What is Living History?

Living History is trying to bring the past to life again by reconstructing the clothes, equipment, weapons, armour and tools of the past. This often involves extensive research into original sources by those who have a fascination for this. Fortunately for most of us they are willing to share the knowledge with the rest of us so we all have a good time!

Once the research has been done and the equipment made or purchased or borrowed we can start wearing the clothes; fighting with the weapons and following the craftsmen's skill with the tools.

Some, like ourselves, do it for our living and others , like ourselves, do it for fun.

It is an absorbing activity, encompassing many crafts and skills. For example: Dancing, Drama, Musical Instruments, Cooking, Politics, Sports, Games and Pastimes and the most popular of all - the Fighting Arts. You can take part in shows in front of thousands of people or talk one to one, explaining your craft, 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. "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. One particular event at Kirby Hall in Northamptonshire, on the first weekend in August, features the whole range of Living History activities along with a market where you can buy living history products organised by Anne Laverick who also runs the Re-enactors Mid-Winter Market in March and November.

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