hope to showcase many of our country’s oldest breeds and amongst all, create an offering of education and fun, including pig parading, goat grooming, chicken chasing and rabbit racing. An action packed weekend where we need crafts and stallholders of a rural and traditional nature to add value and atmosphere to our site. Again, both authentic and modern stalls will be divided, and despite the date, we still wish people renting a pitch to be as weatherproof as possible.

TUDOR HIRING FAIR (2nd Year running)

27th, 28th & 29th August Our new event for 2010 proved immensely popular and saw the largest amount of visitors to the site in any 3 day period. Focused on the Tudors wishing to seek out their household staff for the up coming year – there were Tudors securing their employment both young and old. This year we seek to improve the fair by engaging yet more Tudor personnel. We will be including more Tudor skull duggery, with archery, gambling, game playing, falconry and mummers plays. We largely wish to attract period stallholders to this event – but are willing to look at modern traders so long as the product reflects something connected to the era. If you are interested in a pitch at this event, please be aware that there will be limited undercover area.


APPLE DAY’s Established Event

1st & 2nd October As our longest running event – apple day is well supported by visitors and traders alike – and proves a real fun event where any thing goes!! With the focus of the great old English apple – we have apple tasting, juicing, bobbing, apple pie making......just about anything involving the faithful apple. Because of the time of year – this event focuses itself to harvest time – and all the products created from it. Because of its great success – and also popular request – we are now looking at an apple day weekend where people wishing to rent a pitchwould have a tariff based on a 2 day period. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please register your interest with any of the above events by emailing Vicky.cain@shakespeare.org.uk or telephoning 07590245096 Additional Information on Mary Ardens Farm can be found at www.shakespeare.org.uk Ideally we would like you to be available throughout all the days of an event period, with our pitch tariffs based on the attendance of the whole event. Due to popular demand – we predict that that these events will fill up quickly – and as we have limited space we would suggest you book with us before March 2011. We are also offering a tariff discount for those booking all four events before February 28 th 2011

NORFOLK LIVING HISTORY FAYRE at Mannington Hall & Gardens, Norfolk NR11 7BB 15 & 16 October 2011

For more information on this event please visit: www.blackknighthistorical.co.uk


The castle of Guise The famous dukes of Guise modernised the 10th century keep in the sixteenth century. The medieval stronghold became one of the 1st bastioned fortresses in the western part or Europe. Even Louis XIV, king of France insisted that Vauban should go visit. There are some famous relations like René d‟Anjou, the ascendant of the Guise family, Mary queen of scots was the daughter to May of Guise, the sister of François, duke of Guise and the cousin of Henry assinated by the king of France in 1588. Otherwise the fortress stayed intact until 1914. After the war the castle almost disappeared when it was transformed into a quarry in 1923 and later on a dump. In 1952, a young man created a Club, called the Club du Vieux Manoir to save and restore the castle. Eversince volunteers from all over Europe come every year to restore and do rescue work on the site. A medieval fair In august every year for the past 10 years, we organize the “Ducales”, reenactment and reconstitution (based on the 15th century), with craftsmen and troops in and around the castle. You will cross the path with bowmen, gunners and children running to fetch water for the horses! Come and take part to the History. We will organize at this year‟s event an International Competition to elect the knight of the kingdom. Run the longsword, pole-axe, shield and one hand sword combat to show your ability to fight. But it will be not enough since you must also be able to dance, run the assault course (in armor) and be a “stratege” during collective combat if you want to be considered as the best… The 6 and 7 august 2011, in the castle of Guise: a place to be. www.ducalesdeguise.fr This event is organized to help us to restore the place. Jonathan Guillemin, alias Guillaumin de Guise, ICL competitors and coordinator of the event.


