The Re-enactor issue 12 PDF

The Re-Enactor Issue 12

Keeping the Dark Ages alive

Readership 551

98 Groups listed

74 Traders Listed

52 Events Listed

Keeping the dark agesd alive

Greetings all

Welcome to issue 12

In this issue you will find more

groups listed, more traders listed

and details of more events for

2010

I have been visiting various trade

shows and “signing” groups and

traders up to the ezine but I still

want more, so if you have any

details of groups/traders please

let me know.

In this issue you’ll also find the

interview I conducted with Robin

Jacob (1066-The Movie). If you

fany being involved then read the

interview and check out the

official website.

Two competitions in this issue

with more to come in future

issues with the support of such

authors as Justin Pollard (QI &

The Tudors) and Dilip Sarkar

MBE

Contact:

[email protected]

http://thereenactor.webs.com

Thank you to all those that are supporting this

magazine, without your support I could not

continue to produce the magazine. Please do

keep sending me your articles, stories, pictures

and details.

Features This Month

1: Dilip Sarkambe, “The Few”. Available now!

2: Interview with Robin Jacob (1066-Producer)

3: History Boot Camp

4: Ben Kane Competition

5: Keeping the dark ages alive (group report)

6: War by Saul David

7: Event Listings

8: Hell On Earth by Stephen Davis

9: The Old Tales by Karl Leofrsson

Competitions: Win a signed copy of Harold the King by Helen

Hollick

Win the first 2 books in The Forgotten Legion

Chronicles by Ben Kane

17

th Century Life & Times – Group Profile

Available to buy now!

T: 01285 760030

F: 01285 760031

THE FEW

The Story of the Battle of Britain in the Words of the

Pilots

DILIP SARKAR

Author has interviewed more Battle of Britain pilots than any other historian.

‘Dilip knows more about me and the pilots with whom I flew during the Battle of Britain than we do! If anyone ever needs to know anything about the RAF during the summer of 1940, don’t ask the Few, ask him!’ GEORGE ‘GRUMPY’ UNWIN, Battle of Britain fighter ace.

‘Dilip Sarkar understands perfectly the mysteries of air tactics and strategy, enabling him write authoritatively, lively and deeply touching stories of those days when friend and foe met in the air’ PETER TOWNSEND, Battle of Britain fighter ace.

Over 100 historic photographs, most originate from the personal albums of Battle of Britain veterans and have never been reproduced before.

In 1940, the world was shaken when Hitler conquered France and the Low Countries in just six weeks. As Hitler prepared a seaborne invasion of England, only RAF Fighter Command stood against the Nazi dictator, and the world literally held its breath. The Battle of Britain started on 10

th July 1940, ending 16 weeks later on 31

st October 1940. The

Luftwaffe’s intention was to destroy Fighter Command, domination of the skies being crucial to Hitler’s invasion plan. During that fateful summer, young RAF fighter pilots, flying Spitfires and Hurricanes, were scrambled time and time again to face insuperable odds - and the Luftwaffe was, until that point, unbeaten. The enemy fighter pilots, in their brightly painted Messerschmitt 109s, were the most experienced in the world. But somehow the RAF pilots, fighting desperately in a spider’s web of intricate vapour trails, and with sudden and violent death an ever present companion, prevailed. Afterwards, Churchill paid homage to them all: ‘Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few’. A legend had been born. Dilip Sarkar has been fascinated by the Battle of Britain since childhood and began seriously researching the subject in the 1970s. He wrote thousands of letters and travelled extensively over the UK interviewing the fabled ‘Few’. Over the last 30 years he has interviewed more Battle of Britain survivors than any other author and his archive is a unique collection of veterans ‘voices’. In this new book Dilip Sarkar chronicles the Battle of Britain from start to finish, drawing extensively from his interviews with pilots and support staff.

MARKETING, PUBLICITY, PRESS

Author is an acknowledged expert on the Battle of Britain with over 20 books on the subject to his credit.

Book signings at several major air shows in 2009 are planned.

Reviews in the aviation and history press to include Flypast, RAF News and BBC History Magazine.

Endorsement expected from Professor Richard Overy, author of The Battle of Britain (Penguin) and The Bombing War (forthcoming Penguin 2009).

Endorsement expected from Lady Bader.

THE AUTHOR

Fascinated by the Battle of Britain since childhood, Dilip Sarkar remains both moved and inspired by the story of Churchill’s fabled Few, those young airmen who stood between freedom and a Britain dominated by Nazi Germany. Since the 1970s he has met and interviewed more Battle of Britain pilots than any other historian. He has researched the subject thoroughly and has published over twenty books, titles which include the only biographical works formally endorsed by the families of both Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader and Air Vice-Marshal Johnnie Johnson. In 2003, Dilip was made an MBE for services to aviation history, and elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Historical Society in 2006. He lives in Worcester.

AMBERLEY

The history of the Battle

of Britain in the words of

the pilots from a unique

archive of first hand

accounts.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC

INFORMATION

Publication: June 2009

Price: £25

ISBN: 978-1-84868-215-3

Size: 248 x 172mm

Binding: Hardback

Extent: 336 pages

100 photos

Rights: World, all

languages

PRAISE FOR DILIP SARKAR THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN:

THE PHOTOGRAPHIC

KALEIDOSCOPE ‘An excellent book’ LADY BADER Bader’s Tangmere Spitfires ‘A most diligent and carefully researched account‘ JOHNNY JOHNSON, the RAF’s top scoring fighter ace in WW2 Fighter Pilot ‘This book deserves to achieve success’ DAME VERA LYNN

An interview with Robin Jacob

Producer/Director/Script Writer/Editor for 1066-The Movie

History:

Jacob was born in Essen, Germany and was brought up in the UK, he attended Bell Lane

Primary school where he was taught drama by Anna Scher who later went on to set up The

Anna Scher Theatre in Islington.

In his final year at Bell Lane he was cast as the lead in the school play, The Mayflower. It‟s

from there that the acting/film bug took hold!

