As a small independent group Weorod is always seeking new members to come and "join the adventure"
With regular training sessions in Southern Hampshire you will have the opportunity to learn many of the skills and crafts of the period from combat re-enactment to living history.
All members of Weorod's warband are expected to have undertaken full combat training prior to being allowed to participate in re-enactment displays at shows. We will provide individuals with the necessary training to become competent and, probably more importantly, safe with the spear and shield. These, along with the seax, would have made up the basic weapon set of the period; from a warrior of the early Saxon incursions in the 5th century right through to the men of fyrd that stood a-top Senlac Ridge at the Battle of Hastings 600 years later.
Once you have shown that you have mastered these weapons you will have the opportunity to move on to others including the axe, sword and the legendary Dane-Axe. In addition the use of the bow and other missile weapons such as the javelin and francisca, or throwing axe, will be encouraged.
We will ensure that you are in a safe training environment at all times and initially we can provide you with suitable basic weapons with which to practice prior to investing in your own; we realize that you will wish to come along to a few training sessions prior to making the decision to commit your time and invest your 'hard-earned cash'.
Combat displays can be one of the most inspiring parts of a show and it is often this that brings the audience to our encampment where we can show them so much more!
There are many other opportunities available to those of us who are of a more peaceable nature. The main purpose of Weorod is to enlighten and educate the public about our chosen period of history and whilst our combat displays may draw the crowds it is the Living History encampment that provides us with this opportunity.
All members of Weorod are expected to develop a craft from the early medieval period that they can share with members of the public. Visitors to our shows are always attracted by discovering more about the many crafts that would have been more necessity than hobby for our ancestors. You may already have a skill to contribute, if not we can offer guidance and research material into many of the crafts and skills that would have been practiced at the time. These may include:
Would you like to construct yourself a pole lathe and learn to turn bowls and plates for the delight of the public or perhaps carve some of the stylised designs to be found in archaeological record? From making period furniture to producing purely decorative pieces, the choice is yours.
From spinning and dyeing to weaving and naalbinding there are many needle crafts to choose from. Even the previously unskilled can develop a working knowledge of these in a short time and can generate much interest with a little practice. For those with a more artistic eye there are stunning examples of tapestry and embroidery surviving from our period that can be reproduced. We have references and resources available to help you on your way.
From making shoes and hats to producing period designs on sword scabbards, belt pouches and knife sheaths you will be amazed at the simplicity of the techniques. With a little practice you will soon be producing kit for both yourself and other group members.
Leechcraft formed an important part of our ancestors lives with no high street pharmacist to turn to when that nagging headache just wouldn't shift, that chesty cough kept the whole family awake all night or it felt like your leg was about to drop off. Whilst we don't encourage our members to rely upon or even try old herbal remedies we have found that this can be a fascinating avenue of research for both the individual as well as the public at shows.
We have reference works and resources available for many Saxon and Viking foodstuffs. A food and cookery display is always of interest to everyone; from the very young - to the very hungry!
Again we can assist with the research if you would like to be the dark age equivalent of Gordon Ramsey (swearing only acceptable in Anglo-Saxon) or the group's cook if you are interested in being the most popular person around at dinner time ;o)
These are just a few of the crafts and skills that you could contribute to the Weorod experience, there are many more - it is up to you. What inspires you?
Weorod represents a cross section of society from within our specified time period. From the humble freeman to the landed nobility; then as now there would have been a varied community ranging from the very young to the elderly, male and female; people from all walks of life. So whether you are a warrior or a weaver, members of a family, a new recruit or an old campaigner; all are welcome.
The most important requirement is the desire to contribute. As with many things in life you will only get out what you are prepared to put in and with Weorod there are no 'free rides'. If you are prepared to commit the time and resources, willing to develop and grow then maybe we are the right group for you.
Please e-mail us via the 'Contact Us' page.
