The Knights of Herstmonceux Castle

invite all

Medieval Re-Enactors from around the World

to

Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex, England

Don't miss this annual opportunity to see old friends and make new ones. Join members of the Medieval Siege Society for the daily Siege as it unfolds around the walls of the 15th Century Moated Castle and concludes on the rear Battlefield (participants must meet standards of safety requirements and dress set by the MSS).
Register for the world class English Longbow Tournament as Europe's finest bowmen gather to compete for prestige and prizes. Organized by the MSS, all ages and skill levels are welcome; see the 'Archery' section for further details. Complete the on-line 'Traders' form to reserve space in the historic handcrafters' medieval market (limited covered space may be availabe by pre-arrangement). Compete against Europe's finest riders in the mounted Skill-At-Arms Tournament.	Erect an encampment and enter the Living History Competition for cash prizes. Musicians, Puppeteers, Jesters, Acrobats, Storytellers, Witches, Fortune Tellers are welcome to perform on the Village Stage. Separate free plastic camp site with hot showers available or on-site bed and breakfast. Gather around the camp fire each night with your family and friends or enjoy the atmosphere in the Buxom Wench Tavern....tarry a while for a cup of mead or real ale and a hearty meal with friends old and new.
Would you like to join the Knights of Herstmonceux ?

The period represented is that of the War of the Roses - 1379 to 1485. Appropriate because HerstmonceuxCastle was built in 1302 and by mid 1400 Herstmonceux and its Castle was well established as a powerful and prosperous estate. Costumes of this period were some of the most colourful and therefore offer our members a wide range from which to chose.

Mounted tournaments had become popular by then, allowing for groups to incorporate horse and rider as well as all manner of members on foot. The Hundred Year War ended in 1453 and village festivals were becoming a popular way to celebrate peace. During this period houses or groups, similar to the Knights of Herstmonceux, became prominent as in the Houses of York, Lancaster and Percy. 1485 saw the end of the War of the Roses when Richard III died at the Battle of Bosworth and this corresponds, approximately, with the end of our era.

AIMS OF THE GROUP

To promote Herstmonceux Castle as part of England's heritage.

To raise funds for the ongoing maintenance of Herstmonceux Castle and other charities, as was the duty of all good knights of the period represented.

To create and promote a medieval festival based at Herstmonceux Castle, which is recognized internationally as one of the 'not to be missed annual events'.

To encourage people to take an interest in their heritage.

MEMBERSHIP AND BENEFITS

1. Membership is free. Renewal will be due annually at the Herstmonceux Castle Medieval Festival.
2. Members will receive a regular group newsletter.
3. Members will be entitled to invitation and free admission to all events run by The Malcolm Group (Events) Ltd. worldwide.
4. Members will be entitled to wear the Knights of Herstmonceux colours and insignia.
5. Members will be entitled to call Herstmonceux Castle their historical place of residence when they meet other medievalists.
6. Members will be the official hosts of England's Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux Castle, held annually on August Bank Holiday weekend.
7. Members may have an amateur or professional interest in reenactment and those of all levels are welcome as are market traders, craftsmen, medievalists and living history enthusiasts. The Knights of Herstmonceux is an umbrella organisation that will offer something for everyone.

Knights of Herstmonceux Application Form

Note that all items with a star are required *

Please do not fill in this form using all capital letters.

* First Name	Initial *Title Mr Mrs Ms Miss Dr Capt Prof
* Last Name
Historical Name
Medieval Group
*Address
Address
Address
* City/Town
* County, State or Prov.
* Postal Code / Zip
Country
Office Phone
* Home Phone
Mobile Phone
Office Fax
* Email Address
Web Site

Do you have any special skills or interests? Give details:

Are you a member of any other re-enactment groups? We welcome members from all groups to join us.

Will you be coming with your group to this year's Festival? The group leader should complete a 'Group Invitation' form.

If you are an existing member of a group or simply an individual re-enactor wishing to take part in a specific event within the Festival, please complete a separate form within the 'Re-enactors' section in order to register for that activity. Some examples of these other activities are trading medieval goods, competing in the archery competition, skill at arms competition or performing live on the village stage.