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UK.com
THE history and heritage accommodation guide                                                                                  SITE MAP

Welcome to History UK - Living History!

JULY and AUGUST 2009

Scroll down the page to view details of our selected events, listed by Time Period and then by date.

Please note: Historic-UK.com take no liability for errors, subsequent changes or cancellations.  You are advised to check on dates and times if you are making plans to attend.

Visit the Living History section of the Historic UK website for living history societies, PHOTO ALBUMS, marketplace and more!

FEATURED EVENT

25th and 26th July 2009 9.30am - 6pm
Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire

FESTIVAL OF HISTORY. Experience edge of your seat drama a history is brought to life before your eyes! Watch as over 1,000 re-enactors march out of history and into the heart of England. With more than 50 different shows each day this is an action packed weekend for all the family. Includes the Battle of Agincourt 1415, a Tudor fashion show, a Norman melee, King Henry VIII's Joust as well as big battle spectaculars including a tank attack 1944 with aerial display, English Civil War, Boer War, Soldiers of Waterloo and Galdiators, plus much much more. An English Heritage event.

 

EVENTS  2009

PREHISTORIC BRITAIN  4000BC - 43AD

Thursdays 11am - 4pm
Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort, North Pembrokeshire, Wales

Living in the Past. Meet Arianrhod a lady from the Iron Age. Touch, smell and see prehistoric life in a Celtic roundhouse. Every Thursday through the season.
Phone for details on 01239 891 319.

 

 August 1st 10am - 4pm
Peat Moors Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay, Near Glastonbury, Somerset

 The Parisii Tribe. Iron Age Living History display at the Peat Moors Centre

Contact : The Peat Moors Centre 01458 860 697 for more information

3rd & 4th October 2009
Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, Nottinghamshire

Sherwood through the Ages. Follow the time trail around the Major Oak pathway and meet some of the people who have lived in or helped to shape the history of this famous forest. Multi-period living history displays including Copper Age man, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Normans, Middle Ages, Civil War, Victorians, WW1, WW2 and 1980s British army on exercise. Free admission, £3 car parking fee applies.

 

ROMAN BRITAIN 
43AD - 410

19th July 2009 11am-5pm
Abbey Field, Colchester, Essex

Historic Battles and Chariot Spectacular. Roman chariot racing, gladiatorial combat and armoured Imperial soldiers, plus a full second day of our Classical Greek to modern era living history and historical displays, including English Civil War and Napoleonic battles, a chronological time line of history with soldiers, uniforms and weaponry from the ancient era to the 1980s.

Heritage Accommodation in Essex

8th & 9th August 2009
Sutton Hoo, Suffolk

Sutton Hoo through the Ages - from Romans to WWII. Sutton Hoo's living history spectacular is bigger and better than ever before. Experience Dark Age invasions, hand to hand combat and interactive craft displays. try your hand at archery, watch the Redcoats in training and learn how the Home Guard prepared for invasion. New for 2009 - Redcoats and Victorian investigators!

Heritage Accommodation in Suffolk

29th - 31st August 2009
Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire HP8 4AB

Meet the Roman Army.  A wonderful opportunity to learn about the life of the Roman Soldiers throughout the Roman period and to meet some of the women of the Roman Empire. Re-enactment and research group, the Roman Military Research Society present a soldiers encampment and spectacular displays of Roman fighting techniques and displays. Learn all about Roman ladies' clothes during the afternoon Fashion Show! http://www.romanarmy.net/

10.45 am - 11.30 pm Military display
12.15 pm - 12.45 pm 500 years of the Roman army
2.30 pm - 3.00 pm Ladies fashion show
3.30 pm - 4.00 pm Military display

30th & 31st August (Bank Holiday) 2009 11am-5pm
Corbridge Roman Site (Hadrian's Wall), Northumberland

Roman City Life. The Roman town of Corbridge lives again with civilians and soldiers, traders and crafts people. See demonstrations of pottery, cooking and textiles, technology, games and pastimes. Children's crafts activities and junior military drill sessions. Plus superb displays of Roman games on horse back and horse racing. You can also meet soldiers off duty from Hadrian's Wall. (Booking recommended, call 0870 3331183) An English Heritage event.

