The Medieval Siege Society is a British

living history Living history is an activity that incorporates historical tools, activities and dress into an interactive presentation that seeks to give observers and participants a sense of stepping back in time. Although it does not necessarily seek to ree ...

and

combat reenactment Combat reenactment is a side of historical reenactment which aims to depict historical forms of combat. This may refer to either single combat, melees involving small groups, or nearly full-scale battles with hundreds of participants. Depending o ...

association dedicated to costumed reenactment of

siege warfare A siege is a military blockade of a city, or fortress, with the intent of conquering by attrition, or a well-prepared assault. This derives from la, sedere, lit=to sit. Siege warfare is a form of constant, low-intensity conflict characterized ...

, combat reenactment and events surrounding the history known as the

Hundred Years War The Hundred Years' War (; 1337–1453) was a series of armed conflicts between the kingdoms of England and France during the Late Middle Ages. It originated from disputed claims to the French throne between the English House of Plantagen ...

and the

Wars of the Roses The Wars of the Roses (1455–1487), known at the time and for more than a century after as the Civil Wars, were a series of civil wars fought over control of the English throne in the mid-to-late fifteenth century. These wars were fought bet ...

(circa 1350–1490). Apart from reenactment, it is also involved in research into the history of the period, and education (at the school or college level) about the same. The Medieval Siege Society frequently performs at heritage sites around the UK and beyond, The Medieval Siege Society was formed in 1993 by a group of re-enactors and archers with an interest in

Medieval reenactment Medieval reenactment is a form of historical reenactment that focuses on re-enacting European history in the period from the fall of Rome to about the end of the 15th century. The second half of this period is often called the Middle Ages. This m ...

and living history.

Events

The Medieval Siege Society are an active society who take part in a number of events over the season, including Tewkesbury medieval festival, St Albans

Hedingham Castle Hedingham Castle, in the village of Castle Hedingham, Essex, is arguably the best preserved Norman architecture, Norman keep in England. The castle fortifications and outbuildings were built around 1100, and the keep around 1140. However, the ke ...

Dover Castle Dover Castle is a medieval castle in Dover, Kent, England and is Grade I listed. It was founded in the 11th century and has been described as the "Key to England" due to its defensive significance throughout history. Some sources say it is the ...

Eltham Palace Eltham Palace is a large house at Eltham ( ) in southeast London, England, within the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The house consists of the medieval great hall of a former royal residence, to which an Art Deco extension was added in the 1930s. ...

and England’s Medieval Festival at

Herstmonceux Castle Herstmonceux Castle is a brick-built castle, dating from the 15th century, near Herstmonceux, East Sussex, England. It is one of the oldest significant brick buildings still standing in England. The castle was renowned for being one of the f ...

. They are also very active in recreating battles from

the Wars of the Roses The Wars of the Roses (1455–1487), known at the time and for more than a century after as the Civil Wars, were a series of civil wars fought over control of the throne of England, English throne in the mid-to-late fifteenth century. These w ...

and have been heavily involved with

English heritage English Heritage (officially the English Heritage Trust) is a charity that manages over 400 historic monuments, buildings and places. These include prehistoric sites, medieval castles, Roman forts and country houses. The charity states that i ...

The National trust The National Trust, formally the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, is a charity and membership organisation for heritage conservation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, there is a separate and ...

and various TV and Film work.

550th Anniversary of the 2nd Battle of St Albans

On 26 & 27 February 2011 to commemorate the 550th anniversary year of the

Second Battle of St Albans The Second Battle of St Albans was fought on 17 February 1461 during the Wars of the Roses in England. It took place at St Albans in Hertfordshire, the first battle having been fought in 1455. The army of the Yorkist faction under the Earl of W ...

, the Battlefields Trust hosted a conference on the battle, close to the battle site. This featured authentic recreations from The Medieval Siege Society, a guided tour of the battlefield, and culminated in a Requiem Mass for the fallen at St Saviours Church conducted by Father Peter Wadsworth.

Awards

Units from the Society have won a number of top prizes for "Best Living History" at England's Medieval Festival. In March 2011, the Society was awarded "Best Educational Display" at the British Leisure Show, a national showcase for the leisure industry.

References

External links

Official website

National Association of Re-Enactment Societies

Archived Philip McGaw Medieval Siege Society page
(dead)
Battlefields Trust
{{Reenactment * Historical reenactment groups History organisations based in the United Kingdom

Events

550th Anniversary of the 2nd Battle of St Albans

Awards

See also

References

External links