The Re-Enactor Issue 55
The Battle of Mortimer’s Cross (c1461) at Hampton Court Castle Saturday Sept 14th 2013 Pictures courtesy of Pat Patrick
Greetings All The re-enactment season has finished here in the UK, we now have lots of trading events and Christmas shows to prepare for. The weather treated us very well with some superb sunny warm weekends with only a very few being spoiled by the rain. This will be the penultimate issue of The Re-Enactor magazine. I would like to thank everyone who has support my endeavour but life moves on, things change and other priorities in life take over. There are 3 great books to be won in this issue and even more in what will be the last issue. If you have something you want to see in print, you have until the new year, to send your articles through, as I will release the final issue in January 2014. Please send all correspondence to the following email address:
thereenactor@btinternet.com Competitions: All competitions are free to enter Winners will be selected at random on the 24th of each month for the relevant competition. Winners will be notified via email shortly after the draw takes place. No correspondence will be entered into. The editor’s decision is final.
Photos courtesy of Pat Patrick
Features This Month
The views and opinions expressed in the articles in this ezine are those of the individual authors themselves and not those of the Editor
1: Lady in Red 2: Book Review-The Historical Novel Soc. 3: The Avalon Society 4: Competition One 5: Ballad of Jason & Claire 6: Competition Two 6: Event Information
Note: If you have any questions queries thoughts or ideas for and about the magazine please do feel free to contact me and we can discuss them.
To receive notification of each new issue send your email address to: thereenactor@btinternet.com
Lady in Red? 187 years ago, the Reverend William Buckland discovered a skeleton in Goat’s Hole cave at Paviland, on the Gower peninsular. Because of the rich assemblage of grave goods, including a shell necklace and ivory beads and bracelets, Buckland deduced he was dealing with the remains of a woman. Due to the red staining on the bones and grave goods, caused by them being dusted with a liberal amount of red ochre, he named the find “The Red Lady of Paviland,” a name by which it is now known the world over.
As well as being reader of mineralogy at Oxford University, Buckland was a devout Christian, (he was Canon of Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford), and could not countenance the remains as being from any time except after the biblical flood, he believed the remains to date back to the Roman era. The decorative items, combined with the skeleton's red dye, caused Buckland to mistakenly speculate that the remains belonged to a Roman prostitute or witch. The fact that the geological evidence proved that the cave, now on the coast, at the time of the burial would have been located approximately 70 miles inland, overlooking a plain, confirmed the dating for Buckland. The "lady" has since been identified as a young man who lived 29,000 years ago at the end of the Upper Paleolithic Period (old stone age), and are the oldest human remains found in the United Kingdom, as well as being the oldest ceremonial burial in Western Europe. The cemetery at Bøgebakken in Denmark contains seventeen burials of Stone Age hunters and their families dating from 6,500 years ago. Grave 10 contains the body of an adult male, 1.7m tall, suffering from the first stages of arthritis. The body lies on two red deer antlers and has two flint blades near the stomach, perhaps originally in a bag. Red ochre is scattered around the head. “Stone Age”, (130,000 -3000 BCE), red ochre burials are not confined to northern Europe and have been found as far away as Spain, Russia, Israel and north America. (Interestingly, in the Book of Genesis God created Adam from “the red earth". In fact, the etymology of the name "Adam" is ancient Hebrew for "man of red earth.") It is postulated that the red ochre was associated with death, as any large blood loss, which would colour the person red, would invariably result in death. Perhaps also red was associated with life, menstrual blood, birth blood etc and therefore symbolized not only death but rebirth too? We will never know for sure.
What has become apparent recently is the possible anti-bacterial properties of red ochre. In experiments with the corpses of buried lambs, some covered in ochre, it was found that the ones covered were far less likely to be scavenged and led to the conclusion that a good covering of ochre, (2”or so), would inhibit the propagation of bacteria. Basically, if the ochre stops the corpse rotting there will be no smell for scavengers to follow. It is stressed however that the findings are far from conclusive and further research is required.
Once again our ancestors have been shown to be not only deeply reverential of their dead, which speaks of a caring community and a spiritual awareness; they knew the properties of the elements of their world. This shows Neanderthal Man as caring, spiritual and smart. Not at all like the brute, shambling figure of popular belief. “…without the social and intellectual developments of the period, what was subsequently to be known as civilization would have been impossible. We may not always be aware of it, but we owe them an enormous amount.” Dr. Francis Pryor M.B.E. “Britain B.C.”
