Following the excellent mini event at the International Living History Festival, our first full medieval reenactment event of the 2026 season took place over the bank holiday weekend at the wonderful Kimbolton Castle for the “Knights, Queens and Time Machines” event.
The castle at night
Another new site for the group, Kimbolton castle was built in the 12th century but saw extensive reconstruction by Anne, Duchess of Buckingham following the death of Duke Humphrey Stafford at the battle of Northampton. Later, the castle was home to queen Katherine of Aragon and would be the place where she died. Not much of the Mediaeval building remains however following subsequent rebuilding projects to turn the castle into a manor house and then a school.
Our camp
Despite heavy rain just after set-up, the event proved incredibly popular, both for the public and group members, with some very good questions and interaction, with over 3000 visitors attending the event on both days. In addition to our usual living history camp there were also two arena displays of medieval firepower and combat alongside our colleagues from the Medieval Siege Society and the Beaufort Companye.
After hours sword practise
Some group members will be attending the Barnet Medieval Festival 6th and 7th June as our next event.
Glorious sunshine welcomed the group back to Avoncroft Museum of Historical Buildings for the first full event of the season, the International Living History Festival.
Our camp
We provided a small camp set against the backdrop of the 500 year old merchants house,split between our medieval kitchen display,with a variety of delicious pottages prepared, accompanied by freshly made butter and (slightly singed) bread straight from the oven, and our arms and armour collection, with timed talks describing the armour and equipment of the medieval soldier.
Talking about medieval bread
Medieval cooking
For our next events, goup members will be attending the Medieval Reenactment Weekend at Sewerby Hall in North Yorkshire, and at Houghton Tower in Lancashire in partnership with our friends The Savile Household.
The weather was dampened but our spirits were not as Buckingham's Retine once again returned to Skipton Castle! Despite the driving rain throughout both days, we persevered to put on our full timetable of activities, bringing the castle to life with a “Mediaeval Celebration” theme.
Archery, cooking, dance and crafts were all displayed, culminating in a grand tournament inside the ancient chapel ruins, and a knighting ceremony for long serving group member Rory!
Our next full group event will be Castle Rising, Norfolk, 2nd-3rd August.
