Wythe Retinue

              Medieval Living History

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Living History

We portray characters from all walks of life and stations in the 15th Century, including civilian (tradesmen with a range of medieval trades and skills), military (foot soldiers, archers and cannon crew), religious (nuns, priests and pilgrims), as well as minor gentry and the emerging middle class.

 

Learn about:

  • Clothing, fashions and personal accessories
  • Cookery, food and drink, manners and etiquette
  • Crafts and trades such as spinning and tailoring, wood- and leather-working, candle-dipping and net-making
  • Singing, dancing, games and other pastimes for both adults and children
  • Health and hygeine, medicines, simples and herb lore
  • Military life, arms and armour, archery and fletching (arrow-making)
  • Pilgrimage and religious life, the running of an abbey
  • Writing with quill and parchment, the professions

 

We can present a typical medieval household, in such circumstances as the day-to-day running of a medieval manor, including the Lord and Lady of the Manor, guests, tradesmen, men-at-arms, and servants.

 

Music and dance may feature in our presentations, along with diverse other elements such as a fashion show, storytelling, Mummer's play, military drills or dagger fighting.

 

 

   

 

 

Through our objects and activities, visitors and students can learn about wider issues such as social class, the availability of goods, politics and war, male and female roles, and the medieval worldview.

 

  

 

 

A full living history camp consists of tents of various styles, with campaign furniture and other domestic objects on display, but smaller installations are also very successful, and indoor spaces can be dressed as well.

 

Where possible, the heart of the camp is a real fire, burning wood or charcoal. Food preparation and cooking are usually ongoing, and meal times always attract interest from visitors.

 

 

    

 

 

Members of the public are encouraged to mingle and join in, ask questions, handle objects, try on clothes and armour, take advantage of the many photo opportunities, or simply observe and enjoy the atmosphere.