THE FORBIDDEN QUEEN BY ANNE O'BRIEN
This superb novel tells the story of Katherine de Valois, whom history has by and far neglected. Katherine, the daughter of Charles VI of France (who went mad) and his queen Isabel (who had a reputation for lust and affairs), was highly sought after by Henry, King of England, for the alliance she would bring about between England and France and, beyond that, for the French crown. Katherine is portrayed as young, naïve and innocent, swept along by Henry, whom she idolises as the dashing, all-conquering hero that he was. But their marriage is destined to be short lived and tragic. Most of it was spent with Katherine alone whilst Henry was abroad on endless war campaigns. When she bears him a son and heir, the future Henry VI, Henry dies of dysentery without having set eyes on him. These scenes are very movingly described, beautifully written and realised. The rest of the novel depicts the aftermath of the situation in which Katherine finds herself, as a young widow whose hand in marriage is worth a kingdom. It is no surprise that Katherine does, in fact, marry Owen Tudor, who was of low rank and served Katherine as her Master of the Household. How they ever managed to actually develop a real loving relationship, get married and accepted and produce the Tudor dynasty is the lasting achievement of this novel. This is a very long novel, but it is always engaging and retains the reader’s interest throughout. What violence there is tends to be off-stage. O’Brien concentrates on character development and relationships. This is essentially a love story, but male readers should not be put off. This male reader, for one, was hooked. Highly recommended.
For other great reviews checkout http://historicalnovelsociety.org
The Avalon Society
The original purpose of the Society was to act as a platform for re-enactors wishing to come together to buy a ruined castle. The castle would be renovated to its original condition using traditional tools and techniques paid for by donations and government grants. The site needed to be large enough to accommodate a small village of volunteers. Some would be skilled trades-people working on the reconstruction and others acting as support. Just as it would have been in the middle ages. We would also be as close to 100% self sustaining growing our own food, spinning yarn for cloth, producing everything needed for the community and using the surplus to create an income with which to buy in when necessary. The Society would have some full time residents but the majority would be volunteers much in the same vain as ‘woofers’ but drawn from adherents of medieval culture and study. Our site would be open to colleges and universities to use as a physical study tool for students of medieval architecture, culture, philosophy, etc. To aid this aspect we intend to create a library of literature and artefacts spanning every century from the Roman occupation up to the late middle ages. We would also be open to schools for educational visits.
The greater part of the Society�s income would arise from tourism and Fete and Tournament days. We would also hold regular banquets, archery tournaments organized by the ILAA and Fraternity of St George and host weddings and other celebrations. It is hoped that our sites will also become homes to the many large medieval markets held annually in various countries. Anyone wondering if this sort of venture has any validity should take a look at the French site of Guedelon, Treigny? Michel Guyot started this ambitious project in 1997 by buying a stone quarry in a forest with a small lake nearby. Now, 16 years later, the site receives more than 300,000 visitors per year and the 14th century style castle is almost 60% complete. Michel funded the original purchase on the proceeds of another project, Chateau Fargeau, which was a ruin when he bought it. If or rather when the Society acquires its first medieval property this will become its headquarters with the hope of buying other sites in the near future. From this location we intend to create an organization offering membership to re-enactors worldwide. This organization will act much in the same way as a union like Equity. Protecting the rights of its members, settling legal disputes, publishing a fee structure for appearances, etc. With the consultation of our membership we would also draw up a code of conduct for use during reenactment events ensuring the safety of players and the public and train and appoint officers as monitors. With an estimated 2.5 million re-enactors worldwide this aspect of the Society holds a lot of promise. I have received letters from re-enactors in many eastern European countries who tell me that they are greatly concerned at the lack of preservation offered by their governments over important historical sites. Castles built in the middleages are being looted for stone and metals. The wood has already disappeared from many and probably ended up in a new build or as firewood. The Avalon Society hopes to offer a solution to this loss of precious cultural and historical heritage by taking over the management of such sites, cultivating a change of attitude with those previously responsible and educating the local residents as to the importance these sites could become to their economy. Very little of the above can become a reality without your support. The Society needs members. Regardless of your eventual involvement your support will be like the proverbial snowball. So what will this cost you I hear? Thats entirely up to you. The Society has signed up to a crowdfunding site at http://gofundme.com/4k70po here you can donate any amount you see fit. If you opt for this avenue then please email us at avalonsociete@gmail.com so we can add you to the database and send you a thank you email. You can also become a member with all its privileges on our website http://theavalonsociety.webs.com We have successfully negotiated to install our tavern “The Avalon Inn� at a few of the events organized by Association pour Histoire Vivant. Not Pontoise as yet but perhaps in the future. If you wish to become involved in fundraising or become an officer of the Society please get in touch. Haydn J. Eason Le Gallois de Wallonie
Competition one INSURRECTION (Book 1 of the Insurrection Trilogy) 1286 A.D. Scotland is in the grip of the worst winter in living memory. Some say the Day of Judgement has come. The King of Scotland rides out from Edinburgh into the stormy dark. On the road he is murdered by one of his own men, leaving the succession to the throne wide open. The king’s death is as a stone thrown into a pool, the ripples spreading far and wide. Civil war threatens as powerful Scottish families jostle for power, not knowing that Edward, King of England, has set his own plans in motion. For almost two decades, Edward has nurtured a fierce vision of conquest – a vision sprung from the words of an ancient prophecy – that will change the face of Britain forever. But all is not destined to go Edward’s way. Through the ashes of war, through blood feuds and divided loyalties, a young squire will rise to defy England’s greatest king. His name is Robert the Bruce. And his story begins in Insurrection.