Artifest 2011 Pennsylvania USA

in

Allentown,

Archers Review

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 is a website, run for and by archers with a thirst for knowledge. Our extensive collection of reviews is split in to a number This year, the Museum of Indian Culture celebrated its of sections to make it easy for you to find 30th year anniversary. To kick-off the celebration, the what you are interested in 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://www.artifest.org/

The medieval fortress of Mrač Czech Republic June 24th – 26th 2011 Theatrical performances, contemporary music, fire shows, Bewitched show of master Edward Kelley, medieval villagers and noble dancers, Hungarian prisoner torturing followed by execution, gunner„s show, battle, foot tournament, jousting, night battle Fortress Mrač in the village of the same name between towns of Benešov, Čerčany and Poříčí nad Sázavou, southeast of Prague on the bank of Sázava river 49 ° 49 '59 "N, 14 ° 42' 5" E

Steve Nicholson and Andy Gilfrin, are real archers interested in the best archery suppliers have to offer. In our search for the very best bow, arrows and equipment we have shot, used and worn pretty much everything on offer. We value feedback from users and suppliers and are keen to hear from you if you wish to contact us about anything on the website. Website: www.archers-review.com Email: steve@archers-review.com

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

http://www.ceskakorouhev.cz/mrac http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=184 Adults £5, Under 16s FREE, Concessions £4 Free Parking for all 486978236730&index=1 Contact: Bob & Pennie:01989 762159 Or Jason: 01432 352755

info@ceskakorouhev.cz

www.mortimerscross.co.uk


Event Listing May 30th – 1st Freienfelser Ritterspiele, GERMANY http://www.ritterspiele-freienfels.de/ 31st & 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 1st & 2nd Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Show with Textiles Theme, Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge, Suffolk. Sutton Hoo 1st & 2nd Fort Paull, Paull, nr Hull, Humberside www.freewebs.com/foxcommando 7th & 8th The Medieval Siege Society at Cressing Temple Barns, England http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 7th Prior Purslove College, Guisborough, Yorkshire 450th anniversary celebrations www.blackknighthistorical.co.uk 8th Northampton, Battlefield Walk http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 13th – 15th Battle of Gelre, Horst, HOLLAND 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 21st The Mortimer History Society Spring Conference, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, SY8 1AZ For more details: www.mortimerhistorysociety.org.uk 21st & 22nd Blyth Battery, Blyth, Northumberland www.freewebs.com/foxcommando 26th – 29th Great Northern Medieval Fayre, GNE Collingwood Faigrounds (between Collingwood and Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada) http://www.facebook.com/l/f745dd_CW9wpf4mRyTHyeY1oTBg/www.MedievalFayre.com 28th – 30th Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Show With Food Theme, Sutton Hoo Sutton Hoo


29th Bromsgrove Militaria, Medal & Arms Collectors Fair, at the Spadesbourne Suite, Council House, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AA. 9.30am - 2.00pm. Admission £2.50 www.rzmilitaria.com/events.php e-mail fairs@rzmilitaria.com 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 4th & 5th Ryedale Folk Museum WW2 weekend, Ryedale , North Yorkshire www.freewebs.com/foxcommando 4th & 5th Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Show With Slavery Theme, Sutton Hoo Sutton Hoo 4th & 5th Great Northen Expo, Collingwood, Ontario, Canada http://www.medievalfayre.com/ 4th & 5th The Duncannon Fort multi period Re-enactment and Military vehicle Show, USA jjotoole@eircom.net 4th & 5th , Chester Roman Festival Contact: info@romantours.co.uk 4th-6th Sterckshof 2011, Antwerpen, BELGIUM 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 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 18th &19th Blickling Hall, Norfolk. Tudor Pageant www.blackknighthistorical.co.uk 25th & 26th Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment,Show - Rune Theme, West Stow Anglo Saxon Village, Suffolk. Anglo-Saxon Village 25th & 26th Peterborough Cathedral Living History Event www.blackknighthistorical.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

9th & 10th Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, Tewkesbury, England www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org/ 9th & 10th July Tenbury on the Home Front, 1941 www.tenbury1941event.co.uk 9th & 10th Spam ww2 weekend Ponderrosea farm, Heckmondwike nr Wakefiled www.freewebs.com/foxcommando 11th – 17th Battle of Grunwald, POLAND http://www.bitwapodgrunwaldem.pl/ 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/ 22nd – 24th Viking Rock 2011, Folk & Rock Festival, Norway http://www.vikingrock.no/ 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 28th – 31st The Battle of Molodi (1572). Molody, Russia http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=174268262621259&notif_t=event_invite


