Naseby Woodland Skirmish February 2024 – The Battle of Crosby’s Lake

Yeah.. it was wet. 

Following the New Years skirmish we were back in the woods once more. It had been raining a LOT in the week up to the event, with standing water in most of the fields. The woodland area acts a a natural sponge, however our usual skirmish area now had some interesting water features to give this session flavour of it’s own… partly due to to tactics, and mainly due to our Marshall deciding to plant the ‘Take and Hold’ objective in the middle of a newly formed lake. Common decency prevents us from writing exactly what we thought of him when we discovered this doing the battle (I didn’t think it was correct anyhow, I’ve met both his parents – Editor) .

Altogether now..

One two three four… Harrington marine corps!!

 

SKIRMISH RESULTS

Scoring was across nine games using the Harrington standard scoring system, with the Bomb Run, Take and Hold, Dispatch Runner  game types being played throughout the day.

GREATEST WARRIOR

Key Performance indicator: Accrued Tactical Points

Rank	Name	Household	Score
1	Tom	Harrington	15
2	David ‘Cardinal Nutcracker’	Harrington Theological College	14
3	Arthur ‘Pink Fizz’	Harrington	11
=4	Dan B	Harrington	10
=4	Oli K.	Harrington	10
=5	Ant	Harrington	8
=5	Alex C	Harrington	8
=5	Cheri S.	Harrington	8

Marshall Matt obtains 9 points for Marshalling, and for being an utter, utter, utter £$%^&*I(O)

DEADLIEST WARRIOR

Key Performance Indicator: Most Kills

Rank	Name	Household	Bodycount
1	David	Harrington	12
2	Tom C	Harrington	6
3	Ant F	Harrington	3
3	Dan B	Harrington	3
3	Alex C	Harrington	3
4	Oli	Harrington	2
5	Arthur	Harrington	1

KILLING SPREE (Most Kills in one game)

David H –  4, during a Take and Hold game type. The Cardinal had a great day..

SURVIVALIST (longest continuous number of games survived)
Cheri S & David H : 5 games. For once, this was not because Cheri got lost in the woods. 

A special shout must go for the the best dispatch run game we’ve had in ages!

Thanks to all those that took part, it was a great day, and in our opinion this stuff is the most difficult and authentic 15th C combat in re-enactment. Any kind of score on any of the Key Performance Indicators is something to be proud of🙂

Onwards to the Clout Archery Shoot!

Banquet 2024 – a newcomer’s review!

By special guest editors Matt and Amy

As Harrington newbies, we were delighted to be able to attend the annual Twelfth Night Banquet this year.

There is something special about being part of a community that is passionate about the past and engages with history in a fun, social and interactive way. So we couldn’t wait to get going.

After navigating the boring bits of modern life, like parking and Google maps, we found the hall set within a beautiful churchyard. As soon as we entered, it was like a sensory trip back in time. First of all the hall is an absolutely stunning example of late medieval architecture with intricate wooden rafters and beautiful gothic windows. It was originally intended for older men to live communally and still contains locker spaces where they would have kept their few personal possessions.

Within the hall, decorations had been set out including flags and livery and the tables were adorned with wreaths, candles and 15th century tableware. Everyone was fully attired in their finest doublets, hose and kirtles and there wasn’t a phone or smart watch in sight.

Aside from the visuals the smoke from the fire and the spices from cooking created a lovely aroma and really added to the atmosphere. And to top this all off, the historical music from Myal Pyper completed the sensory ensemble.

The food itself was very much in keeping with the time period with pea soup, bread, veggie pie and slow cooked pork with apple sauce. The team had clearly worked hard to get all the food ready and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all judging from all the empty plates. Alongside the food we were treated to some beautiful contemporary singing from Steph and the Harrington awards were also announced. A great way to honour the hard work and commitment the members put in across the year.

For us the most enjoyable and chaotic part of the evening was the dancing. We didn’t need any disco cheese however, as Myal Piper provided both the music and the much needed instructions of what everybody needed to do for each dance. What followed was many leaping, prancing, rotating and clapping Harringtons in a form of organised chaos!

Overall it was a fantastic evening and we really enjoyed being part of a warm, welcoming and friendly group of people.

One thing we would advise to any newbies in the future…give yourself more time to get into your medieval kit than you think you might need, especially if you are not used to it! Tying up points and getting into a kirtle isn’t as quick as putting on a pair of jeans and as such we were the last ones to arrive. Lesson learnt.