At the age of 14 he saved hard and bought himself a super 8mm camera. He then entered 2

short films in two successive CO-OP, Young People‟s Film Festival;, where on both

occasions he won a certificate of merit. The judges were impressed with his high technical

capabilities, especially with the use of titles and stereo sound, something that back in the

1970‟s was not easily done at the amateur level.

At the age of 15 he was offered a night course at the London film school with a possibility of

leading to a scholarship at the school, but his mother refused to allow him to do it.

After finishing school Robin went into freelance photography taking pictures of houses for

real estate agents, portraits, wedding and the occasional fashion shoot.

Robin was mindful of how difficult the film industry is and took a job as a chef in a

restaurant in Finchley north London and after several years graduated onto large functions

and weddings.

In 1980 he bought, along with his brother, the sports shop where he had previously worked as

a Saturday shop assistant.

In 1983 he directed a pop video for a German band called Boytronic, the song was “You” and

went on to become a hit in Europe.

After 3 years of running the sports shop Robin went to the Philippines to do a pseudo-

documentary on mail order brides. He stayed out in the Philippines doing commercials and

TV shows.

In 1986 he experienced the EDSA Revolution which ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos

and several subsequent coups. He experienced the second EDSA Coup which saw the

removal of President Erap Estrada.

Robin sums up his experiences in the Philippines. “2 revolutions, 3 coups, 1 volcanic

eruption, been shot at and been near death 3 times. Surprised I reached 50!”

1066-The Interview

In 2001 Robin saw “The Lion in Winter” with Peter O‟Toole and realised that very little had

been portrayed previously about that period of Britain‟s history and decided to write the

script for 1066. His 1st script Robin readily admits was not very good-only some 30 pages

and with lots of problems and issues contained within it.

By 2006 Robin had a much better script, when he came across “Harold, The King” by Helen

Hollick. He contacted Helen and used some of her characterizations in his script. After his

rewrite, Helen did a rewrite and they ended up with a script that was pretty good.

They now had a film script lasting some 3 hours and 45 minutes that everyone was happy

with so Robin felt it was time to approach the UK Film Council.

The UK Film Council turned it down twice saying that the film wasn‟t feasible, Robin felt

that this attitude was very short sighted and his annoyance at their attitude was very obvious

to me whilst we were chatting!

Robin sent just 2 pages of the script to the film council on one occasion and there response

was that it wasn‟t good enough-contained on those two pages of the script was William‟s

actual speech translated directly from the archive records and Robin realised that he was

dealing with people that had no idea about history or the film industry.

Most films now involve someone having an idea, signs an “A” list celebrity, obtain the

funding and then write a script. You then have so many people involved, most of whom have

no idea of how to make a film, that the story gets lost, your original plans get rode rough shod

over and you end up with some of the awful “historical” films that we have all seen and

moaned about!

Robin changed tact and set up 1066-The Film (PLC) and posted the details of the film on the

IMDB (International Movie Data Base) and suddenly the responses started to pour in. Interest

in the film came from all over the world, the US, Japan, Norway to name but a few.

The technical team

Ted Kotcheff Producer (Rambo, Law and Order SVU)

Christopher Carson Producer

Robin Jacob Producer/director/scriptwriter/editor

Sydney Rose Producer (Deceased 2007)

(Quadrophenia)

Lou Tedesco Producer

Lance Prebble Associate Producer

David Bell Line Producer

Helen Hollick Co-Script writer

Douglas Milsome Director of Photography

(Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, Dungeons & Dragons.

Peter Hannan 2nd

Unit of Photography

Michael Cassey Script Supervisor

Alessandro Ponti Music Score

Bronwen Harrison Songs

Chris Collingwood Art Work/Poster

Ian Wingrove SFX Supervisor

(Mission Impossible, Alien v‟s Predator, Troy.

Rocky Taylor Stunt Coordinator

(Harry Potter, Die another day, Eastenders)

Anthony De Longis Fight Director

Kim Siddorn Historical Adviser

Steve Pollington Language Adviser

Unfortunately the death of Sydney Rose and then the recession have forced things to take a

back seat, but now it is time to really start moving things forward and get this film made.

Everyone moans about the Americans and the inaccurate films that they produce but at least

they are willing to put up the money!

Robin is asking the UK public to help and get involved by buying shares in the film

company.

There are “B” shares, you can purchase “B” shares at £1 each with a minimum share holding

of 1000 shares (£1000)

These funds will be placed in the film companies bank account until such time as the film is

made, the company is a PLC and as such is totally transparent.

“B” shares will be paid out first in share dividends and will be generated from all revenue

streams, so not just box office sales but merchandising as well.

The merchandising is being controlled by the film company and will include a whole range of

items including miniature figures, chess sets, posters and Chris Collingwood oil paintings (30

in total) of the main actors as well as signed prints.

Alongside the film there will be a 5 DVD documentary produced to encompass such items as

The women of 1066, behind the scenes footage and Where is Harold? (Robin believes that

they know where he is-but wouldn‟t be drawn on where!)

There will also be distribution rights and a lot of companies and countries have already

expressed and interest in purchasing those rights for when the film is released.

Robin has estimated to me that merchandising alone could raise 300 million dollars and that

figure could go even higher when you consider that “The Lords of The Rings” raised

somewhere in the region of one Billion dollars.

If you are interested in purchasing shares in the film company go to the website and you will

be able to download a form and apply to purchase shares.

Robin pointed out that the film industry is a risky business and he does not want anybody

banking there last bit of savings.

The Cast

Harold Godwinson Mark Lester

(Oliver)

Sweyn Godwinson Ronan Vibert

(Cadfael, Jeeves & Wooster)

Gyrth Godwinson Gary Daniels

(Teklan)

Tostig Godwinson Giles Alderson

(The Damned Utd)

Eadgyth Godwinson Hatty Jones

(Madeline)

Harald Hardrada Ian Whyte

(Alien V‟s Predator)

Turold Martin Klebba

(Pirates of The Caribbean 1,2 & 3)

Edith Swanneck Katia Winter

(Level Playing Field)

Alditta Emily Hall

(Home Time)

Hugh De Montfort Matthias Hues

(Star Trek VI)

Walter Gifford Anthony DeLongis

(Leverage)

Viking Commander Matt Fiddes

Earl Loefric Sean Lawlor

Godwin Felix Lester

Saracen Woman Hazel D‟Jan

By the time this interview goes to print the development funds of £175,000 would hopefully

have been granted and the location work in Wales can be planned and organised.

