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.
Saturday 24th - Monday 26th
May 2008 Dover Castle,
Kent
Living History Spectacular Take a trip back through time to meet Romans, Tudors and
soldiers from World War I & II. Experience the
atmosphere of a bustling medieval market place and
mingle with courtiers and servants in the towering
castle keep. Be thrilled by the displays of skill from
the Norman cavalry and laugh at the antics of the jester
and performers from the Middle Ages. Have fun as you
try your hand at medieval games, music and dance, but
just make sure you behave yourself as the Victorian
policeman is on patrol!
New for 2008 – Discover more
about the Great War. Take the trench experience where
sounds, smells and tales from re-enactors provide a
thought-provoking look at life in the trenches during
World War I. Get up close to a replica World War I
plane and learn more about the bravery and skills of the
Royal Flying Corps in their static display.
An
English Heritage event.
3rd, 4th & 5th May 2008 Peat Moors
Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay, Near Glastonbury, Somerset
BELTANE GATHERING.
Join members of the Silures and Settantii tribes and their
friends as they celebrate the ancient Celtic festival of
Spring with crafts, displays and activities.
5th & 6th
July 2008 Peat Moors
Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay, Near Glastonbury, Somerset
The Parisii Tribe. Iron Age Living History display
A Trip Through Time - Annual
History Fayre.
Take a trip through time and discover a variety of period
themed displays featuring historical interpreters from
Romans to the Home Front of World War II in the Manor
House Museum Gardens in Kettering. Admission Free. More
details: Tel: 01536 534219, E-mail:
museum@kettering.gov.uk
Saturday 24th - Monday 26th May
2008 Dover Castle, Kent
Living History Spectacular Take a trip back through
time to meet
Romans, Tudors and soldiers from World War I & II.
Experience the atmosphere of a bustling medieval market place and
mingle with courtiers and servants in the towering castle keep.
Be thrilled by the displays of skill from the Norman cavalry and
laugh at the antics of the jester and performers from the Middle
Ages. Have fun as you try your hand at medieval games, music
and dance, but just make sure you behave yourself as the Victorian
policeman is on patrol!
New for
2008 – Discover more about the Great War. Take the
trench experience where sounds, smells and tales from
re-enactors provide a thought-provoking look at life in
the trenches during World War I. Get up close to a
replica World War I plane and learn more about the
bravery and skills of the Royal Flying Corps in their
static display.
An
English Heritage event.
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August 2008
Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Sutton Hoo Through the Ages.
End of Empire Romans,
Dark Ages, Normans and WWII. A multi-era event placing
Sutton Hoo's world famous 7th century burials in their
historical context. Living history, combat, displays and
entertainments. New this year,1940 Home Guard (evoking the
period when anti Nazi glider trenches were dug near the
burial mounds).
Lanark Medieval Festival.Scotland's Living History Festival. Multi period festival,
covering Romans, Vikings and Medieval (around the
William
Wallace/Robert the Bruce era). The festival takes place in
the Royal Burgh of Lanark (1140) the town where Wallace
lived, loved and began the real "Braveheart" story. It
features re-enactment groups from across Britain and Eire,
and traders from across Europe. Working seige engine, Roman
artillery, replica Longship, etc. There is also a 2 day
longbow archery tournament for the Lanark Silver Arrow, a
full size specially commissioned silver arrow. More details:
http://www.lanarkmedievalfestival.co.uk
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
Accommodation on Hadrian's Wall Holmhead Guest
House,
Thirlwall Castle Farm, Hadrian's Wall, Greenhead Via
Carlisle, Cumbria
Now offering Weekends with a Roman Flavour! More details
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August 2008
Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Sutton Hoo Through the Ages.
End of Empire Romans, Dark Ages,
Normans and WWII. A multi-era event placing Sutton
Hoo's world famous 7th century burials in their historical
context. Living history, combat, displays and
entertainments. New this year,1940 Home Guard (evoking the
period when anti Nazi glider trenches were dug near the
burial mounds).