A massive thanks to the Harringtons and looking forward to 2024!

Thanks both, we loved that you had a great time and here’s to many more! – Editor in Chief

Naseby Woodland Skirmish January 2024 – Review and Results

‘Tis the season for woodland folly…

Well, little did we know when we wrote the review for our December 2019 Skirmish that it would be the last for FOUR years due to the Great Pestilence. Unbelievable!

But at last – we were back in the woods, and having fun. 

 It was an action packed day of skirmishing, at this time of year the winter gloom casts long shadows through the woods, but as the leaves are now fully down, little cover on offer so the arrows flew in large numbers and a turkey shoot for the archers! (Oi! Who are you calling a turkey?? – Editor)

We were also joined by a guest from Sheffield, the trip down from oop north had clearly messed with his centre of gravity, he spent most of the time on the floor and was christened Mr. Tumble!!

There was even time for a spot of winter campfire cooking…

SKIRMISH RESULTS

Scoring was using the Harrington standard scoring system, with the Bomb Run, Take and Hold, Dispatch Runner  game types being played throughout the day.

GREATEST WARRIOR

Key Performance indicator: Accrued Tactical Points

Rank	Name	Household	Score
1	Dan B.	Harrington	11
1	Phil D.	Harrington	11
2	David H.	Harrington	9
2	Alex C.	Harrington	9
3	Tom C.	Harrington	8
3	Mr Tumble	Guest	8
3	Howard M	Harrington / Wryngwyrm	8
4	Matt C.	Red Dwarf Mining	7
4	Pete B.	Harrington	7
5	Ant F.	Harrington	5
6	Arthur T.	Harrington	3
6	Steph B.	Harrington	3
7	Steph G.	Harrington	2

DEADLIEST WARRIOR

Key Performance Indicator: Most Kills

Rank	Name	Household	Bodycount
1	Phil D	Harrington	12
2	Tom C	Harrington	6
3	Ant F	Harrington	3
4	David H	Harrington	2
5	Alex C	Harrington	2
6	Steph G	Harrington	2
7	Howard M	Harrington	2
8	Dan B	Harrington	1
9	Arthur T	Harrington	1

KILLING SPREE (Most Kills in one game)

Phil D. –  7, during a Take and Hold game type. This was almost a flawless victory!!

SURVIVALIST (longest continuous number of games survived)
Howard M. : 4 games. We are not surprised. Howard is “Old Hard to Kill” 🙂

Thanks to all those that took part, it was a great day, and in our opinion this stuff is the most difficult and authentic 15th C combat in re-enactment. Any kind of score on any of the Key Performance Indicators is something to be proud of🙂

Onwards to the Banquet.

Skirmish January

Event Review – New Year’s Shoot 2023

The Harringtons (and guests) rang in the New Year with a rather wonderful Clout Archery shoot at Elliott’s Rectory Farm in Northants. https://elliottsrectoryfarm.co.uk

Despite the shorter winter day we shot a full 12 ends. Points accrued will go forward to the title and trophy of Archer of Wolfage Manor, which will be awarded at our banquet this month.

Juan Shot in full flow..

It was a lovely January day, with much fun and laughter. Thanks also to our Guests from other longbow groups who made the journey across, you were most welcome. Our guest from Red Rose clearly believed a Clout was an aquatic animal as he spent much time shooting into the stream.. (!!), and out Towcester Guest produced a fantastic WW1 era creeping barrage 🙂

A creeping barrage – look at that grouping!

The scores were as follows

HARTLEY RANGE (80 PACES)

NAME	CATEGORY	SCORE
Steph G.	Adult	126
Tom C.	Northerner	100
Mark S.	Electric Fence Tester	72
Alex F.	Junior	53
Kof	Adult	37
Steph B	Adult	33

COBHAM RANGE (104 PACES)

NAME	CATEGORY	SCORE
Cheri S.	Adult	88
		41

BONIVANT RANGE (124 PACES)

NAME	CATEGORY	SCORE
Ant F	Crossbow	60
James H.	BFG	57
Alex C.	Breaking Bad	43
James S.	One Shot Does Plenty	41
Arthur T.	BFG	26
Darrell	Guest	19
Chris	Guest – Red Rose Marine Division	18

Closest to the pin:

Bonivant – Ant.

Cobham – Steph G.

Hartley – Cheri.

A great day’s shooting, though sadly we understand we were not appropriately dressed for 2023…

Ant dressed like this back in the 90’s..