Robin likes the old style of producing films and is aiming for an epic production what with

the film spanning 30 years, it will be the most expensive UK epic ever made and will be shot

on 70mm film. The actors will be wearing real maille and wielding real swords-4 or 5

cameras will film their battle scenes and there won‟t be breaks in the filming, he wants the

actors to really feel that they are in a battle.

Robin does not want to use CGI to produce the two battle scenes (Stamford Bridge & Senlac

Hill) so will be calling upon re-enactors worldwide to come along for a weeks filming and

Robin is hoping for 10,000 re-enactors to turn up. Add to that between 500 & 1000 horses

and 10-12 cameras on site to capture the event.

If that doesn‟t give you an idea of the scale Robin wants for this movie just think Lawrence

of Arabia.

If you would be interested in getting involved in the filming of 1066 send a C.V to

[email protected] with the word Re-Enactor in the subject box. All C.V‟s will

be filed until the battle scene filming has been arranged.

Robin is looking to spend 7 days filming (with the re-enactors ) the 2 battles scenes,

somewhere in Wales, in either summer 2010 or 2011 (dependant on the funding) and will be

looking to pay everyone £50 per day.

Robin is also planning 2 open casting sessions, 1 in London and the other in Cardiff so keep

an eye on the website

1066 will be an epic film and will premier not only in London but in New York, Los Angeles,

Tokyo and China to name a few.

And, don‟t forget 1067-The Sequel to 1066 which will encompass William‟s reign until his

death in 1087.

The all important website, Keep an eye on this site as it will be

updated regulary with the latest information on the film.

http://www.1066themovie.biz/

Interview conducted by Jason O’Keefe on 30th

October 2009

History Boot Camp

April 9th

& 10th

and 11th

2010 will see the third multi-period History Boot Camp

take place at Phasels Wood Scout Camp near Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire.

A completely new and unique concept, it features Master Classes in such useful

and interesting topics for re-enactors as fire-lighting with flint and steel,

the history of make-up, book-binding, calligraphy, forge-work, cooking, and the

medicinal and culinary uses of herbs, as well as archery competitions, lessons and

archery improvement, you can even take the fletching seminar as well as sword

fighting, and the safe use of black powder weapons.

Retail therapy is at hand, as are good food and subsidised beer, together with hot

showers, plenty of proper toilets,

even dormitory accommodation for those who prefer it, and the exclusive use 96

acres of playground – really the only limit is imagination!

Set up and run by Laurie Wignall and David Smith, it has proved massively

popular with those re-enactors who have already tried it, and re-bookings are

already at record levels.

The whole thing is financed by charging a modest £23 per adult camping fee,

which includes most of the classes although some have

a small charge for the materials used.

Traders, many of whom are providing the master classes, get free pitches. Laurie

runs his Trollsbottom Bar from the centrally located “Storm Hut”

and is considering erecting his 12m by 6m Party Tent adjacent to this, as it can get

rather crowded of an evening!

Add in a huge log fire just outside, tarpaulins strung from the trees as wind breaks,

the subsidised beer, and you can see why the social side of the camp is as highly

praised as are the varied and useful classes.

Add to this the excellent food offer situated onsite, not to mention the food

available after the cooking seminars

“It‟s a great kick start to the re-enactment season,” said Mr Wignall, “it gives

everyone a chance to shake out the cobwebs and get some wood smoke into their

lungs!”

A dedicated web site at www.history-boot-camp.co.uk has the details and Booking

Forms.

The Forgotten Legion by Ben Kane.

Romulus and Fabiola are twins, born into slavery after their mother is raped by a drunken

nobleman on his way home from a good night out. At 13 years old, they and their mother are

sold: Romulus to gladiator school, Fabiola into prostitution, where she will catch the eye of

one of the most powerful men in Rome, and their mother into obscurity and death in the salt

mines. Tarquinius is an Etruscan, a warrior and soothsayer, born enemy of Rome, but

doomed to fight for the Republic in the Forgotten Legion. Brennus is a Gaul; the Romans

killed his entire family. He rises to become one of the most famous and feared gladiators of

his day - and mentor to the boy slave, Romulus, who dreams night and day of escape and of

revenge.

The lives of these four characters are bound and interwoven in a marvellous story which

begins in a Rome riven by corruption, violence and political enmities, but ends far away,

where Romulus, Brennus and Tarquinius find themselves fighting against the Parthians and

overwhelming odds at the battle of Carrhae. Roman history fans will know that this was one

of the greatest defeats suffered by the Republic, but 10,000 legionaries survived as prisoners

of the Parthians. These men - 'The Forgotten Legion' were marched more than fifteen

hundred miles east to Margiana, where they served as border guards for their captors.

The Forgotten Legion is published by Preface, and is available in paperback now from all

good bookshops and Amazon, Play.com etc.

The Silver Eagle by Ben Kane

They fought against almighty odds at the very edge of the world – and lost.

Ten thousand legionaries are all that are left of a once powerful army, now captives of the

Parthians.

Among them are three friends, Brennus the Gaul, Targuinius the Etruscan soothsayer and

Romulus the bastard son of a Roman nobleman. United in their hatred of Rome, they never

stop dreaming of freedom, but in the brutal fighting which lies ahead of them, only two will

survive.

Meanwhile, Romulus‟s twin sister, Fabiola, has been raised to dangerous heights by her

lover, Brutus. He has freed her from a life of prostitution, but not from danger and now he is

far away, fighting beside Caesar in Gaul. Hunted by the vicious slave catcher, Scaevola, she

must undertake a terrifying journey to find Brutus and save her own life.