Lanark Medieval Festival.Scotland's Living History Festival. Multi period festival,
covering Romans, Vikings and Medieval (around the
William
Wallace/Robert the Bruce era). The festival takes place in
the Royal Burgh of Lanark (1140) the town where Wallace
lived, loved and began the real "Braveheart" story. It
features re-enactment groups from across Britain and Eire,
and traders from across Europe. Working seige engine, Roman
artillery, replica Longship, etc. There is also a 2 day
longbow archery tournament for the Lanark Silver Arrow, a
full size specially commissioned silver arrow. More details:
http://www.lanarkmedievalfestival.co.uk
Sunday August 24, 2008 to Monday
August 25, 2008
Rockingham Castle, near Corby, Northamptonshire
Vikings! of Middle England.
Once again the Vikings are visiting the Castle telling
the story of Viking times. Be prepared for Battles,
Horses, Pageant, Living History Camp and much more. 12
noon to 5pm Combined event & Castle ticket: Adults
£10.50, Senior Citizens £9.50, Children £7 & Family
ticket (2+2) £28. Event & Castle: Adults £8.50, Senior
Citizens £7.50, Children £5 & Family ticket (2+2) £22.
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.
Saturday
May 3rd to Monday May 5th 2008 9.30am - 5.30pm
Rockingham Castle, near Corby, Northamptonshire
Call to Arms
History Fair in the Park. See history come
alive. Thousands of re-enactors from Stone Age to WW1.
Living history, battles, infantry, cavalry and
artillery. Real ale bear tents, live music and
entertainment, huge historical market - a great day out
for all the family. See 1000 years of history over the
Bank Holiday weekend. Event: Adults £12, Children
(under 14) £5 & Family ticket (2 + 2) £28
www.historyfair.co.uk Enquiries 0870 789 8778
Entrance price for Park event does not include access to
the Castle & English gardens. The Castle & grounds are
open on Sunday 4th & Monday 5th.
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August 2008
Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Sutton Hoo Through the Ages.
End of Empire Romans, Dark Ages, Normans
and WWII. A multi-era event placing Sutton Hoo's world
famous 7th century burials in their historical context.
Living history, combat, displays and entertainments. New
this year,1940 Home Guard (evoking the period when anti Nazi
glider trenches were dug near the burial mounds).
Sunday 31st August 2008
Conisbrough Castle, between Rotherham & Doncaster, South
Yorkshire
A
13th Century Feast of Arms from
Knights In Battle Medieval Society. Throughout the day,
knights will be engaging in a series of single combats in a
thrilling tournament. Historical Entertainment featuring
evil cheating Normans and good, generous and chivalric
Saxons. (NB – Bookmakers don’t offer good odds on the
Normans ultimately winning!)
Sunday 15th June
2008
Knaresborough Castle, North Yorkshire
A 13th
Century Feast of Arms from
Knights In Battle Medieval Society.
Throughout the day, knights will be engaging in a series of
single combats in a thrilling tournament. Historical
Entertainment featuring evil cheating Normans and good,
generous and chivalric Saxons. (NB – Bookmakers don’t offer
good odds on the Normans ultimately winning!) Also featuring
a Medieval Camp Kitchen with authentic cookery using
seasonal ingredients in recipes of the time
Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd June St
Peter’s Church, Churchgate, Bolton.
A 15th century Recruiting
Party from the Wars of the Roses demonstrate medieval
combat, cookery, crafts and surgery.
Knights In Battle Medieval Society portray the household
troops of powerful nobleman Sir John Howard, “recruiting” on
their way to join a military campaign in 1483. A combination
of Living History and “show and tell” as the Howards
demonstrate the benefits of joining the Yorkist cause.
