As a small independent group Weorod is always seeking new members to come and "join us!"
With regular training sessions on the edge of Portsmouth and specialist events across Southern Hampshire and the surrounding areas you will have the opportunity to learn many of the skills and crafts of the period from living history to combat re-enactment. As we are a research-based group you will have the chance to find out more about the history and archaeology of our chosen time period as well as trying some of the practical skills that featured in the daily lives of the Early Anglo-Saxons.
This is at the heart of everything that Weorod does. Without it, we know nothing about how the Early Anglo-Saxons lived their lives. What clothes did they wear? How did they produce the cloth to make them? What did they eat? Where did they live, and how did they build their homes?
All of these questions, and so many more, are fundamental to our understanding of the period and the people who inhabited it. Whilst archaeology provides evidence of the jewellery, weaponry and personal accessories they wore, how were they made? What influenced their form and design? Are there Continental parallels? How do we date artefacts? Most importantly, what can the artefacts tell us about the people they were buried with?
Some of our members use our training sessions primarily for the purpose of this research, through group study discussion - and often lively debate! There is usually a pile of books and magazines present at our meetings - and this can be really inclusive as a new member can just 'pull up a chair' and join in.
We seek to share this understanding and knowledge with all of our members to enhance their appreciation of what the life of an Early Anglo-Saxon' really may have been like.
The main purpose of Weorod is to enlighten and educate the public about our chosen period of history and it is the Historical Interpretation that provides us with the opportunity to do exactly that.
All members of Weorod are expected to develop a craft or specialism 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 for many of the crafts and skills that would have been practiced at the time.
From metalworking to fibre-crafts, from woodwork to cookery, the list is endless. At the foot of this page you will find a link that will give you some examples to think about - but remember, that list can never be exhaustive!
All members of Weorod's warband are expected to have undertaken full combat training prior to being allowed to participate in weapons demonstrations at shows. We will provide individuals with the necessary training to become proficient and, probably more importantly, safe with the spear and shield. These would have made up the basic weapon set of the period.
Once you have shown that you have mastered these weapons you will have the opportunity to move on to others including the axe and sword. In addition the use of the bow and other missile weapons such as the javelin and francisca (throwing axe) will be encouraged.
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!
Weorod represents a cross section of society from within our chosen time period; then as now there would have been a varied community; male and female; people from all walks of life. So whether you are a potential warrior or a weaver, please get in touch. No experience is necessary - just plenty of enthusiasm!
Minimum age for membership of Weorod is 18. Due to the manner in which we have chosen to present our displays, through continuous, active demonstration, we are not willing to accept membership applications from those under the age of 18, neither do we offer family membership.
The second requirement is the ability to transport yourself and your kit to and from Group Training Sessions and Events. We have no 'Group Transport' and most‎ of our shows are not easily accessible by bus or train. Therefore, all members are expected to be responsible for transporting themselves, and as such, your own vehicle is really a necessity.
The third and most important requirement for membership 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. We truly welcome enquiries from anyone with a sincere wish to contribute to our community.
Please e-mail us via the 'Contact Us' page.