The Vikings (reenactment)

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"The Vikings" is a British society of reenactors, dedicated to the study and re-enactment of the culture of the Viking Age (790 – 1066) and the display of authentic dark ages living history and combat.

1 Origins
2 Objectives
3 Local Groups
4 Educational Visits
5 Membership
6 Battle Of Hastings Re-enactments
7 2006 Major Event Calendar
8 See also
9 External links

[edit] Origins

The Vikings, previously known as the Norse Film and Pageant Society (NFPS), was founded in 1971 and is the oldest Dark Age society in the UK. They are founder members of the National_Association_of_Re-enactment_Societies. The Society now has over 800 members throughout Britain, Europe and North America - (The Vikings NA). While the Society concentrates mainly on the 10th Century, events are often set in the wider period from 790 to 1066, with the appropriate modifications to dress and equipment used.

Despite the name, the groups within the society portray Saxon, Norman, Celtic, and Viking cultures.

[edit] Objectives

The Vikings stated aim is to provide an accurate and educational portrayal of the Viking period, with an equal emphasis on the daily life of the period, and on the more warlike aspects of life in what was a formative period in European history. Events staged by The Vikings aim for a the high standard of presentation, historical accuracy and attention to detail, and for combat displays which combine public entertainment with a historical background, the battle organisers strive to recreate an event local to the area. Aside from the combat, at each event there are extensive Living History displays which present a cross-section of life in the tenth century.

[edit] Local Groups

The Vikings has local groups in the UK, mainland Europe and Northern America, each group usually numbers between 5 and 50 members depending on the region. The groups are each lead by a Sturaesman (or woman) or Jarl, who deals with the administrative and organisational aspects, and when at large events each will usually fight as one unit.

[edit] Educational Visits

Aside from the main events, in many regions of the UK the society offers school visits by experienced and knowledgeable personnel in full period dress and equipment. These visits include a variety of activities based around the UK National Curriculum framework of Key Stage Two's “Invaders and Settlers” topic.

The Society also provides resources for schools, including a teacher's resource book for KS2. In some cases, clothing and equipment can be loaned to schools for short periods to assist in classroom work.

[edit] Membership

Full membership of The Vikings is open to anyone over the age of 18. In the UK, children aged 16 and 17 are allowed to train and participate in the combat displays when accompanied by an adult. Due to the safety regulations, children under 16 years of age may not take part in combat displays, although correctly dressed and equipped 13-15 year olds are used as battlefield runners and/or waterbearers. More details can be found on the official website.