Lanark Medieval Festival.Scotland's Living History Festival. Multi period festival,
covering Romans, Vikings and Medieval (around the
William
Wallace/Robert the Bruce era). The festival takes place in
the Royal Burgh of Lanark (1140) the town where Wallace
lived, loved and began the real "Braveheart" story. It
features re-enactment groups from across Britain and Eire,
and traders from across Europe. Working seige engine, Roman
artillery, replica Longship, etc. There is also a 2 day
longbow archery tournament for the Lanark Silver Arrow, a
full size specially commissioned silver arrow.
More details:
http://www.lanarkmedievalfestival.co.uk
Saturday 16th and Sunday
17th August 2008 10am - 5pm Dover
Castle, Kent
The Worst days In Out History. A fun
look for the whole family at the most hideous and horrible
aspects of history. Meet the Singing Plague Victims
and then visit the medieval surgeon and find out more about
medicines and cures. Watch in dread as you wonder at
the medical marvels of surgical procedures in the 18th
century and get a close look at amputations and bleeding
with live leeches. Talk to the Victorian Tosher and
learn about the history of the toilet whilst you help him
search the sewers for hidden treasurers. Then scare
your friends by getting your face painted with the pox or a
gruesome wound.
Saturday 23rd August 2008
Pensthorpe, North Norfolk
Mediaeval Spectacular.
Step back in time to Mediaeval Britain at this
incredible event. Listen to villagers talk of
their lives as Mediaeval Britons and watch them as they
work. Enjoy the tales of the barber surgeon and
the puppeteer. Marvel at the archers' marksmanship and
see soldiers practise their fighting skills. This is a
fun and exciting event which is unmissable for the whole
family. 10am - 5pm
Medieval Merriment.
‘A Journey through the Middle Ages’ – A chance to meet
characters from medieval times at Rochester, including
knights in armour, archers, cooks, monks,
barber-surgeon, minstrel, storyteller and much more.
Set within an authentic encampment in the shadow of the
spectacular keep. For more information: Phone
01643 843666 or email
visitor.centre@medway.gov.uk.
Saturday 3rd May - Monday 5th May 2008 Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk
May Day Re-Creation of Tudor Life.
May
Day was a very popular holiday in Tudor times with lots of
merrymaking. The celebrations were pre-Christian in concept
and were based upon ancient fertility rites. This Weekend Re-Creation takes as its theme the
way in which the Tudors celebrated May Day.
The Re-Creation strives to re-capture the processions,
plays, pageantry, music and dance of the time and is based
at the Barns Sward on the Farm to create a village
atmosphere and buildings there may be garlanded (hung
with greenery). Tudor Gentry used to go to watch the
villagers enjoying themselves.
On the Saturday, a procession collects a May Tree
from the Woods, which complete with branches, is bedecked
with bright ribbons and raised to become, thereafter,
the focal point of the celebrations. Every day of the weekend here are processions usually
led by a Jack O'Green, covered in Greenery, and a May
Queen, to the Manor House accompanied by much noise.
Simple plays of the time are performed (in which good -
represented by St George - always ultimately overcomes
evil - represented by a Dragon or a Turk). There is much
music and dance. Also no little drinking, revelry and
ribaldry. We usually expect to have some 75 or so Tudors taking
part.
Visit
Kentwell Hall
or Tel: 01787 310 207 for more information
May 3rd - May 5th 2008 Hever Castle near Edenbridge, Kent
May Revels.
Hever Castle near Edenbridge welcomes the arrival of
Spring with these Tudor May Day Celebrations, complete
with minstrels, singers and maypole dancing set in the
gardens of Anne Boleyn’s childhood home. More details at
www.hevercastle.co.uk.
May 24th - May
26th 2008 Hever Castle near Edenbridge, Kent
Past Times and Good Company.
The Hever Castle household near Edenbridge puts on
displays of horsemanship, archery, falconry and music in
this recreation of entertainments that would have amused
King Henry VIII. More details at
www.hevercastle.co.uk.
Sunday May
25th and Monday May 26th 2008 11am - 5pm Eltham Palace,
London
Tudor Times. This weekend Eltham Palace
returns to the splendour of the Tudor age with a
recreation of period court life. Enjoy authentic
dancing, finery, music, cooking and other activities.