About Ben Kane

Ben Kane was born in Kenya and raised there and in Ireland. He studied veterinary medicine

at University College Dublin, but after that he travelled the world extensively, indulging his

passion for ancient history.

He now lives in North Somerset with his wife and family.

His first novel was The Forgotten Legion

For more information: www.benkane.net

Competitions

You still have until December 15

th to enter the competition to win a signed/dedicated copy of

Harold, the King by Helen Hollick, as featured in issue 11!

1. What was the name of Eadric the Steersman‟s longship?

2. What did the flaw in Leofwin‟s sword resemble?

Send your answers with your full mailing address to:

[email protected]

Ben Kane Competition

To be in with a chance of winning both of Ben‟s books, The Forgotten Legion and The Silver

Eagle just ask these simple questions. (Both from The Silver Eagle)

1. Where is Brutus, lover of Fabiola, fighting alongside Caesar?

2. Who is holding the Roman Legionaries captive?

The winner will be drawn on January 15th

, 2010.

Send your answers with your full mailing address to:

[email protected]

Previous winner

Congratulations to Staci Farmer from the US who won a signed copy of The Sea Witch by

Helen Hollick.

Editors Note:

A huge thank you to both Helen Hollick and Ben Kane for their continued support of this

publication with their books for the competitions.

Entry to all competitions is free to all registered recipients of The Re-Enactor

KEEPING THE DARK AGES ALIVE

Wryngwyrm (pronounced Ringworm) are the Bedfordshire branch, based in Bedford of a

national re-enactment society called the Vikings.

Wryngwyrm exists to bring back to life the dramatic period of our history known as the Dark

Ages, explains group secretary Alan Hay „In doing so we highlight the prominent role of the

warrior and warfare in this period, as well as replicating the more day to day activities of

ordinary life. Through our role play and activities we reach back in time, making direct links

between the modern day inhabitants of Bedford and our Dark Age Past‟.

There are two main branches to our group; Living history and Warriors, continues Alan.

Living history members re create the daily living and crafts of the period. This involves

members exploring crafts such as weaving, embroidery, leatherwork, antler work and

woodworking. Living history is about making the past come alive for the public, so we are

always looking for people who wish to take on roles such as storytellers, priests, and other

important characters of the time.

Warriors are an important part of our society. We aim to give an accurate portrayal of warfare

in this turbulent period. This involves the use of steel weapons such as swords. We re-live

what it would have been like to stand in a shield wall in that period and to have taken part in

savage hand to hand fighting. We also have an active group of archers, using the traditional

long bow.

Re-enactment is about living archaeology, together with historians and archaeologists we

contribute to the understanding of the period we cover, which includes the Anglo Saxons,

Vikings, and the Norman invasion of 1066. This period has commonly been referred to as the

Dark Ages, but was in fact rich in art expressed through church manuscripts, jewellery,

metalwork and woodwork.

Bedford is steeped in this history having been a rich trading town and sitting on what was the

„Danelaw‟ – the border between Anglo Saxons and Vikings. A famous Anglo Saxon king

called Offa was buried in Bedford, and both Saxon and Viking forts at different times were

situated in the town according to who controlled it. There are also Viking earthworks at

Willington and Tempsford and many battles took place in our locality.

Membership of Wryngwyrm is open to men and women with all ages catered for. To find out

more visit our web site at www.wryngwyrmuk.org or call Kim on 01234 743869.

WAR FROM ANCIENT EGYPT TO IRAQ

Editorial consultant: Saul David

To be published in hardback by Dorling Kindersley on 22nd October 2009, priced £30 FOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER ISSUES

Q. Who is the most decorated military hero in history?

Q. What is the most bizarre weapon ever used in warfare?

Q. What was it like to be held captive in Vietnam for almost 2,000 days?

Q. What was the greatest feat of military engineering?

Combining a clear and compelling historical narrative with hundreds of outstanding paintings and photographs, WAR is an unsurpassed visual history of every major conflict over the past 5,000 years, from the earliest battles to the War on Terror.

With a wealth of supporting features including eye-witness accounts, detailed galleries, and an exhaustive directory of battles and military miscellanea, WAR guides the reader through the strategies, tactics, warriors, weapons, technology and individuals that have shaped human warfare.

From sword and shield to shock and awe, this is the story of war with all its momentous, world-changing impact and extraordinary human stories.

Saul David is Professor of War Studies at the University of Buckingham, and a writer and broadcaster. He is

the author of several critically-acclaimed books, including The Indian Mutiny : 1857 (shortlisted for the

Westminster Medal for Military Literature), Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of

1879 (a Waterstone's Military History Book of the Year) and Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire . He

is also the author of the acclaimed historical novel, Zulu Hart. An experienced broadcaster, Saul has

presented and appeared in history programmes for all the major TV channels and is a regular contributor to

BBC Radio 4.

Saul David is available for interview and to write features.

For further information, please contact Anwen Hooson at Riot Communications on

020 3174 0118 / 07899 798885 / [email protected]

Events Listing

November 2009

28th

& 29th

Ludlow Castle Medieval Christmas fair, Ludlow, Shropshire, UK

Craft fair, medieval traders, combat, have a go archery

http://www.ludlowcastle.com/

February 2010

6th

& 7th

Foreign Fields Northern Reenactment Kit Fair, Building 21, Elsecar Heritage Centre, Barnsley

www.foreign-fields.co.uk/renfair.html

26th

, 27th

& 28th

International Living History Fair, Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, UK

http://www.livinghistoryfairs.com/

March 2010

19th

, 20th

& 21st The Original Re-enactors market (TORM) Sports Connexion, Ryton on Dunsmorre

www.reenactorsmarket.co.uk

April 2010

4th

& 5th

The Knights of Royal England at Knebworth House, Hertfordshire, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

9th - 11th History Boot Camp, Phasels Wood, Hemel Hempstead, UK

Seminars, workshops, traders, re-enactors

For more information or to book your place visit: www.history-boot-camp.co.uk/

May 2010

1

st - 3

rd The Knights of Royal England at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

