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The Ancient Arts Fellowship

Our next event is Beorg-wic Under Munt, to be held on the October long weekend.

The primary purpose of the AAF is to promote the understanding of and interest in medieval times. To this end, we offer medieval displays to schools, fetes, cultural events, etc.. Our displays consist of reenactment of historical combat (both specific battles, and fights which demonstrate typical tactics, styles, etc. of various periods), interesting and easily understood descriptions of historical events, peoples, clothing, and other relevant subjects, and often a period at the end of the display for the audience to examine the costume, armour and weapons.

Some sections of our display invite audience participation, although not in the actual fighting. We've found this is an excellent way of engaging the audience, especially school students.

Our typical school display consists of:

  • An introduction to the Saxons, including a description of early Saxon clothing and fighting gear. One of our fighters is used as a model and is dressed from the underwear up.
  • A fight between two Saxons using early Saxon gear.
  • An introduction to the Vikings, their clothing and fighting gear, and their raids on Britain. As with the description of Saxon clothing, etc. one of our fighters is used as a model.
  • A fight between Saxons and Viking raiders.
  • A dispute between two Vikings over a woman and her lands, resulting in a Holmgang (trial by combat). This fight also incorporates a description of Viking law and society.
  • A description of how Saxon clothing and fighting equipment changed over several hundered years, accompanied by similar changes on our model.
  • A description of the battle of Maldon (between Saxons and Vikings).
  • A reenactment of the battle of Maldon.
  • As with the change from an early Saxon to a late Saxon, a Viking is changed into a Norman. Normans, their society, clothing, etc. are described.
  • A fight between two Norman knights with too much testosterone.
  • A description of the events leading up to the battle of Hastings, including the final repulsion of the Vikings at Stamford Bridge.
  • A reenactment of the battle of Hastings.
  • A "Challenge Fight" where audience members choose their champions, and are awarded small prizes if their champion wins.
  • Some time for the audience to examine the costume and fighting gear, and to ask any questions.

Our display is very flexible, and any of the above can be omitted, or examined in greater detail. We are able to provide displays that focus on most aspects of our core period (400 – 1200AD). The display usually runs for around two hours, but this too is flexible.

For a school display, we charge $5 per student, with a minimum charge of $150. For other displays, our fees are negotiable.

If you would like to book the Ancient Arts Fellowship for a display, please contact us.
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