Event Review – Clout, Coffee & Combustibles 2022

Remember remember the fifth of November goes the saying, and indeed the Harringtons did in some style with a rather wonderful Clout Archery shoot at Elliott’s Rectory Farm in Northants. https://elliottsrectoryfarm.co.uk

Despite the dire predictions of the Internet weather providers the rain held off and we shot 10 ends. Points accrued will go forward to the title and trophy of Archer of Wolfage Manor, which will be awarded at our banquet in January.

The scores were as follows

HARTLEY RANGE (80 PACES)

NAME	CATEGORY	SCORE
Tom C.		82
Alex F.	Junior	77
Lenette W.		75
The Almighty KOF		70
Mark S.		65
Phil D.		60
Steph B.		52
Sarah H.		44

COBHAM RANGE (104 PACES)

NAME	CATEGORY	SCORE
Alex C.		91
Chris D.		84
Pete B.	Ninja	67
David H.		64
Arthur T.		63
Cheri S.		59
Stephanie G		49
Guy H.		41

BONIVANT RANGE (124 PACES)

NAME	CATEGORY	SCORE
Juan S.	Does Plenty	31
Ant F.	Crossbow	21
James H.	BFG	20

Closest to the pin:

Bonivant – Ant.

Cobham – Pete B.

Hartley – Lenette.

Event Review – Tewkesbury Medieval Festival 2022

The Battle of Tewkesbury 1471 550+1

By Guest Reporter Dan Dan the Gardening Man

The weekend of 9th & 10th July 2022 was an important date for followers of the period known as “The Wars of the Roses”. Firstly, it marked the date on which the Battle of Northampton took place in 1460, an engagement that saw Henry VI lose to the Yorkists, commemorations taking place at Delapre Abbey and the Eleanor Cross as usual. Secondly, it saw a small contingent of The Harrington Companye head West for the battle of Tewkesbury, the event making a welcome return after two years of cancellations. May 2021 saw the 550th anniversary of this battle and so this year was logically touted as 550+1. Stepping foot on the hallowed ground of the festival and incidentally, the periphery of the original battlefield, was a wonderful experience …it was so good to be back! An early arrival on Friday paid dividends as the campsites rapidly filled and once set-up, allowed for a gentle stroll around the historic centre of Tewkesbury (several great bookshops worthy of exploration).

As seems tradition for this event, the forecast had been for a hot, sunny few days and so it was that we awoke to weather that only promised to become more uncomfortable as the day progressed – particularly when considering that at some point, armour would be required.

Meterologicos…scorchio!

The beauty of the Tewkesbury festival however, is it’s laid back vibe so if you wish to partake in living history all weekend…great. If not, modern, cooler clothing is equally acceptable (preferable?). It was fairly quiet early on so a quick visit to our friends (and some Companye members) at the “Have-a-go archery” stand. That was the last we saw of them as the tsunami of public rapidly engulfed the site. As was the case with all traders, I think their weekend could be described as busy to put it mildly! The festival was officially opened by Professor Ronald Hutton and local dignitaries mid-morning, by which time, the site was a throbbing mass of public.

Meterologicos…scorchio!

As the day drew on, the temperature increased which could only mean it was time for muster and the first battle of the weekend. This year, we fought on the Yorkist line under the banner of Lord Hastings, fighting opposite the Earl of Devon. The re- enactment of the battle of Tewkesbury takes place on a meadow by the River Avon with the town and Abbey forming a back-drop. This year saw the addition of extra cavalry but the format otherwise remained mostly unchanged seeing rotating Lancastrian/Yorkist charges and retreats before the final, crushing Yorkist victory. A victory that in 1471 saw Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou lose their only son and heir in battle and who was subsequently buried in the Abbey (Edward IV’s badge of “The Sunne in Splendour” looking down on his tomb from above). Historically, the Yorkist victory led to a prolonged era of peace but for us, it was off to cool down and then hit the beer tent – Saturday night is party night once the public have gone, another feather in the cap for this festival. The French contingent made their usual grand appearance, this year arriving en-masse as a full blown Antipodean beach party, complete with life guards and shark attack. Good times!

Astonishingly, despite the huge visitor numbers on Saturday and a slightly slower start, Sunday gradually became even busier. The diverse mix of traders offering something for everyone, with rumours circulating that some traders were desperately trying to re-jig their stalls as they had so little stock left to sell, others seeing their best trade in many a year. The second (non) surprise was that today was to be even hotter. However, a momentous decision had been made that re- enactors of the battle could muster in “the lane”. And there was much rejoicing!