1st – 3

rd Cosmeston Battle weekend, Cosmeston Medieval Village, nr Cardiff, Wales

www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/

1st & 2

nd Margam Park South Wales, Multi-Period Event

www.webster.uk.net

8th

& 9th

Two day Costume and Textile Fair, Rodber Suite at Northamapton Saints Rugby Club, UK

Contact for information: [email protected] or [email protected]

8th

& 9th

Snailwell Medieval Festival, Snailwell, Uk, CB8 7LX

www.yayevents.co.uk

30th

& 31st The Knights of Royal England at Hedlingham Castle, Essex, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

29th

– 4th

June. 2010 Pirate Festival at Lulworth Castle, Wareham, Dorset, UK

http://pikeandshot.com

June 2010

1st -6

th The Knights of Royal England at Leeds Castle, Kent, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

6th

& 7th

Templecombe Medieval fayre, Templecombe, Dorset, UK

12th

& 13th

The Knights of Royal England at Royal Gunpowder Mills, Essex, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

18th

– 20th

The Knights of Royal England at Cardiff Castle, Wales

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

19th

& 20th

Tatton Park, UK

Contact: [email protected]

25th

, 26th

& 27th

Chatteris Historic Festival, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, UK

For information contact: [email protected]

26th

& 27th

The Knights of Royal England at Ruthin Castle, Wales

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

July 2010

3rd

& 4th

The Knights of Royal England at Linlithgow Palace nr Edinburgh, Scotland

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

3rd

& 4th

Chetwynd Medieval Fair. Commemorating an actual historical market and Chetwynd, Shropshire

in1318. The current location is at Shropshire Lavender

http://www.shropshirelavender.co.uk

3rd

& 4th

Dorset Medieval Festival, Winterbourne Came, Dorchester, Dorset, UK

10th

& 11th

The Knights of Royal England at Linlithgow Palace nr Edinburgh, Scotland

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

10th

& 11th

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, Tewkesbury, UK

www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org/

17th

& 18th

The Knights of Royal England at Hever Castle, Kent, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

17th

& 18th

Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire, UK

Multi-Period event

23rd

– 24th

The Knights of Royal Engalnd at Hever Castle, Kent, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

24th

& 25th

Berkeley Castle Skirmish, Gloucestershire, UK

www.berkeley-castle.com/reenactments.php

24th

& 25th

The Battle of Azincourt, France

www.azincourt-alliance.org.uk

31st & 1

st The Knights of Royal England at Hever Castle, Kent, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

August 2010

6th

– 8th

The Knights of Royal England at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

7th

& 8th

Midlands History Festival at Stratford Armouries, Stratford, UK

http://www.stratfordarmouries.co.uk

13th

– 15th

The Knights of Royal England at Hever Castle, Kent, uk

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

14th

& 15th

Spetchley Park-Multi-period event, Worcester, UK

14th

& 15th

Bodelwyddan Castle, North Wales

21st & 22

nd Scotlands Festival of History, The Royal Borough of Lanark, UK

http://www.scotlandsfestivalofhistory.co.uk

21st & 22

nd The Knights of Royal England at Hever Castle, Kent, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

27th

& 28th

The Knights of Royal England at Hever Castle, Kent, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

28th

– 30th

Herstmonceaux Medieval Festival, Herstmonceaux Castle, Kent, UK

28th

– 30th

Military Odyssy, Kent Show Ground, Detling, Kent, UK.

http://www.military-odyssey.com/

28th

– 30th

Medieval Spectacular at Pensthorpe Park, Fakenham, Norfolk

http://www.blackknighthistorical.co.uk

29th

& 30th

The Knights of Royal England at Hedingham Castle, Essex, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

September 2010

4th

& 5th

Campaign of La Boissiere-Ecole 1815

The village of La Boissiere-Ecole situated 17km west of Rambouillet near Paris

5th

The Knights of Royal England at Knebworth House, Hertfordshire, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

11th

& 12th

Early Medieval Alliance (EMA) event at Caldicot Castle, Wales, UK

18th

& 19th

The Knights of Royal England at Leeds Castle, Kent, UK

www.knightsroyal.co.uk

25th

& 26th

The 17th

International Napoleonic Fair 2010

www.internationalnapoleonicfair.co.uk

October

29th

-31st The Living History Fair, Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, UK

http://www.livinghistoryfairs.com/

30th

& 31st Medieval Fair & Market, Tutbury Castle, Staffordshire, UK

Contact: [email protected]

November

27th

& 28th

Ludlow Castle Medieval Christmas fair, Ludlow, Shropshire, UK

Craft fair, medieval traders, combat, have a go archery

http://www.ludlowcastle.com/

HELL ON EARTH Stephen Davis

This book is a record of a time in history which

no one alive today has witnessed. This is a true

story written by a young man from a midland

town which under the conscription act,

immediately after his eighteenth birthday joined

the army and went over to France in April 1918,

just after the big German offensive.

His regiment was sent to a spot where the British

line had been broken, and soon they were in

retreat.

First told over 70 years ago the story has finally

made its way back to where it belongs.

This book is only available direct from the

website:

www.hellonearth.org.uk

Or via email:

[email protected]

