Frequently asked questions
Re-enacting is a unique and fascinating hobby, and you’re bound to have lots more questions about it – from how much it costs to where we get our kit from, there’s undoubtedly lots of details you’re keen to find out. We’ve tried to answer as many of the most regularly asked questions as we can think of … but if you have more, visit our ‘contact’ page and we’ll be more than happy to help!
Do you all stay ‘in character’ all weekend and speak ye olde English?
Do we buggery! Sure, during smaller events like at Pembroke, we have the option to put on a persona for the public, but particularly during the battles we won't usually interact with individuals of the audience. We're a sight for the audience to enjoy from a safe distance, but as soon as we're off the battlefield we're right back to our regular, """"normal"""" selves.
Do I have to wear all the clothes?
If you're on the battlefield or actively interacting with members of the public, it is definitely a faux-pas not to be "orfennick" (authentic), however again, as soon as we're back at our main campsite following the battle, all's fair game. Often there'll be other regiments having celebrations and fancy dress for the beer tent, too!
Where do you get all the kit from? Will I have to spend a lot of money?
If you're just trying it out, or even for your first year or so, there will be plenty of other kit for people to borrow and use! I'll be honest, it might be a bit pricey in the long-run - there aren't nearly as many tailors or blacksmiths around these days... The shirt I tend to wear was sewn by my own mother!
What happens at events?
At the smaller events, such as at Pembroke Castle, there will be a Living History encampment where - you guessed it - we live historically. We'll set up tents as exhibits and behave as though we were a baggage train. These camps will be open and free for the public to wander around and ask questions regarding.
At the larger events? Oooooh, baby, now we're talking. There will be large-scale battles - often two but sometimes only one - over the course of the weekend. Following the battles there will more-than-likely be a Beer Tent set up, with music and a bar, for the masses to meet up at and enjoy themselves -As the Viz magazine once stated, "A pint and a fight makes a Great British night!"
Do women have to be wenches?
Good grief, no. I know we pretend it's the 1640s, but we also know the true fun in being on the battlefield! All roles are unisex within the Knot, so long as you're willing to take part! I've definitely been bludgeoned on numerous occasions by other pikemen, only to look up and realise her beard was drawn on for comedic effect.
What about my kids? Is this family-friendly?
Hell, this is how my parents met! Despite the rough-and-tumble nature of the setting, it's also a brilliant way for children to get out camping for the weekend and meet other younger kids. I've made friendships growing up as the son of a Pikeman and Musketeer that will last me a lifetime. Everyone looks out for each other, regardless of regiment or army, and there is a Medical/Guard presence for the campsite at all times. If your little one goes walkabouts (kids tend to do that), you can bet your bottom shilling that within the hour they'll be escorted back to your camp.
Although you may need to remind some people that certain words are not to be used around little ears, mind you...
Do I have to sleep in a 17th Century tent and quaff mead?
The Living History encampment will sleep in historically accurate tents, however they're the real die-hard ones! Most of us stay in the 'Plastic Camp', usually the next field over and out of sight from the public audience, sleeping in tents, caravans and the occasional hawthorn bush.
As for the mead... Well, that's personal preference. Pass it over here if you don't want any!
How do you know who’s won? And what if I 'die' early on?
We typically fight within our blocks and regiments independently of the actual historical war, to be honest. Musketeers are firing off volley after volley before getting stuck in with melee skirmishes, Pikemen are basically headbutting each other again and again (imagine a Scrum, but with more metal), Cavalry are bolting around the field looking for opportunities to strike... You won't necessarily have a chance to officially 'Die' until the end of the battle, when the historically victorious side will usually rout the enemy... And even then, that only really happens sometimes.
You can ask most people within the Sealed Knot - The answer usually is "Oh yeah, there's an audience, isn't there?"
Are the battles dangerous?
Back in the days before Health and Safety, I've been told there used to be a serious injury/death every other year! For the modern era, however, it's... Well, you're not going to die. You're REALLY unlikely to seriously injure yourself, either.
As said above, we do have our own Medical Team on the battlefield just in case, but for the most part you'll just be exhausted after the battle. If you're a Pikeman, however, we tend to revel in how many bruises we can rack up after a weekend...
Do I have to fight for Parliament?
Not at all! With Saye and Seles, we are a Parliamentarian regiment and as such portray as Roundheads, but if you're really fussy on being a Royalist I can refer you to a few good Royalist regiments - try out Prince Rupert's or Sir Lisle's for a decent bunch with similar taste in the colour Blue.
But I don’t know anything about the English Civil Wars…
I'm gonna level with you, pal. I'm not exactly the kind of person who should be typing up the historical sections of this website. History is a natural interest in a lot of people who join our ranks, but is it necessary to join us? Absolutely not! If anything, it just means not only are you going to be having a good laugh with us, but you're also going to be learning why we have a monarchy that doesn't really seem to do anything apart from pose for Christmas photos and speak to deligates!
I don't have loads of spare weekends, do I have to commit to lots of events?
Absolutely not - members are free to pick and choose which events to go to. With my own 12hr shifts and propensity to forget what day of the week it is, I completely understand the apprehension here.
I’d like to have a go but don’t want to commit to joining up...
In the words of that bloke from the Transformers movies - JUST DO IT!
Get in contact and a temporary membership can be applied for - If you try it once and hate it, at least you know it's not your cup of tea - You really won't know if it's for you until you're here in the campsite with us!
Doesn’t this glorify war?
Nah.
Why do you call it the English Civil War? What about Scotland, Ireland & Wales?
Cripes alive, trust me, that is a hotly debated discussion amongst historians. I think the last I heard, the appropriate name was 'The British Civil Wars' (because remember, these were three separate wars that kicked off pretty much one after the other), especially since the Welsh and Scottish were heavy players during the wars. I'm not 100% sure how Ireland fit into it all, but I know that Cromwell did them dirty afterwards.
Sorry, fellow McCarthys.