Muster in Lower Lode lane. Shade at last!

One engagement was also dropped but when you are spending around 2 hours in armour as a living furnace, the benefits are probably negligible. There seemed to be a general consensus however, that once a certain temperature is reached, it cannot feel any hotter although exhaustion is certainly quicker to rear it’s head. Being that both battles featured untried elements, the fact that so many combatants from not only the UK but also France and Italy had taken to the field after so long apart, it is testament to the organisers that they both ran safely and smoothly. I personally had great fun. I’d also add that the kit standard has come on leaps and bounds – this year was the best I have seen. I hope the many thousands of people that came to watch enjoyed it as much as we all did.

And so that was it. The end of a thoroughly enjoyable weekend, nothing left but to cool down and break camp before wending our way home. For some, this was to be their last festival but I’m sure they left with good memories and a positive vibe. I’d like to thank everyone involved in putting on Tewkesbury 550+1 – the organisation was absolutely superb, from camp layout, to the toilets & cleaners, excellent security, battlefield marshals…the list goes on.

One final point, spare a thought for the bar staff. Hat’s off to them, they didn’t stop from Friday ’til Sunday evening. A few hours in armour ‘aint so bad after all!

Event Review – Big Harrington Weekend II

The Companye has returned from our March weekend away, where we blew off the winter cobwebs and prepared for the season ahead. It was to be an archery tournament, combat and much more! We were joined by some allies, the House of Bayard, Suffolk Swords, and De Cobhams.

LIVING HISTORY

The main draw for many was the archery, however some of the Companye’s living history band were putting the apothecary’s new alembic through its paces before the season starts.

The Alembic

The alembic is an early form of still. It separates substances from a liquid mixture through boiling then condensation. The process has been used to distill fragrant oils for perfumery during antiquity, make fruit brandies in the Middle Ages and alcohol for consumption starting from the 15th century.

This time we were distilling rosemary oil from the plant. Handfuls of rosemary needles, some water, a seal made from bread paste to stop steam escaping between the top and bottom of the alembic gave us 400ml of rosemary hydrosol (rosemary water). 

The next step will be to run this through the alembic another few times. Rain prevented us from doing this the second day at FairPlay but it will be continued at home so we know how many runs it takes to get a higher percentage of oil. 

Now we’re sure we’ve got the alembic working well, we’ll be using it at events to make the oils and scented waters that were part of a medieval apothecary’s stock or components of other products such as room scents, medicines and cosmetics.

ARCHERY

A new year, and a new opportunity to win the coveted Archer of Wolfage Manor trophy and title. Scores from this weekend will go towards this which will be contested throughout the year. This weekend’s course was two rounds of 9, with all three arrows scoring. After two days shooting – and much enjoyment – the scores were as follows.

No bears were harmed in the making of this photo. Including the bare patch in his hair – Editor

ARCHERY SCORES (CONSOLIDATED)

Place	Name	Household	Score	Category
1	James S.	Cobham / Harrington	370	Adult Longbow
2	Pete Bal.	Harrington	325	Adult Longbow
3	Tom C.	Harrington	285	Adult Longbow
4	Alex C.	Harrington	265	Adult Longbow
5	Chris D.	Cobham/Harrington	235	Adult Longbow
6	Stan	Bayard	200	Adult Longbow
7	Marcus B.	Harrington	170	Best Sexy Boots 2022
8	Edward F.	Harrington	140	Junior Crossbow (supervised)
9	The Almighty KOF	Harrington	125	Adult Longbow
10=	Arthur T.	Harrington	120	Adult Longbow
10=	Ninja Pete	Harrington	120	The Green Team
11	Alex F.	Harrington	105	Junior Longbow
12	Phil D.	Harrington	100	Best Jumper winner 2022
13=	Ant F.	Harrington	95	Note: withdrew to do childcare (no really)
13=	Gary F.	Cobham	95	Ultramarines
13=	Treebeard (Chris)	Bayard	95	Big Friendly Bayard (BFB)
14	Guy H.	Harrington	75	Adult Longbow
15	Sarah	Bayard	50	Adult Longbow
16=	Steph B.	Harrington	30	Adult Longbow
16=	Dan L.	Harrington	30	Baby eating Bishop of Bath and Wells
17	Jess D.	Harrington	25	Adult Longbow
18	Racheal P.	Harrington	25	Ginge

Now if only I had a cashmere jumper as well…

COMBAT

As well as the sound of targets bring struck by arrows, there was an opportunity to do combat and the woods resonated to the clash of steel.