The Old Tales

007 Thor's Visit To Utgard

This is a tale that is still told round the fires and in the halls through all of the lands of the old North. One of the classics of the elder age, it is a great tale of many aspects and morals. It is an epic, much loved of the Viking peoples. It is often told that Lord Thor is the friend of mankind, and it is also told that there are times when he walks amongst us. He has always enjoyed the company of men, especially when there are drinks to be had. For all his great strength, he has always been seen as a gentle god, for like the greatest of men, he has nothing to prove. A night in with the lads, was always preferred to a day spent fighting giants. Thor also patrols the mark lands between Midgard, the realm of men and Jotunheim, the realm of the giants. This allows him to watch over men, and give aid when and where it is required. But it also allows him to keep a close eye on the activities of the giants, to be sure that they are not at any time up to some new form of mischief. On one of his patrols, he took with him Loki, the fire demon. Not because he thought that Loki might ever be at all useful, but because he knew that Loki is best kept under eye, where he may be watched at all times. Otherwise he is likely to be hiding behind your back, out of sight, and getting up to all manner of mischief and trickery himself. Yes, Loki is part demon, but he is also part giant, and indeed distant kin to Odin and thereby to Thor. They were travelling in Thor's great chariot, the wheels of which speak with the voice of summer thunder. This chariot is drawn by two massive goats, who answer to Gaptooth and Cragtooth. Like the gods themselves these goat are titan born and are undying. They were heading for Jotunheim itself this day, but as evening was drawing near, Thor decided that rather than approach the borders of the realm by night, they should stop for the night, and they arrived in time at a humble, but well tended cottage. Poor as the dwelling's owner was, the man was a son of the North and he had lived all his life by the old codes of honour. However little he had to share, he would not turn away a guest. He welcomed them in and offered them shelter, but made it clear that he had little in the way of vitals to offer them. There was hardly enough for his family. Thor was hungry, surprise indeed, and guessing that Loki was also, he considered for a short time the problem of a great feast with no food. He could see only one solution. A sacrifice was due, to repay honour with honour. He spoke to his host. "You have been a kind and gracious host. You have offered to share all that you have, though you have very little. I shall in turn be a good guest, and provide for the supper. Take one of my goats, slay him, and prepare him for the table. Try to harm the skin as little as you can, and to not damage any of the bones." That night, the family ate better than they had in many a fair month. There was even enough for Thor and Loki. But, during the feast, the host’s son, Thiafli, cracked one of the shin bones to get at the marrow within. After all, a million generations of wolves cannot all be wrong. In the morning, all the bones were gathered up from the feast table, and Thor put them into the empty skin. He spoke a rune upon the skin, which was immediately forgotten, and cracked it with his whip. The goat sprang up alive. The host's family marvelled at this ancient earth magic, yet it was not complete. The goat was limping, and in obvious pain, for one of its shin bones was broken.

Thor is impressive at any time of day, but when he is angry, it is well worth being somewhere else. Even Nifelheim would be safer, and more desirable. "Right. Who is responsible for this? Who cracked that bone?" Thiafli, fearing, not unreasonably, that his last hour had come, stepped forward, with his head bowed in shame. "I did, Lord. I am very sorry." Thor was well pleased with the lad's courage, and humility, and quieted down. "You are honest, lad, and brave. Your penance shall be thus. You shall travel with me, to Asgard if needs must, and you shall serve me as a squire for four seasons. Do you accept this?" "I accept this, Lord." This was not a penance, nor any form of punishment. This was a great honour, to reward his truth. The first and greatest skills for a Lord, a King, or any leader of pen, are those of honesty and humility. The boy had shown both of these freely, even under fear of death, and now he was being greatly honoured for this by the first son of Odin. Thor, Loki and now Thiafli, continued towards Jotunheim. They moved on foot now, for the chariot was left in the barn of Thiafli's parents. The goat would need several weeks at least to allow the shin bone to repair itself. This is baring intervention from above to speed up the healing process of course. At least there were two of them, so he would not be alone, and the lady of the house would tend the wound keep them well supplied with grass and herbs as well. When they crossed the mark, and entered the land of the giants, it was easy to see that they had done so. Everything in that land was giant sized and true to scale. An oak tree, in bright summer leaf, towered over them like a vast green storm cloud. It was awe inspiring, and I am sure it was hypnotic as well, but this tree was also dangerous. It would not be wise to linger long in the shadow of such a tree however, for the acorns were the size of ale casks, and should one fall on you, you would know about it, briefly. As the light began to fade, with the slow approach of evening, they could hear a deep rumbling upon the land. It was far in the distance so they knew that it was not Thor getting hungry again, but distant thunder that hailed the coming of ill weather for the hours of Lun. They would all require shelter, and soon. It would not be safe to seek shelter in or under any tree, but neither could they stay outside. Not far ahead of them, they could see a small hall. It look warm, dry & cosy, and the door stood welcomingly open. They approached, searched the area, then went quietly inside. It was deserted. Indeed, they found no evidence that anyone had ever lived there. There was no decor, nor any furniture, nor any internal doors. There was no back door, upper floor or basement. But, they found that the hall had five rooms leading off the main hall, long but not wide. and the floor, walls and ceiling were thickly lined with some kind of giant fur pile, three hands deep. It was quiet, warm and dry, exactly what was needed. The three companions ate a light supper from their packs, and settled down for the night. They slept in great comfort that night, but awoke to what they thought was an earthquake. The hall was rumbling and shaking violently, then was lifted, swiftly, high into the air. The sleepers were thrown onto the grass in a rather untidy heap. A voice, no less surprised than they, spoke to them from far above them. "What are you doing in my glove?”

In a nearby clearing, not far from where the ‘hall’ had been, there stood a mountain giant, all smiling and friendly, genuinely curious at finding these little people in his glove. Mountain giants are the tallest of the giants, but not the strongest. The honour of being the strongest goes to the storm giants. "I am Skrynir," said the voice, " Who, are you?" Thiafli was introduced first, the servant being always introduced first. Loki was announced next, and he was looked upon with great favour by Skrynir, as Loki is of giant blood. Thor then drew himself up to a not inconsiderable height, for he is a big fellow, and stated. "I am Thor, first son of Odin and Jörd." Skrynir raised his eyebrows, feigning surprise. "Thor? Really? I would have expected someone taller." This is not really the sort of thing that anyone who would wish to continue breathing would say to Thor, who said nothing, fuming silently. Skrynir spoke further. "Well. I think you had best all come along with me, and explain yourselves to my lord, King Loki of Utgard. His majesty does not much like strangers wondering around his land, even if they are of part giant blood." For once in Thor's long life, he was not actively looking for trouble, and he said, "I am sure that none of us can object to that." Skrynir continued, as though Thor had not spoken. "Of course, we will all have to keep down to your pace, so that we will not make it to the castle today. Well shall have to rest on route, but I know of a tree that we can all sleep comfortably under." And so they walked, a god, a demon, a giant and a young human, on and on, for mile upon mile, until at last they came upon the tree of which Skrynir had spoken. Skrynir dumped his pack upon the ground, and sat down under the tree. Thor and friends sat down also. They were exhausted. "Here we are," said Skrynir. "Well, I do not know about you three, but I am going to get some sleep. I would not advise you to stray too far. If you are hungry, I have some food in my pack, which you may have, but you will have to get it out, yourselves." Soon, the snores of Skrynir were echoing through the hills of his king, Loki. Thiafli, Loki and Thor were all hungry, and all three of them tried to undo the draw string on the pack. They had been told there was food within, they could smell the food within, but they could not get within. Thiafli could not untie the knot with his young and nimble fingers. Loki could not prise it open with guile. Thor could not force his way into the pack by main strength. Subtlety failed, brute force and ignorance failed. The more they tried to prise it loose, the tighter and colder the draw string became. Thor started growling. Loki said quietly that there was trouble coming, and moved back behind the tree with young Thiafli. Thor continued growling.