Heritage Accommodation in Northumberland

30th & 31st August (Bank Holiday) 2009 11am-5pm
Old Sarum, Wiltshire

Living History Weekend. This weekend take a look at British history through the ages, from the mighty Roman empire, to the Tommies of World War II. The Normans have arrived - enjoy fantastic arena entertainment as they show off their skill at arms on horseback and the Norman cavalry and foot soldiers do battle. Fingers in ears as the Napoleonic redcoats will be showing off their weaponry skills and firepower. Visit the living history camps to meet Roman, Medieval and Tudor folk and for talks and demonstrations throughout the day. Plus, children can take part in our Knights Quest.

Verulamium Museum, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Legion XIIII on Guard. Verulamium Museum is invaded every second weekend in the month by Roman soldiers who demonstrate the tactics and equipment of the Roman Imperial Army. Free.
Contact  01727 751 810

VIKINGS AND OTHER INVADERS
410 - 1066

3rd July - 6th July 2009 
Peel Viking Festival, Peel, Isle of Man

Isle of Man Viking Festival. Starts on 3 July Friday at 7.30pm with the Opening Ceremony on Peel Beach when Sigurd The Stout arrives by Viking Boat and challenges the Manx Viking King to battle for the rule of The Isle of Man. Living History displays and Viking Village. Highlights on Sunday 5th July include a Battle at 3pm and the Viking Boat Burning and Torchlight Procession at 10pm.

29th - 31st August (Bank Holiday) 2009 11am - 5pm
Lindisfarne Priory, Northumberland

The Making of England... Vikings! Encounter the terrifying Vikings as they spread a wave of terror and turmoil with their raids on the North Eastern coast of England, where Lindisfarne was first to be set upon in 793 AD. Explore their encampment to discover the rigours and entertainments of Viking campaigning. Witness grisly displays of combat culminating in a full-scale, deadly battle. Full combat on Sunday & Monday. Displays dependant on tide times (Tide safe crossing times: Sat 29: 12.15pm - 9.20pm / Sun 30: 12.35am - 10.25am & 1.35pm - 10.40pm / Mon 31: 2.05am - 11:35am & 3.15pm - 11.45pm. )

Every night throughout the year
Market Square, Ripon, North Yorkshire

Every night, in a tradition dating from  886 A.D.,  at 9 pm. the Wakeman blows his horn in the Market Square at the four corners of the Obelisk to 'set the watch'. The City has 3 'sounding' horns, the oldest of which (no longer blown because of antiquity) is known as the 'Charter' horn and is dated A.D. 886 since, according to ancient tradition, it symbolised the granting of 'charter rites' to Ripon in that year. The second horn is dated 1690; the third, an African Ox horn (blown daily today) was given to the city in 1865 by the then serving Mayor.

Heritage Accommodation in North Yorkshire

 

NORMANS     1066 - 1216

8th & 9th August  
Sutton Hoo, Suffolk

Sutton Hoo Through the Ages. End of Empire Romans, Dark Ages, Normans, Napoleonic redcoats and 1940 Home Guard. A multi-era event placing Sutton Hoo and its world famous 7th century burials in their historical context. Living History, combat, displays and entertainments. A National Trust event.

30th & 31st August (Bank Holiday) 2009 11am-5pm
Old Sarum, Wiltshire

Living History Weekend. This weekend take a look at British history through the ages, from the mighty Roman empire, to the Tommies of World War II. The Normans have arrived - enjoy fantastic arena entertainment as they show off their skill at arms on horseback and the Norman cavalry and foot soldiers do battle. Fingers in ears as the Napoleonic redcoats will be showing off their weaponry skills and firepower. Visit the living history camps to meet Roman, Medieval and Tudor folk and for talks and demonstrations throughout the day. Plus, children can take part in our Knights Quest.