All in all it was a great weekend, fantastic opportunity to socialise and train as this wonderful site.

Arrows in the Mist – Naseby Christmas Clout Shoot 2021

It’s Advent, a season of lights, spices, hot chocolate and Christmas joy… and mist. Lots and lots of mist.

The Harringtons decided our pre Christmas gathering would be a short clout archery shoot at the Naseby Battlefield. When we settled on the date we hadn’t quite realised we would be recreating the (Misty) Battle of Barnet.

The day dawned with a mist that rolled in over Cromwell’s mount and a slow but variable wind that played rather havoc with finding the target range for dropping arrows onto. Clout shooting is archery at the extreme end range of your bow, a direct shot is not possible and instead you have to increase the distance by increasing the angle of the shot. This takes practice and skill, and indeed puts the arch into archery. It also simulates the shooting at range at the start of medieval battles, including the famous opening volleys in the snow at the Battle of Towton.

We had four different ranges dependent on ability and bow strength and named for our friends. They were our now traditional Bayard, Cobham and Bonivant ranges (they can’t shoot back as their bows delaminate in the mist), plus for the first time the extreme range shot we are calling the Hartley range. (Because you have to be jammy to hit it – Editor)

Arthur was shooting the extreme range with his war bow. Even then the wind was assisting and he landed even further than he first realised.

The safest rubber chicken in all Christendom..

The Shoot consisted of 10 ends of 6 arrows each, with a rather civilised lunch break half way through. As the sun lowered over the horizon the scores were as follows:

Place	Name	Category	Range	Score
1.	Tom C.	Adult	Long (Bonivant)	115
2.	Alex F.	Junior	Short (Bayard)	55
3	Mark S.	World Weary Caretaker	Medium (Cobham)	50
4.	Ant F.	Adult (Height restriction permitting)	Medium (Cobham)	44
4	Lady H.*	Corby Girl	Medium (Cobham)	30
5	Arthur T.	Rather Large Adult	Extreme (Hartley)	17
6.	Steph B.	1.1% of the Adult Human Population	Medium (Cobham)	11
7	Morgan S.	Munchkin	Short (Bayard)	3

*Lady H arrived fashionably late and only shot half the course after lunch. Apparently had she bothered to get out of bed she would have wiped the floor with us.

A great days shooting in the mist

Congratulations to Tom who wins the prize of a fine selection of mince pies. It was a lovely way to spend a December Saturday, and we are grateful for the use of the site. We will return in the new year, and until then we wish you all a merry Christmas and a safe and happy 2022.

NODO FIRMO

Event Review – Fairplay House Archery Shoot & Training Weekend

The Companye have returned from a really great weekend away at the Fairplay House activity centre who hosted us. It’s a great place, and a fantastic base for some autumn training. And we’ll admit it was rather nice not to have to pitch a tent in the dark after a friday evening drive (You’re getting old – Editor)

During the weekend we shoot a round of target archery which counts towards our annual Archer of Wolfage Manor award.

After some great shooting and a lot of fun, the scores for each day were as follows:

Name	Household	Score	Category
James “One Arrow” S.	Harrington / Cobham	260	Ashby De La Zouche Studmuffin. Form a queue ladies.
Chris D. Current Archer of Wolfage Manor	Harrington / Cobham	240	Adult
Ian L.	Cobham	230	Adult
Lenette W.	Harrington	Ant + 10	Corby Girl
Ant F.	Harrington	170	Essex Boy
The Almighty KOF	Harrington	150	Legend
Matt C.	Harrington	120	Hologram
Alex “I am the future..” F.	Harrington	110	Junior
Arthur “beaten by the juniors” T.	Harrington	90	Large
Rachel “Ginge” P.	Harrington	90	Adult
Pete “Alec” B.	Harrington	90*	Adult but disguises it really well. Note: Only shot half the course due to being American and arriving late to the war.
Edward F.	Harrington	90	Junior with Harmonica
Steph B.	Harrington	70	MENSA intellect.