"I am sure that there is something not quite right here, but I am getting more than slightly fed up with this insolent giant." He hauled out his mighty war hammer Mjohlnir, the lightning's bolt, that never misses its mark. He swung it around his head, and brought it firmly down upon the giant's scalp. Skrynir stirred, and muttered sleepily. "Was that a drop of rain? I do hope not. Oh, hello Thor, you keep late hours. Never mind." He settled down once more to sleep. Thor was puzzled greatly, and concerned that his sacred hammer might be playing him false, after all those long years. He swung it twice about his head, and brought it down hard once more, upon the giant's head. Skrynir scratched his head, and sighed. "It must have been a falling twig." Again, he settled down, and went back to sleep. Now Thor was starting to get annoyed. This time, he took a full two handed grip on the ash haft of his hammer, took a run up to his target, and brought the hammer down full force, between the giant's eyes. His feet left the ground at the moment of impact, and he could feel his knuckles grate on stone. Skrynir sat up, rubbing his head, and cursing. "Damn these birds. Still it is supposed to be good luck. Ah well, it is dawn now anyway. We had best make a move." He picked up his pack, and seemed surprised that it was still closed, and still full. "I see you were not hungry then. Not to worry, the offer was there." He shouldered the pack with a quiet smile, which the others did not see, and set off for the mountains. The party arrived at the castle of Utgard without further incident. It was impressive to say the least, but nothing that Thor or Loki would consider worth writing home about. But to young Thiafli, it was definitely worthy of comment. The whole of the castle had been carved, in a single piece, from the rock of the mountain in whose shadow it stood. The main entrance gateway was eight furlongs high and six wide, with double gates, each three furlongs wide. Once they were inside the courtyard and the gate had been closed, Skrynir left them within. "You three go in to the main hall and make yourselves known. I have other matters that I must deal with." He walked swiftly away, and disappeared around a corner. Warrior, jester and servant, the three now weary travellers entered the huge hall that lay beyond the courtyard. They were now within the body of the great mountain itself. Along either side of the hall were tables, the height of large houses, behind which sat mountain giants enjoying their food and drink. Some of them cast a casual glance at the newcomers, some ignored them completely in favour of a refill of their tankards and horns.

At a separate table at the far end of the hall, sat upon the high seat of judgement, sat Loki of Utgard. Sat perfectly still and impassive as he was, he looked like a hill in the distance. Then the hill spoke. "Welcome to Utgard, friends. You are guests in my hall. Feel free to eat and drink as you will, for there is a feast today. It is our custom that guests shall entertain the company of this hall. So, what can you do?" Thiafli stepped forward, eager to be of service to Thor, according to his bond. "I have often been told I am a swift runner, my lord King." "So be it, lad. A race. Muinhir, come here." "I am here, lord." Beside Thiafli, stood another lad, much like him to look upon. The lord of Utgard spoke again. "The course shall be once around the castle estate, and back here. Go." They went, but Thiafli had no sooner taken his first two steps, when he noticed that Muinhir had not only gone, but he was back, and looking for a drink. Loki spoke up. "Interesting. How about an eating contest?" "Very well. A table shall be prepared. You shall go against Logr." Loki, is fire itself. He deemed that an eating contest was one contest that he could not lose, for fire consumes everything. A long wooden trough was set up in the middle of the hall, filled with all manner of good things, which had been lifted from the feast. The other giants did not argue with its loss, for it was their lord's wish, and his command. Loki was set at one end of this trough, and Logr, who was one of the castle servants, was set at the other end. With the word given, they ate towards one another, and met in the middle. Loki thought that he had done well. He had eaten all of the meat, and sopped up all of the gravy. All that was left was the clean trough, stacked with clean picked bones. But Loki saw that the trough was broken, half of it missing, gone. Logr had not only eaten the meat and the gravy, but the bones and the trough as well. Loki was shocked. He realised that he had indeed lost. Loki of Utgard, spoke once more. “Well, Thor. These two have not prevailed. What about you?” “Set me a test of strength." Thor has always been proud of his strength, and rightly so. He is the strongest of the Æsir, and the patron of trials of strength within the realms of men. "Very well, Thor. A test of strength it shall be. Pick up my cat." In front of the hall fire, on a vast soft rug, lay a handsome tabby cat, gazing dreamily in to the crackling flames, in the lazy manner of all cats. Of course, being a giant's cat, it was the size of a well grown shire horse. Thor approached, and set about trying to lift this animal from its rug.

