Living History, Re-enactment or "Re-creation", as the justly famous Kentwell Hall terms it, is about trying to bring the past to life again by reconstructing and using the clothes, equipment, weapons, armour, tools, beliefs, language and mannerisms of the past. This often involves extensive research into original sources by those who have a fascination for this.

In fact the research can be so rewarding as you build up your store of knowledge for your characterisation or "persona". To coin a pun, it is "recreational scholarship"!!! Scholarship, to re-create, for recreation.

What character will you portray? Just who were you? How did you earn your living? What were your religious beliefs? Where did you live?  Just how do you create a persona or back-story?

For the History of Living History/Re-enactment see here.

There are lots of differing variations of living history from Costumed Guides in Stately Homes through historic plays or stories, battle re-enactments, third person interpretation ("this is how they did it") to first person interpretation ("this is what I do and my father and mother before me"). First person interpretation is a bit like method acting. You need to attempt to "get into the head" of the person your are portraying. This can be done by extensive research but the actual use of the clothing and equipment can give amazing insights that go beyond the understanding of the scholarly historian. Some professional actors admire the "interactive theatre" that this produces.

The activity can just be for your or your group's personal satisfaction in private or as a public historic display.

For the different types of events you might see follow the link.

Fortunately for most of us many of the experts are willing to share their knowledge with the rest. So we all have a good time! This is certainly one of the attractions of the hobby. After all the research has been done why let it die with us? For example, we run a computer discussion group for all living historians who portray medical practitioners. We have medics from the Roman era right through to World War II and from Cunning Women through to Physicians. Our membership of well over 300 covers almost every continent, every era and every station in life. The Staff of the Serpent/Medical History.

Once the research has been done and the equipment made, purchased or borrowed we can start wearing the clothes; fighting with the weapons; telling the tales and following the craftsmen's skill with our tools. This is where the activity divides itself into two. We like to re-create the crafts and occupations of the past - "Living History". Some like to re-enact battles - (more like "Dying History"). Some, like ourselves, do it for part of our living and others, like ourselves, do it for fun. It is an absorbing activity, encompassing many crafts and skills. For example, we now have many hobbies which serve our interest in Living History: Experimental Archeology; Dancing; Drama & Role-playing; Musical Instruments; Visiting Shakespeare's Globe in London; Reading & Collecting Books; Research in Libraries, Record Offices, Museums and on the Web; Visits to Stately Homes including life membership of English Heritage and the National Trust; Games and Pastimes; Bookbinding; Cooking; Medicine; Textiles; Dressmaking; Jewellery making; Collection of Antiques and Artifacts; Travel around the UK and Europe and maybe some day the USA. And think that before this we could hardly sew a button on a shirt!!

You can take part in shows in front of thousands of people or talk one-on-one, explaining your activity, or go on private weekends or engage in role playing scenarios. There are many groups who do all these and many more, each one with has its own range of periods, from the Romans and earlier to the Second World War. The magazine, " Call to Arms " has a listing of hundreds of such organisations. There are a number of events where you can see Living History in action. English Heritage, at their properties, has a massive programme running from Easter to October each year. Don't be put off by our enthusiasm for our projects. You can become a living historian or a re-enactor with much less trouble that we take. Many societies help newcomers out by lending them kit for the first year. After that you can decide what level of commitment you are willing to make. The basics include your clothing and footwear which you can make yourself or buy from a growing number of suppliers. Add to that basic utensils such as a spoon, knife ( a folk for the Frenchified) cup, bowl, belt and pouch and you have the basic equipment. Those who wish to fight will need a weapon and some armour. Those who wish to be demonstrators need only the gift of the gab and a few simple artifacts.

Why not see us at some of the historic shows?