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 Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Show - Runes Theme, Sutton Hoo. Sutton Hoo 30th & 31st The Tournament of Walraversijde, Ostend, Flanders, Belgium www.gruuthuse.be 30th & 31st Hull Veterans weekend, East Park, Hull www.freewebs.com/foxcommando

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 Great Road Encampment, 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 6th & 7th Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Show - Spear Dance Theme, Sutton Hoo Sutton Hoo 6th & 7th Hoveton Hall Gardens Victorian Extravaganza www.blackknighthistorical.co.uk 6th Victorian Extravaganza - Rule Glorious Britannia! http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=104883102922870&notif_t=event_invite 7th FETE MEDIEVALE CELTIQUE 2011 FAUGERES 34600 http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=190994780927888&notif_t=event_invite

7th – 14th Battle of Visby, SWEDEN http://www.battleofwisby.com/ 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


13th & 14th Northwich Medieval Festival, Northwich, Uk http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_157677494297168&ap=1 19th = 21st The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hever Castle, England http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/ 19th – 21st Fight Camp http://www.fioredeiliberi.org/fightcamp/ 20th & 21st Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Show - Hunting & Fighting Theme, Sutton Hoo Sutton Hoo 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 & 28th Sheffield Fair, Norfolk Park, Sheffield multi period event www.freewebs.com/foxcommando 27th – 29th England‟s medieval Festival at Herstmonceaux Castle, England http://www.herstmonceux-castle.com/ 27th – 29th Pensthorpe Medieval Spectacular www.blackknighthistorical.co.uk 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 17th & 18th Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Brandeston Hall, near Framlingham, Suffolk Brandeston Hall 18th & 19th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Leeds Castle, England http://www.leeds-castle.com 25th Bromsgrove Militaria, Medal & Arms Collectors Fair, at the Spadesbourne Suite, Council House, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AA. 9.30am - 2.00pm. Admission £2.50 www.rzmilitaria.com/events.php e-mail fairs@rzmilitaria.com

October 1st – 2nd Tempus Belli 2011 ITALY www.tempusbelli.com 8th & 9th Marché de l'Histoire de Minden, GERMANY www.historievivante.com


8th ACWS Helendale Re-Enactment, California, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=129725463752666 15th & 16th Norfolk Living History Fayre, Mannington Hall www.blackknighthistorical.co.uk 15th & 16th Pickering WW2 weekend, at the Pickering show ground www.freewebs.com/foxcommando 15th & 16th Festival et Marché de l'Histoire de Nantes, FRANCE www.historievivante.com 29th ACWS/SNLHA Spring Mountain Ranch Reenactment, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108090669259640

November 5th & 6th Timeline Fair, Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Rd, Berwick, Victoria, Australia. www.timelinefair.org.au 11th Las Vegas Veteran‟s Day Parade 2011, Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102684859803236 19th & 20th Marché de l'Histoire de Pontoise, Novembre, FRANCE www.historievivante.com 26th & 27th Ludlow Castle Medieval Christmas fair, Ludlow, Shropshire, UK Craft fair, medieval traders, combat, have a go archery http://www.ludlowcastle.com/

December 4th Bromsgrove Militaria, Medal & Arms Collectors Fair, at the Spadesbourne Suite, Council House, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AA. 9.30am - 2.00pm. Admission £2.50 www.rzmilitaria.com/events.php e-mail fairs@rzmilitaria.com

In Memorandum: A TRIBUTE TO CEDRIC HILL Some of you who knew Cedric may not be aware that sadly he passed away on 16th March. Cedric will be remembered as a friend, bowman, and re-enactor. He was held in high esteem as the wonderful turn out at his funeral service showed. It cannot be put better than in his wife Sharon's words, that we will miss "her scruffy little archer". Rest in peace, Cedric.


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