Those of you who have ever attempted to pick up a relaxed cat will know how thankless a task this is. Whatever you lift, something else droops. It is almost as if the creature is boneless. Soft and floppy like an overused map. Thor finally got himself under the body of the cat, and locked his arms out above his head. He grinned proudly, thinking that he had won, but the lord of Utgard called out. "No good, Thor. There is still one paw on the rug." Thor conceded defeat, and put the cat, still purring for it was enjoying this game, back where he had found it, and replied. "I am a bit dry after all that effort. Have you a decent sized drink?" His host smiled, and said, laughing. "Indeed we do." He then roared out his command. "Bring in the challenge horn." There was a roar of approval from all parts of the hall. Obviously, this was an extra sport that had not been expected, and that had not been seen there for some good time. Then, the horn was brought in. It was beautiful. Snowy flanked, it was, and guarded with richly figured bronze around the mouth, which was the size of a brewing kettle. The length of the horn could not be guessed at, for it stretched out of sight, through the hall doors, and disappeared around the corner passageway. Thor could see that it was filled to the brim with a foaming brew, and he was told. "If you drain this in a single draught, you will have done well. Two draughts and I would say you were not trying. Three, well, it would be known that you were not thirsty." So, Thor braced himself, and took up the horn to take up the challenge. He drank until his knees shook, then, he had to draw breath. To his astonishment, he saw that the level had dropped by a bare hand span. He raised the horn to his lips a second time, and he tried again. He drank, and he drank, until his eyes began to fog over. When he came up for air again, he found that the level had dropped by but a further clothyard. Thor now decided that he was not going to allow this damned horn to defeat him. He drew his great master belt out by three notches, and then braced his feet far apart. He took up the horn again, and made his final effort. He drank, and he drank, and yet more he drank, until his knees banged together, until his eyes crossed, and until his ears buzzed. He drank until his back teeth were awash. Yet when he lowered the horn, to his abject horror, the level was still visible in the throat of the horn. It had dropped by only a fathom. Loki of Utgard spoke, in tones of concern, that perhaps he might be thought a poor host. "Thor, was the brew not to your taste? Or, perhaps, you were just not as thirsty as you may have thought?" The ale sang bass in Thor's ears, and he just managed to bubble out his reply. "Blast the brew, what about wrestling?" The giant king raised one eyebrow, and look askance at his rather inebriated guest.

"Thor, there is not a giant in this hall who could not defeat you just by stepping on you. It would not be a fair contest." "Are you refusing my challenge?" "Very well, Thor. You shall wrestle with my old nurse. Eld, come to me. I have a task for you." Into the presence of the giant king, came the oldest woman Thor had ever seen. She was bent, and wizened, and gnarled like an ancient tree. She looked as though she could have remembered the first rain drop that fell on middle earth at the beginning of this age. Thor thought to himself, 'I had better not break her. After all, I am only a guest in this house.' However, when Thor locked grip with Eld, he found that she was nothing like as fragile as her appearance would suggest. They fought, back and forth, around the hall, round the cat, knocking over chairs and tables, upsetting the harmony of the feast, spilling drinks no less. They fought on, out through one door, in through another. Finally, each forced the other down on one knee. This was the time at which the lord of Utgard called a halt to the match. "Enough, Eld. He is my guest. We do not want him damaged." When Eld had left the feast hall, muttering all the while, the giant king said. "Well, Thor. You did not do as well as you had expected, either. Not to worry. You may all eat and drink your fill of the feast, then I shall set you upon your way in the morning." The following day, Thor and his companions, much chastened, were led back towards the borders of the realm, by their host. When they reached the tree where they had spent the night with Skrynir, the giant spoke, once more. "Now, Thor, Loki, Thiafli. You shall all hear the truth about this little adventure of yours. Know that I am Loki, yet I was also Skrynir. Know that I am a shape changer, and can take any form that I please." "What about that food pack of yours." Asked Loki. The giant laughed. "You could never have opened my pack. Any of you. That pouch was tied with the grip of winter's frost, and what man can unlock that? If they had known the truth of this before, they might yet have been able to open the pack. For the grip of winter’s frost has been known to draw back from the warmth of living breath. Thor spoke now. “I would swear that I hit you with my hammer. How is it that you still live?” “The least of those blows would have slain me, had I not had the forethought to make a hill invisible, and put it in your way. If you look beyond the clearing, across the river, you may see it in the distance. Now with three box canyons in it, one somewhat deeper than the other two." Thor growled. Not a good sign. "So, you fooled all three of us in the open. What about at the castle?"

"Your page, Thiafli, is swift indeed, this I knew. But Muinhir is a thought of my own mind, made flesh. What man can outrun thought?" "But Loki is the spirit of fire, nothing can out eat fire." "Loki is fire, yes. But Logr is wild fire. The forest fire, the blaze upon the heath when the lightning fire strikes. Wild fire consumes all." "And I suppose that the cat, was not a cat?" "It was not. When you tried to lift the cat, there was not a giant or servant in my hall who did not quake with mortal fear. That cat, was in truth, a coil of Jörmungand, the Midgard Serpent. Had you succeeded in lifting that last paw, you would have dragged the poisoned mountain to shore. Then would the last battle of Rágnrökr been started. We are not ready for that battle, even if you are.” Thor sighed, as he acknowledged that a golden opportunity had passed him by. "Had I known it was Jörmungand, I might have forgotten that I was only a guest in your hall. I would have petted it with Mjohlnir, rather than trying to lift it. It would have become one with the rug upon which it lay in such comfort. But what of the challenge horn. I am sure that there could have been no trickery there." "Say you so? So sure are you? I was changing water into ale as you drank, for the distant end of that drinking horn was in the sea. You could never have drained it, yet when you took that last draught, the sea's level dropped visibly the world over. This deed shall never be forgotten, for in your honour the sea's level shall rise and fall hereafter, and shall be known as the tide." Thor's reply was dangerously quite. I fear that he was becoming, hasty. "And the old woman?" "Could you really not guess from her name? Eld? She is the spirit of Old Age. She is the strength of the one fight that no warrior can ever win. Yet still you succeeded in forcing her down onto one knee. Another mighty deed that shall live forever in legend." By this time, Thor was indeed in a hasty mood. He was fuming with rage. He hauled Mjohlnir out from her sheath, and took aim. "This time, Loki of Utgard, I shall not miss.” But, even as Thor raised his mighty hammer to strike, the figure of Loki of Utgard faded upon the evening light, and in the lazy wind that blew into Thor’s face, was a mocking farewell. “Remember, Thor. Remember always. Life is not always as true as it appears. No one, neither man nor god, is as mighty as he thinks.”