3rd & 4th October 2009
Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, Nottinghamshire

Sherwood through the Ages. Follow the time trail around the Major Oak pathway and meet some of the people who have lived in or helped to shape the history of this famous forest. Multi-period living history displays including Copper Age man, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Normans, Middle Ages, Civil War, Victorians, WW1, WW2 and 1980s British army on exercise. Free admission, £3 car parking fee applies.

10th & 11th October 2009 10am-4pm
1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield, East Sussex

The Making of England...The Battle of Hastings. Re-live the atmosphere and tension of medieval battle as over 400 soldiers clash in our annual re-enactment of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, on the very battlefield where it took place. Immerse yourself in medieval life as you stroll around the living history encampments; be amazed by the Norman Cavalry display; watch the chain mail and weaponry makers and take an entertaining look at the Bayeux Tapestry on a washing line! Marvel at the medieval falconry and see if you have what it takes to be archer in battle in the have-a-go archery! It really is one of the best family days out in history!

Heritage Accommodation in East Sussex

 

MIDDLE AGES   1216 - 1485

VIDEO SHORT:
Wars of the Roses Re-enactment, Kenilworth Castle 2007 - click here to view (Please note - opens in a new window)

18th and 19th July 2009
Woodsford Castle, near Dorchester, Dorset

Dorset Medieval Festival. Nestling in the beautiful Frome Valley in the heart of Dorset lies Woodsford Castle, the remaining part of a 14th century fortified Manor House. In this magical setting will be held the first Dorset Medieval Festival. Watch jousting, mounted skill-at-arms displays, archery, cannon firing and mock-battle skirmishes. Living History in the tented medieval village and marketplace. The historic castle, not normally open to the public will be available for public viewing. More details: http://www.dorsetmedievalfestival.co.uk/

15th & 16th August 2009 11am - 4pm
Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum & Village, Wiltshire

The Nuns of Lacock Abbey. See the historic cloisters brought to life through this special re-enactment event depicting the lives of the nuns living at Lacock Abbey in the 13th century. With live performances and displays visitors will experience life as it was for the nuns and learn more about this period in history through displays such as illuminated writing, music, clothing, food and armour.

Accommodation in Castles

THE TUDORS   1485 - 1603

July 11th & 12th 2009
Gainsborough Old Hall, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire

Tudor living history. Tudor Living History. Living history plus Henry and his Queen. Contact: 01427) 612669 for more details.

8th & 9th August 2009 11am - 5pm
Scarborough Castle, North Yorkshire

All the King's Guns. King Henry VIII visits Scarborough with his entourage and massive firepower! Be amazed at the power of the giant cannon, hauled by heavy horses, and watch in awe as the sailors of Great Harry's Navy demonstrate a Tudor gun deck similar to that of the infamous Mary Rose. The King himself will be in residence to see the strength of his gunners and to take part in displays of horsemanship and hunting. With a huge cast of musicians, retainers and his lady, the King brings Tudor England to life to commemorate the 500th anniversary of his coronation in 1509.

Accommodation in Tudor and/or Stuart Houses 
Lavenham Priory, Lavenham, Suffolk

THE STUARTS 1603 - 1714

25th and 26th July 2009 10.30am - 4.30pm
Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales

Civil War Re-enactment at Bodnant Garden. Located in The Park at stunning Bodnant Garden, go back in time to find out what life was like in the seventeenth century! Join us for this spectacular 2 day weekend event of living history featuring authentic tented encampments, military displays of pike and musket, a battle re-enactment with musket and cannon fire, and historical figures to talk to about life in the mid 1600s. Pike, Musket, Drums & Colours display in the mornings from 10.30am, with the battle re-enactment at 2pm each day. Please Note : There will be very loud noises from musketfire and cannon during the battles. A National Trust event.