A signed copy of this book is available in the first of this month’s two book competitions!
Visit: http://www.robynyoung.com/ Question: When will book three of the trilogy “Kingdom” be published in the UK? Your answer and full postal address to me at the following email address: thereenactor@btinternet.com
This competition closes on November 30th 2013
The ballad of Jason and Claire Claire Our tale doth begin ‘pon a cold Monday night, in the tavern I sat, sipping mead by firelight, When a fair-haired young gentleman strode through the door, and the night did not seem quite so dull anymore. Jason My eyes did alight ‘pon this charming young wench, so I took up a seat on a rough wooden bench, She had long golden tresses, her eyes sparkled, bright, ‘twas then that I knew, it was my lucky night. Claire His features were pleasing, his figure was fine, I knew that this handsome young man must be mine. He asked, “prithee young maid, would’st thou care for some mead?” I was quite tied of tongue, so I whispered, “indeed.” Jason Cupid, it seemed, had shot a true dart, and his arrow had pierced the depths of my heart. We did flee the dull tavern, and by light of the moon, I strummed ‘pon my lute, a romantic tune. Claire Our new love grew stronger, no more was I lonely, for Jason was mine, I had eyes for him only. We took lodgings together, our lives we did share, and in time, two sweet bonny babes did I bear. Jason With the clamour of children our home did resound, then the meowing of cats, and the bark of a hound. In the day I would toil in my gardener’s boots, in the eve, I would strum gentle tunes ‘pon the lute. Claire While I helped my family, butcher’s by trade, and the townsfolk all knew that our pies were handmade. At home we were busy, with two mouths to feed,
but at night, we’d find time for a goblet of mead. Jason For many a year we did live a good life, but I knew that one day, I would’st make Claire my wife. After fourteen long years, did I fall ‘pon one knee, And ask my good lady if she’d marry me. Claire I replied, “would this marriage require a new dress, for if so, the answer is certainly yes!” And so, we are here in the castle of Warwick, a building magnificent, grand and historic,. Jason The tale of our romance doth draw near an end, , with this wonderful gathering of family and friends. Claire, thou ‘art a vision in silver and white, and my shiny new codpiece awaits you, tonight!. Claire We thank all our friends, and our family so dear, for travelling cross land and cross sea to be here. Behold the fine ladies in beautiful robes, and the men dressed in fashionable tunic and hose. Jason To our families, you’ve helped us in so many ways, we thankyou, for making this our special day. Love promised today, is love promised forever, and as some would say, better later, than never. Claire &Jason So please, raise a toast, to love and long life, For Jason and Claire, are now husband and wife!
Competition two
The Lay of Angor is a racy historical romance for adults. Written in an affectionate pastiche of the 'high fantasy' style, it tells the story of Elinor, Princess of Gondarlan, as she journeys from a troubled teen into womanhood. In the first episode, Gondarlan, her father King Thorund is beset by pressing problems. Hakon, his ambitious Warlord, lusts for the Princess - and for the throne he would gain by marrying her - so that he and his scheming crony, Archbishop Sigismund, can spread Gondaran dominion over the Urth. But their war-mongering operations are temporarily scuppered when Thorund welcomes a delegation from the far-off Republic of Angor, bringing an unexpected new suitor for Elinor's hand: Jehan Sol-Lios, the Angorian Elect.
The Breath of Gaia sails through stormy waters as Princess Elinor of Gondarlan embarks on the journey of a lifetime. From the rainforests of Centralia to the Palace of Aumaia in Angor, she has plenty of shocks and surprises in store – and plenty of growing up to do along the way... ‘Replete with wonderful descriptions of places, people and customs, the characters grow apace and the story sees Elinor change from a spoiled little girl into a woman with a mission. A cracking read” David Cooke, author of battlefield Yourkshire
To win both of these books simply send me your full address with postcode to the following email address: thereenactor@btinternet.com
This competition closes on November 30th 2013
Event Information October October 5th & 6th: Hughenden’s Wartime Weekend, Hughenden Manor, Bucks. Annual 1940s event. www.eventplan.co.uk or www.facebook.com/EventplanUK 12th & 13th International Events of Historical Crafts (EIAH) Portugal Email: artesanatocomhistoria@gmail.com
November 15th-17th The Original Re-Enactors Market, Ryton on Dunsmore, Coventry, UK www.reenactorsmarket.co.uk 16th & 17th The National Living History Fair www.nlhf.co.uk 23rd & 24th The Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fair, Ludlow Castle, Shropshire http://www.ludlowcastle.com/pages/events.aspx