24 Targets, scoring on the first hit of three arrows. KILL = 20; WOUND = 10

Day two was equally competitive and a lot of fun:

Name	Household	Score	Category
Chris D. Current Archer of Wolfage Manor	Harrington / Cobham	345	Adult
Pete “Alec” B.	Harrington	310	Adult
Arthur “Oh right that’s how it works, got it now” T.	Harrington	270	Adult
Matt C.	Harrington	240	Adult. But we don’t believe it
Alex F.	Harrington	190	Junior
Lenette W.	Harrington	190	Adult
Edward F.	Harrington	150	Junior
Ant F.	Harrington	140	Adult Note: Only shot half the course as was needed to hit Cobhams
Ian L.	Cobham	130	Adult
Steph B.	Harrington	110	Adult
Rachel P.	Harrington	85	Adult
Shirley S.	Harrington / Cobham	85	Adult

Three arrows from each peg, first arrow 20, second arrow 10, third arrow 5. Cease at first scoring arrow.

“And I would have got away with it if it hadn’t been for those pesky trees!”

Which meant after two days the final standings looked like this:

After 47 years, I finally have the answer as to who killed Bambi’s mother… – Editor

ADULT SECTION

Place	Name	Score	Household
1	Chris D.	585	Harrington / Cobham
2	Pete B.	400	Harrington
3	Lenette W.	370	Harrington
4=	Matt C.	360	Boys from the Dwarf
4=	Ian L.	360	Cobham
4=	Arthur T.	360	Harrington
5	Ant F.	310	Harrington
6	James S.	260	Harrington / Cobham
7	Steph B.	180	Harrington
8	Rachel P	175	Harrington
9	Kof.	150	Harrington
10	Shirley S.	85	Harrington / Cobham

JUNIOR SECTION

Place	Name	Score	Household
1	Alex F.	300	Harrington
2	Edward F.	240	Harrington

The scores will go on to the rest of the shooting season, to be combined with other shoots before our January banquet so things may change before then!

Of course, it wasn’t just about the archery, it was great to do some combat as well. And praise must go to Tim the hardy Cobham for camping out!

It was a great chilled out weekend, just what we needed after a busy few months and we will definitely be returning to the site as part of our pre season activities.

General Note: Covid-19 precautions were in effect and all participants were lateral flow tested before arrival in accordance with current government advice and guidance.

No animals were harmed in the making of this weekend, though it did contain nuts. Caution: Never run with scissors.

Event Review – Barnet Medieval Festival 2021

By Guest Reporter David H. (Warning this may therefore induce a warm fuzzy feeling)

A Harrington, a Harrington!

In the year 1471 in the fields around the town of Barnet North London a pivotal battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought. One of the key points of this battle was the fall of The Earl of Warwick also know as “The King Maker” who up until this battle was a prominent political figure whose influence had altered the course of history. 550 years later, on the fields of a local rugby club spectators were transported back through time to experience a taste of what it could’ve been like to be present at the battle of Barnet.

Although joining the Harrington companye in late 2019 this was my first official outing (thanks to 2020) participating in a re-enactment festival. When the long-awaited and highly anticipated day arrived, I was not disappointed, seeing a patch of grass on a rugby playing field slowly transform to a mediaeval encampment was marvellous site to be hold. When all the tents had been erected and the campfires lit Barnet mediaeval festival 2021 truly began.

After waking early on Saturday morning (some might say too early) to a beautiful sunrise and the breakfasting around the campfire it was time to prepare for battle and with a call of “Harringtons muster!” we were on our way to our first battle performance. Marching down to battle arena and forming our battle lines alongside fellow men at arms, knights and nobility was a truly thrilling experience and one could not help but imagine what it was like for the poor souls facing enemy and artillery over an open field over 500 years ago.

Between battles time was spent relaxing and catching your breath in the camp observing and learning new skills from my fellow re-enactors, talking to the members of the public, answering questions and sharing what knowledge I have of the time period, it was wonderful to see so many people interested in what we do. Or if you had enough energy left after the battles you could take yourself down to the main arena to watch the displays of gunnery, men at arms training, weapons displays and archery skills. The latter included two of our very own archers who demonstrated the power and ferocious of the longbow and the high levels of skills it takes to become a Harrington companye Archer.

After the public left, everybody was fed and when the sun went down the companye gathered around the campfire and spend time catching up with old friends and making new ones (who up until now I had not met due to the pandemic). It was a pleasure to be amongst such kind and generous people who are always willing to help out a newcomer however they can. My overall experience of my first Medieval festival within the companye has been an overwhelmingly positive one and I can’t wait until the next one. I would like to finish off by paraphrasing my favourite quote from the weekend.

“Much beer was drank, many battles fought and the much fun was had.”

I think that sums it up nicely.

NODO FIRMO!