GEORGIAN BRITAIN 1714 - 1837

Saturdays  4th July, 1st August 2009
Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA

Restored Historic Almshouse. The Geffrye Museum is one of London’s best-loved museums. It shows the changing style of the English domestic interior in a series of period rooms from 1600 to the present day. Visit one of the Geffrye’s 18th century almshouses which has been fully restored to its original condition, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of London’s poor and elderly in former times. Visitors will have a chance to visit the restored historic almshouse on the following days:

  • Saturdays:  2 May, 6 June, 4 July, 1 August, 5 and 19 September, 3 October, 7 November, 5 December 2009
  • Sundays: 14 and 21 June (12.15, 2.00, 3.00 and 4.00pm), 19 July (12.15, 2.00, 3.00 and 4.00pm), 9 August (12.15, 2.00, 3.00 and 4.00pm) 2009

Timed entries on Saturdays are at 11.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm. Additional 4.00pm entry between May and September.
Tickets: Adults £2.00, Friends of the Geffrye, disabled visitors and children under 16 free. Numbers are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Heritage Accommodation in London

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th July 2009 12 noon - 5pm
The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD

War of Independence Camp and 4th of July Celebration The Crown Forces Drill Display, an 18th Century gentleman, family games and activities, topped off with a classic rock 'n roll band (who will even teach you a few dance steps) - come join the party! The Crown Forces Drill Display at 1.30 and 3.00. All activities are included with Grounds Admission.

 

12th, 18th, 25th July 2009
Burns House, Burns Street, Dumfries, Scotland 

Meet Jean Armour Burns. As part of the Homecoming Celebration Events across Scotland, step back in time to 1809 and come and meet Jean Armour Burns, wife of Robert Burns and find out what life is like for Jean after the death of her husband in 1796. Tel: 01387 255 297

 

18th & 19th July 2009 10am - 6pm 
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire

Lace Wars present the Jacobite Rebellion. Travel back in time to 1745. Visit the opposing camps throughout the day and see drills and a skirmish between the two sides at selected times. 

1st & 2nd August 2009 
Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire HP8 4AB

Meet Sharpe's Rifles. The Sharpe Appreciation Society & the 95th Rifles. Fans of the TV series Sharpe's Rifles will be delighted to know that The Sharpe Appreciation Society, along with one or two of the actors from the series will be visiting the Museum over this weekend. Jason Salkey, who plays Sergeant Harris, will be here in costume to talk to visitors about life as one of the famous "Green Jackets"! Napoleonic Re-enactment Group the 95th Rifles will also be on hand in their soldier's encampment throughout the weekend to show visitors their drill techniques and their spectacular rifle firing demonstrations.

22nd & 23rd August 2009 
Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire HP8 4AB

England vs. Scotland in the 18th century Lace Wars The English fight the Scots in this wonderful military event demonstrating the rivalries and fighting techniques from the 18th Century. Meet the Red Coat Infantry Soldiers, see the British Dragoons on horseback, and witness the attempts of the much beleaguered Jacobites to overcome the English soldiers.

There will be colourful displays of traditional gun fire from the red coat soldiers of King George and occasional skirmishes with the rebellious Jacobites. A highlight of the day will be the spectacular displays given by the mounted Dragoons demonstrating their skill with swords and lances on horseback.

 

30th & 31st August (Bank Holiday) 2009 11am-5pm
Old Sarum, Wiltshire

Living History Weekend. This weekend take a look at British history through the ages, from the mighty Roman empire, to the Tommies of World War II. The Normans have arrived - enjoy fantastic arena entertainment as they show off their skill at arms on horseback and the Norman cavalry and foot soldiers do battle. Fingers in ears as the Napoleonic redcoats will be showing off their weaponry skills and firepower. Visit the living history camps to meet Roman, Medieval and Tudor folk and for talks and demonstrations throughout the day. Plus, children can take part in our Knights Quest.

