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
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