|
|
LIVING HISTORY
During the medieval reenactment you will see history throughout the day with displays showing all aspects from the medieval times.
Living History is probably, the most important aspect of all medieval reenactment societies; it enables people to sample all walks of life from serf to nobleman. To see long forgotten crafts and skills come to life before them and hopefully changing their ideas on what it means to be medieval. Unlike many societies we do not differentiate between living history and military reenactment, enabling us to use one to enhance the other; thereby providing all our members, with an ongoing medieval experience throughout the day. As a society our structured membership enables us to demonstrate how people worked together, across class and social divides. Each member contributing their particular skills, acting or craft related, enhancing our overall presentation.
MILITARY
The solider's of the company of chivalry are a skilled bill block who also take part in archery and sword play. The solders are drilled frequently during the medieval reenactment events. We battle all across Europe under the flag of St George and the standard of our employer, John Duke of Lancaster claimant to the throne of Castille and Leon. Undertaking our obligations on his behalf for King and Country. We are the Knights and soldiers of John of Gaunt. For fun and entertainment the medieval Knights fight melees between themselves for both personal and household honor. Our professional well drilled soldiers can often be seen practicing their martial skills under the stern gaze of their sergeants. Behind his back, they can often be found gambling,stealing and wenchng, typical of all soldiery throughout time.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The House of Lancaster, Was part of the royal family of England. The line was founded by the second son of Henry III, Edmund Crouchback, 1245-96, who became earl of Lancaster in 1267. His nickname Crouchback or crossed back refers to the fact that he went on crusade and was entitled to wear the cross. His son Thomas, earl of Lancaster, 1277?-1322, led the barons against his cousin Edward II and was (1314-18) the virtual ruler of England. Defeated at the battle of Borough bridge, he was beheaded for treason. Thomas's brother, Henry, earl of Lancaster, 1281?-1345, was chief adviser to the young Edward III. His son, Henry, duke of Lancaster, 1299?-1361, was made duke in 1351 for excellent service in the Hundred Years War. When he died without male heirs, John Of Gaunt inherited the Lancastrian lands by marrying Henry's daughter Blanche. John's son Henry deposed (1399) Richard II and became king as Henry IV. Other Lancastrian kings were Henry V and Henry VI. Claims by the rival house of York led to the Wars of the Roses. John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster English soldier and statesman, the fourth son of King Edward III of England, and brother of Edward, the Black Prince. John was born in March 1340 in Ghent (M.E., Gaunt), now in Belgium. In 1359 he married Blanche, daughter of Henry, duke of Lancaster; when Henry died, John became duke. John of Gaunt played an important part in the wars of the period between England and France and between England and Spain. During the hundred years war, he aided the Black Prince against France and established English rule over most of southern France. After a severe illness forced the return of the Black Prince to England, John took command of the English armies; by 1380 he had lost much of the territory the English had previously won.
|
