As you may have gathered by now I have just started Re-enacting. I’ve been asked what I do. The short answer to that is ‘not a lot’ at the moment, but next year I hope to get more involved with the regiment, and join in with the Living History displays.
My chosen historical period is the English Civil War. Not only because my sister is already involved and invited me along, but also as a Quaker I have a particular interest in the life and times of the 17th century (when the Society of Friends, Quakers, was first formed). Most English Civil War re-enactment takes place on the battlefield, recreating around the country, the different battles of the civil war. Most battles are fought to script (well almost!). At Kelmarsh, a two day event, there was a general display, with the Royalists winning on Saturday, and the Parliamentarians winning the return match on Sunday.
English Civil War re-enactments involve all sections of the armies at that time: Cavalry, Artillery, Musket men, and Pike. English Heritage were very strict about participants in historical kit, not carrying anything 21st century while the public was around, so I was unable to take photos. So I’ve pinched these from actiontake1.
A few Blackwell’s Musket (yes women play soldiers too!):
Some of Blackwell’s Pike. A Pike is a steel tipped, 16 foot ash pole, unwieldy and heavy!
Blackwell’s ‘water women’. Wool was worn extensively in the 17th century, it being colder then (the ‘Little Ice Age’), and well, wool being almost the only fibre available! Doing battle dressed in wool, on a hot day in 21st century Northamptonshire, gets you very hot! Hence the need for copious amounts of water by the re-enacters. Women were not involved in 17th century battles, so the water women have to dress as men. My sister is on the left in the blue/green jacket:
Battle:
(The King’s Army of the English Civil War Society march down Whitehall every January in remembrance of the execution of Charles I. The event, and battles involving the society, are captured on two Learning Zone clips on You Tube: Part one, Part two. The history is primary school level, but well worth watching to see the live action, and to hear the drummers!)
Kelmarsh is a multi-period event (Celts right through to the 1950s!).
I got talking to the Roman on the right on Sunday. It was also his first event!
The Romans come as a regiment. They erect a marquee, and use it as they would a barracks!
These boys stole the show! I grew up near the Shuttleworth Collection in Bedfordshire, but neither I or my sister had seen so many planes in the air at once! It was a totally gob-smacking display of WW1 dog-fighting. The WW1 Fly Boys:
Lots more piccies at actiontake1/Kelmarsh, go to the home page for other events.
End of Part One…. I need a rest!