3rd and 4th October 2009
Kingston Maurward House, near Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8PY

International Napoleonic Weekend. Join us in the beautiful Regency setting of Kingston Maurward with its magnificent Grade I listed Mansion House and rolling parkland to celebrate the 200th anniversary of "1809" - the year in which the Duke of Wellington lead British and Hanovarian troops into Spain and Portugal to face the massed armies of Napoleon Bonaparte - and the start of the "Peninsular War". This campaign resulted in the overthrow of the French Emperor in 1814, his exile to the Island of Elba, and his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The International Napoleonic Weekend will have demonstrations of both soldiers and civilians from the Napoleonic Wars. So whether your passion is Napoleon Bonaparte, the Duke of Wellington, Jane Austen, or even "Sharpe", come along and enjoy the weekend at this fantastic event. We will also be staging the 16th International Napoleonic Fair in the Georgian Mansion on the same weekend (entry included in your ticket price)

Advance tickets are now available online - and at discounted prices - for a limited period. Visit www.internationalnapoleonicfair.com

 

THE VICTORIAN AGE 1837 - 1901

15th & 16th August 2009 11am - 5pm 
Richmond Castle, North Yorkshire

Victorian Gymkhana. Looking dashing in uniform, our gentlemen open proceedings with a dazzling demonstration of skill and horsemanship. Our ladies, riding side saddle, will compete with the gents in games of polo, pig sticking and the famous "teapot dash". The gymkhana concludes with one of our ladies attempting the "Victorian leap", an amazing display of skill and bravery as she attempts to jump - glass of wine in hand - a fully set table! Will she make it? You'll have to come and see for yourselves. The red coat military men of the Green Howard's will also be here re-enacting a recruiting party and drill squad. An English Heritage event.

 

September 19th & 20th 2009
Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UF

Victorian Military Tattoo Weekend.  The 19th Foot with the 11th Hussars and other Victorian re-enactment groups will present living history and displays at the Victorian Military Tattoo weekend. Nothe Fort was built in 1872 to protect England and its Portland Harbour. The fort is situated on the Weymouth shore in Dorset, home of the 2012 Olympic Sailing event.

October 10th & 11th 2009
The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD

American Civil War Weekend. Involving over 100 costumed re-enactors this is the biggest living-history event of the season. See a hillside skirmish complete with infantry, barricades, cannon fire and lots of noise and smoke! After the battle visitors are welcome to chat with members of the group to learn more about this important turning point in American history. Entry by grounds admission. Living history by the Southern Skirmish Association

October 29th - 31st 2009 12 noon - 3pm
Whitby Abbey, Whitby, North Yorkshire

Days of Victorian Gothic. Come and discover the Victorians at their gothic best. There will be a variety of characters to meet from a Victorian surgeon to the hangman! Plus eerie demonstrations from science to funeral processions! Weird, wonderful and deliciously gothic!

October 29th - 31st 2009 6pm - 8.30pm
Whitby Abbey, Whitby, North Yorkshire

Nights of Victorian Gothic Come and discover the Victorians at their gothic best in the floodlit remains of Whitby Abbey. Witness live action storytelling, rifle firing, a dashing highwayman, plus, a special night time appearance of a full Victorian gothic funeral procession complete with horse drawn carriage. With costumed performers and demonstrations from Victorian Science to funerals, from the surgeon to the hangman, there will be a variety of Victorian characters to meet. (Last admission 7.30pm.)

Accommodation in Whitby in a Gothic/ Dracula themed guest house:

Bats and Broomsticks, Whitby

EDWARDIAN ERA AND WW1
1901 - 1918

11th and 12th July 2009 11am - 4pm
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, South Yorkshire 

Deeds Not Words - Votes for Women. Discover the words and songs and stories of the suffragettes with a trio of professional actors bringing to life the campaign of Votes for Women in this entertaining performance. The Suffragette movement, frustrated by the Liberal government's lack of support for votes for women, turned to radical methods to influence public opinion - prepare to be entertained!

