The Ocelot Oxford and Newbury 121 July 2016 edition | Page 10

Get a Life A historically accurate re-enactment of a Medieval battle including their chariots the Seat Alhambra and Skoda Yeti Picture by Pat Patrick Getting medieval in the shires By Mike Barham We all know about karate, judo and the usual martial arts, but what about the fighting techniques of a medieval knight? Or how to wield a quarterstaff like Little John? Step forward squire and enter the world of medieval martial arts. Not to be confused with MMA on the TV, the medieval kind of self-defence includes dressing up in suits of armour and wielding broadswords at your fully insured nemesis. Oh yes, health and safety was paramount in the days of crossbows and plague don’t you know! Rob Sleeman is the training officer for the British Plate Armour Society and has been re-enacting medieval battles for almost 30 years. The Ocelot grabbed a word with the knight himself whilst he was in Calne visiting White Hart Hotel landlord and British Plate member David Leaning: “Our group was formed in 1977 and is the oldest continuously running Medieval re-enactment society in the UK. We cover a wide period of medieval history from 1250 (Henry III) to 1520 (Henry VIII). “Currently most of the re-enactment events we attend are set during the Wars of the Roses (1450 to 1487). A period of history where we had two kings, a king murdered, heirs to the throne disappeared and the super-rich and powerful of the day used their own personal armies to grab more power and riches. Think Game of Thrones without the dragons and magic. “We portray the Earl of Shrewsbury’s Retinue (his gang) setting up both static history displays and demonstrations of medieval fighting from archery to foot combat and we even have our own cannon. “We put on our own events, such as the recent St Georges Day Show in Calne, sponsored by The White Hart, to multi society events such as Tewkesbury on 10 and 11 July and Herstmonceux Castle Bank Holiday Weekend in August in Sussex where up to 1500 reenactors take to the battlefield. “There is a thriving market for medieval clothing and armour, or you can make your own if you are able. Members of the group are always willing to give advice and assistance. “We meet up for training during the closed season once a month in Lymington and currently have a taster class at The White Hart.” You can find them on Facebook at the British Plate Armour Society: Appreciation Group or contact our Recruitment Officer [email protected] 10 www.theocelot.co.uk Ocelot 121 Ox2.indd 10 20/06/2016 19:31