Regia Anglorum

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Regia Anglorum (Latin for Kingdoms of the English) is a Medieval reenactment organisation dedicated to the re-creation of the life and times of the peoples who lived in and around the Islands of Britain from the time of Alfred the Great to Richard the Lionheart.

It was founded in 1986 and has a membership of around six hundred people. An Unincorporated Association, it is one of the largest Early Middle Ages re-enactment societies in the world and maintains a high-profile public image. The organisation is currently (end 2007) comprised of 41 Local Groups, most within the UK but with an ever growing presence in North America. Families are particularly welcomed and young people whose parents or guardians are members are classed as members themselves without fee until they reach the age of 18.

Regia Anglorum is an Associate Sponsor of the British Museum, and is a founder member of the National Association of Re-enactment Societies and The Battlefields Trust.

[edit] Activities

Events Regia's members can attend about ten national Major Events arranged by the Society annually and a similar number of local events are available at Local Group level. Apart from their own events, they occasionally support some of the UK's largest shows, such as the re-creation of the Battle of Hastings that occurs in the October of most years.

Film & TV Working in film and television has always been an added frisson to Regia life and their expertise has ensured employment over the years, their members appearing in over eighty separate works to date. From serious documentaries such as "Blood of the Vikings" & "A History of Britain" to appearing in TV adverts and music videos, there is frequently paid work available for Regia's members. Owning ship replicas and having a permanent site has undoubtedly added to the range of visuals that are achieved in house.

Military portrayal Regia recognises that many people want to become re-enactors in order to learn weapon crafts - and they are warmly welcomed! The Society has a detailed National Training Scheme that ensures that whilst an authentic image is maintained for public display, men and women portraying warriors are both trained and regularly tested in their abilities. It takes some time to accrue a complete set of war gear at the highest level and such acquisition is encouraged by an internal system of rank and privilege awarded entirely upon merit.

Living History Living history encampments have become a mainstay of most worthwhile re-enactment societies and Regia is no exception. A range of tented structures is erected at every event from which are demonstrated a wide variety of crafts and everyday activities at public shows both major and minor. Families frequently take the opportunity to spend a weekend together in costume, living and working on the Encampment.

The Wychurst Project On three acres of freeheld land in Kent, Regia Anglorum are building a permanent site. It is a full-scale replica of a defended manorial burgh and the flooded ring ditch and bank surmounted by 220 metres of palisade encloses an acre. The Longhall is complete, secure and weatherproof and at 60' x 30' x 30' (approx 20 x 10 x 10 metres) is by far the largest building of its kind in Britain. Gatehouses are under construction, two small cottages are already in use and further structures are planned in an ongoing development programme.

Whilst it will certainly be used for educational purposes and public visits, there is no financial imperative that the site should make money. This difference separates it from all other reconstructed sites as the primary purpose of the settlement is to enable Regia's members to experience the lifestyle of the period in a more complete way than ever before. The site, known as "Wychurst" (AS, "the village in the wood"), is situated some 60 miles from Central London near Canterbury in Kent.

Horses and riding Regia also has a self-funded husband-and-wife Riding Team trained in the use of horse at re-enactments that supports several public events in a year. Their depiction of equine skills of the period takes both civilian and military forms. The husband, Martin Latham, is most often seen at shows depicting a typical mounted Norman lord and knight from the 11th-13th centuries, taking part in military displays such as jousting at quintains and dispatching cabbages, apples, and a mannequin called Cedric with various arms. His wife also rides at displays, showing the public and other Regia members the style of riding used by noble ladies of the period, most notably the side-saddle technique.

A recent development on the equine front are two teams of riders "The Raedfolk" and "The Conroi". Self-funded by members of Regia on an entirely voluntary basis, the military wing - The Conroi - are to be seen increasingly at re-enactment events all over the UK.

Ships and sailing Regia Anglorum also provides nautical re-creations and has owned and operated period ship replicas since 1991, currently owning five vessels. The biggest are three similar hulls measuring 47' by 9' in the beam. Drawing about 3', they are suitable for use on inland waters and at sea in coastal waters. A 35' wooden replica is currently undergoing repairs in Scotland and a 20' replica of the Gokstad Faering is in constant use at events throughout the UK in the course of a year. These full scale ship replicas are used extensively at events and for media work.

Funding The Society funds its activities primarily through membership and events fees, and most weekends from April to October will find their membership re-creating history. The reader can find an up to date events list in the Diary at the society's website.

Education Regia Anglorum can provide school days at many of its events in a year. These are usually an addition to a Major Event, taking place on the Friday before a weekend show.

There are also teams and individuals who provide a school visitor service, often travelling long distances to both educate and entertain. Principally, their work mostly takes place in a Primary context under Key Stage Two - "Invaders" but can also expand on the Battle of Hastings theme at the beginning of KS3.