8th and 9th August 2009 11am - 4.30pm
Bateman's, East Sussex 

World War I Weekend. When Rudyard Kipling used his connections to get his much loved son a commision in the Irish Guards at the beginning of WWI, he little realised he was sending the young man to his doom. Hear more of the story and find out about life on the Western Front in 1915 as you walk around the encampment, examine the equipment, talk to the soldiers and watch the rifle drills.

22nd and 23rd August 2009 11am - 4.30pm
Belton House, Lincolnshire 

The Great War Weekend. Step back in time to World War 1 at the home of The Machine Gun Corps. Watch The Great War Society perform military skirmishes and drill displays. Visit the field hospital, recruiting post and living history camp. Another chance to see The Machine Gun Corps exhibition and meet members of The Machine Gun Corps History Group. Normal grounds admission applies.

Langtry Manor Hotel, Bournemouth, Dorset

An Edwardian Banquet. Our 7 course Edwardian Banquet takes place every Saturday night and is served by staff in Edwardian tails and the girls in mob caps and aprons ( as in 'Upstairs Downstairs'). All the food is presented to guests as it would be at one of Edward VII's banquets. There is a short interlude by an actress describing Lillie Langtry’s and Edwards’s story in words and music. More details on our website

 

POST WW1 AND WW2  1918 - 1960

7th August 2009 11am - 3pm
Arlington Court & The National Trust's Carriage Collection, Devon

Fun Friday - Austerity for Prosperity in 1949. Discover what life was like in 1949, ration books, utility clothes and also the New Look and new gadgets! A brave new world! Wear outdoor clothes. More details: Arlington Court, 01271 850296, arlingtoncourt@nationaltrust.org.uk  

8th & 9th August 2009 10am - 5pm
Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Aveley Road, Upminster, Essex RM14 2TN

Military and Flying Machines.  Military vehicles, tank and flying displays. Helicopter and aircraft rides. Meet the Veterans. Living History displays. Militaria fair. Vintage and modern aircraft.
We will be recreating past times at this vintage aerodrome with over two hundred vintage military vehicles, including an armoured vehicle parade together with several tanks, aircraft displays as well as a WW2 Spitfire and a wing walking display on a WW2 Boeing Stearman Biplane. There will also be an opportunity to meet over 30 living history groups, over 40 set displays of weapons and equipment creating an exceptional atmosphere. Flour Bombing - your opportunity to fly in a WW2 vintage aircraft and drop flour bombs on a target! Living History representations include a WW2 “Home Front” Anderson shelter, bomb disposal, Vietnam, Wartime RAF display including a life size Spitfire. Arena displays, WW2 Skirmish, including tanks! ALL ATTRACTIONS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO UNFORESEEN OR MECHANICAL/WEATHER/ RELIABILITY CIRCUMSTANCES

More details: 01245 476249, www.mvt-essex.org.uk

15th & 16th August 2009
Rufford Abbey Country Park, Nottinghamshire

On the Home Front 1939-1945.  Our third great year of fantastic forties fun! Military and civilian displays, Dakota flyover, living history, fashion, music, song, firemen and pumps, entertainments and much more! Visitors are invited to join in with the spirit of the event by coming in period dress (completely optional, of course!). Free daytime admission (modest car parking fee applies).

29th - 31st August 2009 11am - 5pm
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex

Station 43 - Spies, Soldiers and Secrets. This weekend we travel back to the time of World War II, when the house was home to the Polish Branch of the Special Operations Executive. Meet soldiers and see how they would have lived and worked, Try your hand at fun code cracking activities but make sure you don't miss the spectacular parachute drop! Booking Recommended, please call 0870 333 1183

16th - 18th October 2009
Pickering Show Ground, North Yorkshire

Europe at War Weekend.  The Northern World War 2 Association is holding its Europe at War Weekend 2009 at Pickering Show Ground on 16 - 18 October. The event will include living histories, battles, vehicles, dances on the evenings etc. See the nww2a website events page for further details www.nww2a.co.uk

 

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