Feudal Archers are currently looking for new members. If you think that you would like to join please use the link below for further information.

enquiries@feudalarchers.org.uk

WHAT PERIOD DO WE REPRESENT?

Feudal Archers recreate the period of feudalism in England during the 12th century, specifically the years 1135 to 1216 - the reigns of Stephen, Henry II, Richard and John. This is an important and eventful period of history including a major and protracted civil war, the defeat of a huge Scots army at the Battle of the Standard in 1138, three crusades, the murder of Becket, King Richard held for ransom and Magna Carta.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are looking for new members who are interested in the early medieval period, would enjoy dressing in period costume and who would like to do archery. We try to show all aspects of 12th Century life and would welcome experienced and inexperienced people to come and join us. We live in period tents and cook our food over open fires. There are roles for children and adults alike. If you have a craft or skill suitable then we would encourage you to show this to the public using authentic methods and tools.

We do have an emphasis on archery and would prefer all members to be able to shoot the bow, but we are more than just an archery group with knights, monks, nuns, ladies, peasants, bowyers, cooks and many other aspects being covered.

We have several family groups within the membership and are keen to increase this number.

Although our standards are very high for authenticity, we help new members to achieve this level through loans of equipment and information from years of painstaking research.

* Modern tents and camping equipment may be used when the site is closed to the public.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you are considering joining Feudal Archers you may have concerns about various aspects of what we do. The following may help to address these issues - if not, please contact us (see main leaflet for our contact details).

Q. What kind of group is Feudal Archers?

We are very much a family-oriented group, meaning that we have members of all ages from the very young to the much more mature. When attending events we tend not to frequent local pubs in the evenings - weather permitting we usually enjoy a non-authentic meal, drinks, conversation and each other's company around the campfire instead. Members are expected to conduct themselves in a reasonable and appropriate manner (this means avoiding too much alcohol and the use of bad language, for example).

Q. Do you give displays of combat as well as archery?

Our emphasis on living history means that we do not include jousting in our displays, but our knights and squires often give demonstrations of combat on foot.

Q. I am an archer but I have a modern compound bow - what kind of bow do I need?

Archers in the 12th century used a simple "self" bow, meaning it was all made from one piece of wood (not the laminated Victorian style!). Yew, Ash and Elm are all appropriate woods used at the time, but other native woods may also be suitable. Most of our members use longbows, which were introduced during our period, but shorter flatbows or D-section bows are also acceptable. Along with the bow, you will also need medieval-style arrows and accessories such as arrow-bag and bracer.

Q. Where are Feudal Archers based and where do you hold your events?

Our members live all over the country, from Bath to Canterbury and from Brighton to Hull, so we have no central base. Members are expected to travel to events, which are usually held at historical venues such as castles, manor houses or other appropriate sites. At many venues we pay a mileage allowance to assist with fuel costs. There are also opportunities to appear at events in Germany, Holland or France and we have very close links with I. G. Wolf, a German group who recreate the same period in history.

Q. What costume do I need and where do I find out what it should look like?

In general terms, linen underwear and a woollen tunic or dress is required for the lower classes. We have plenty of information available on suitable costume, detailing the appropriate materials, patterns and designs for everything from shoes to hats.

Q. I wear glasses/ have tattoos/piercings/purple hair. Can I join Feudal Archers?

Our aim is always to recreate things as they were in the twelfth century, including (as far as possible) hairstyles and physical appearance. While body art is perfectly normal in the 21st century, it is simply not authentic for our period - if your tattoos etc are covered by your clothing then there is no problem, but if they are obvious then Feudal Archers is not the group for you.

Contact lenses, but not spectacles, may be worn during events.

Q. I don't know much about this period - is this a problem?

Initially, no. But as a living history group we are all expected to be able to talk to visitors about what we are doing, as well as having a fairly wide general knowledge about life in the 12th century. We have extensive research material and a very wide selection of books available to help new members feel confident in what they are saying.