Sunday 25th
& Bank Holiday Monday 26th May 2008 11am - 5pm Trerice, Cornwall
Hungerford Household. See the Trerice
of the 1570s come to life with members of the Hungerford
Household who will demonstrate Elizabethan costume, pastimes
and domestic life throughout the day. More details: 01637
875404 or e-mail
trerice@nationaltrust.org.uk
A Tudor Evening Experience. The event is intended to recreate the excitement
and atmosphere of a Tudor summer evening in one of England's
greatest Castles during the 16th Century. Featuring excerpts
from several Shakespearian plays
produced and acted by the players of Sir Robert Cecil's Men.
Children's activities including a Hobby Horse Combat. With
Juggling, Music and Dance. A wonderful experience for
children and adults alike, all taking place in the fabulous
period surroundings inside the castle on the castle
courtyard and on the green. It will be turned into an
Elizabethan set and a Tudor encampment, around which you are
free to wander, talking to the different characters and
looking at reproduction Elizabethan costume and artefacts
http://www.tudor-events.co.uk/
18th and 19th October 2008 The Vyne,
Hampshire
Discover the Tudors - Tudor weekend at The Vyne. Step
back in time with the Hungerford Household, costumed
re-enactors with demonstrations and talks.
Accommodation in Tudor and/or Stuart Houses Lavenham Priory, Lavenham,
Suffolk
The Sealed Knot Re-create History.
In the largest Sealed Knot re-enactment in the UK, the
Marauding Cormorants return to Belvoir Castle with plunder,
fire and sword! See the Royalist reign of terror brought to
an end by the formidable Army of Parliament.
Saturday 3rd May 2008 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 almshouse on
Saturdays as above. Timed entries at 11.00am, 12.00 noon, 2.00 and
3.00pm.
18th May, 22nd
June, 27th July, 24th August, 28th September Elizabeth
Castle, Jersey
American Independence Day Drill
Displays. “The Crown Forces of 1776” are welcomed
back to the museum as they give us a glimpse of life for
British soldiers during the American Revolutionary way.
Their humorous drill demonstration and authentic campsite
will show the way of life for both infantrymen and artillery
as they prepared to set sail from Britain to deal with
troublesome colonists.
French and Indian War.
Welcome back to the New France & Old England Society as they
bring alive the history of the colonial conflict otherwise
known as the Seven Years War
Sweeps Festival.
The annual Sweeps Festival brings an extravaganza of colour, music and atmosphere to Rochester. The festival owes its roots to age old
traditions. Sweeping chimneys was a dirty but necessary trade nearly 300 years ago. It was hard work for the sweeps and even harder toil for the chimney boys. The Sweeps annual holiday on May 1st represented a much welcomed break and they celebrated it with a procession through
the streets accompanied by the Jack-in-the-Green. This seven foot character is traditionally woken at dawn on May Day from his slumber on Bluebell Hill and then travels to Rochester to start the festivities.
Parade,
Morris dancing, music and much more.
Contact
: Visitors Information Centre, High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX. Telephone No 01634 843666 for more information
Broadstairs Dickens Festival.
Popular
seaside festival celebrating the life, times and works of Broadstairs’ most famous patron and holiday-maker, Charles Dickens.
More details at
www.broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk.
Saturday May
3rd to Monday May 5th 2008 9.30am - 5.30pm
Rockingham Castle, near Corby, Northamptonshire
Call to Arms
History Fair in the Park. See history come
alive. Thousands of re-enactors from Stone Age to WW1.
Living history, battles, infantry, cavalry and
artillery. Real ale bear tents, live music and
entertainment, huge historical market - a great day out
for all the family. See 1000 years of history over the
Bank Holiday weekend. Event: Adults £12, Children (under
14) £5 & Family ticket (2 + 2) £28
www.historyfair.co.uk
Enquiries 0870 789 8778 Entrance price for Park event
does not include access to the Castle & English gardens.
