Battle and Combat Safety

The following rules are for your guidance before arriving at Herstmonceux. These rules are the generally accepted practice on the battlefields of England. The Medieval Siege Society is running both the siege and the archery competition and their group rules will have the overall governing authority. Please see Herstmonceux Re-Enactment Health And Safety Rules for more details.

Click here to download the full battle safety rules as a PDF

Click here to download the MSS-Third-Party-Competence-form.pdf

WEAPONS

All weapons used in combat must be in good condition and fit for the purpose. Individuals are responsible for the condition of their weapons. No sharp weapons are to be taken on to the battlefield, even if they are not going to be used in combat. Remove notches, burrs, rust, and dirt from all weapons. No blows to the head or face even if protected. Keep spears, bills, staves or other long weapons at a low angle during engagement. As for all the respectable battles of the season there will be NO HEADSHOTS. Physical tackling of opponents is strictly forbidden

BLACK POWDER WEAPONS

In line with the prevailing atmosphere regarding guns MSS will be checking that all participants using black powder weaponry hold a valid licence for the use of these substances, equipment and storage. The pieces will be positioned so as to minimise the risk to the public or other participants and in accordance to plans laid out by MSS in the commanders meeting.

ARCHERY

Only use arrows with solid rubber blunts. Loose arrows at an angle not less than 45 degrees to the ground. Do not shoot directly at other participants. Always check thoroughly the condition of any arrow picked up from the ground before putting it onto a bow. The archery competition will again be run by the MSS Captain of Archers (archers@medieval-siege-society.co.uk ) & the MSS Captain of Arbalests (crossbows@medieval-siege-society.co.uk), with the grand prize of an engraved dagger donated by Rod Matless.

FITNESS FOR PARTICIPATION

Individuals must not participate in the battles whilst under the influence of alcohol or any other substances that will affect their safe judgement. Persons attempting to do so may find that they are committing a criminal offence.

NON-COMBATANTS

Please be aware of banner bearers, first-aiders, gun crews, archers, arrow collectors and stewards/photographers wearing yellow and blue sashes or tabards. They are not legitimate targets and should not be engaged in close combat unless they are prepared to do so by verbal agreement.

There will be official Knights of Herstmonceux stewards walking on the sides of the siege site and they are aware of the plan of the battle and are there to make the battle safe by keeping the public back. To ensure everybody has a good bash, his or her commands must be obeyed at all times. In the event that someone is injured bring it to the attention of a steward and he will contact the first aid crews by radio who will be standing by at all sieges.

INSURANCE

All re-enactors are invited to come to the Festival and take part in the twice-daily grand parades before each siege and to play a role as non-combatants. Public liability insurance is required for this participation also but can be acquired onsite by joining the MSS. In order for any group or individual to take part in the physical fighting of the siege they must have their own insurance. This must be shown and a copy given to a Malcolm Group Events representative before they enter their first siege of the castle. The MSS will again be insuring all registered archers who take part in the archery competition.

Always remember the people you are about to bite are fellow enthusiasts, here to enjoy themselves just like you. Let's be safe out there.