The Castle & grounds are open on Sunday 4th & Monday
5th.
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
May 3rd, 4th and 5th 2008 Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex,
EN9 1JY
V.E. Day Event.
Around 150 re-enactors both military and civilian will help
you experience life as it was during World War II. Visit a
1940s general store, toy shop and kitchen. Experience an air
raid and take cover in our shelter. Sing
along to the classic songs of the 1940s with Tricia Dibb.
Kids can make a gas mask, supervised by the Royal Gunpowder
Mills Education Team. Take a Land Train guided tour of the
Mills (subject to availability). Test your skill at the
Airsoft shooting range. Shop for goods at our Traders
stalls.
Each day ends with a 'live firing' battle.
Grace Spitfire Display - Monday. For Monday only, Carolyn Grace in her Spitfire, will
perform a spectacular aerial display, weather permitting.
Time to be announced.
Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th May 2007 11am to 4.30pm
Osterley Park, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 4RB
Living History Weekend. Enjoy a weekend of multi-era
displays and entertainments in Osterley Park's
picturesque gardens, staged on behalf of the National Trust.
Originally built in Tudor times, the house was transformed in
the mid C18th by Robert Adam into the magnificent
neo-classical villa we see today.
During World War Two,
Osterley was a key Home Guard training facility famously run
by maverick Spanish Civil War veteran Tom Wintringham. Enjoy multi-era living history and other displays including Home
Guard training; music and song (including Regency era and
1940s concert party); period fashion; Regency country
weddings; everyday life through the ages; cooking and
crafts. Children's entertainments include Tudor puppet shows
and a chance to train as Home Guard soldiers and learn how to
defeat invading Germans. Meet "Robert Adams", who will
explain his grand design for the house and even teach a few
dance steps (when not designing things, Adams was a keen
dancer). A
National Trust
event.
May 10th 2008
Manor House Museum, Kettering, Northamptonshire
A Trip Through Time - Annual
History Fayre.
Take a trip through time and discover a variety of period
themed displays featuring historical interpreters from
Romans to the Home Front of World War II in the Manor
House Museum Gardens in Kettering. Admission Free. More
details: Tel: 01536 534219, E-mail:
museum@kettering.gov.uk
May 17th & May 18th 2008 Kent & East Sussex Railway,
Tenterden, Kent
Forties Weekend.
Take a sentimental journey forties-style with music and food
from the period on board
The Kent & East Sussex Railway
at Tenterden. More details at
www.kesr.org.uk.
Wednesday 16th to Sunday
20th July 2008
The Hop Farm at Kentish Oast Village,
Tonbridge, Kent TN12 6PY
The War and Peace
Show.
Over 10,000 enthusiasts and 3,000 vehicles gather at
The Hop Farm for
the largest Military Vehicle Action spectacular in the
world.
~ Thrilling tank action in the arena
~ Authentic living history displays
~ Battle re-enactments
~ Model marquee with huge collection of model military
vehicles
~ Fashion shows from the 1940's
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August 2008 Sutton Hoo,
Woodbridge, Suffolk
Sutton Hoo Through the Ages.
End of Empire Romans, Dark Ages, Normans and WWII. A
multi-era event placing Sutton Hoo's world famous 7th
century burials in their historical context. Living history,
combat, displays and entertainments. New this year,1940 Home
Guard (evoking the period when anti Nazi glider trenches
were dug near the burial mounds).
September 20th & 21st 2008
Historic
Dockyard at Chatham, Kent
Salute to the 40s.
The Historic Dockyard at Chatham will showcase what life was
like for both armed forces and civilians during World War
Two and immediately after. The camaraderie, challenging and
somehow joyous days of the period will be re-lived over the
weekend and brought alive by Military and Home Front
re-enactors, wartime vehicles, fashion and a programme of
wartime entertainment with music and dance. More details at
www.chdt.org.uk.
