Are the weapons real?
All the weapons are safe replicas of the real things, but built specifically for our needs.  We have some real weapons that are sharp, but these are only used for demonstrations and talks.     

Ever get hurt?
I have been hurt a couple of times, but then crossing the road can be lethal! Our safety record as a society speaks for itself with 65 members fighting at 7-8 major events a year and fighting for up to an hour per event  -  in ten years we have only had three serious injuries.  Compared to many other societies we have a very, very good record and compared to most sports we have a phenomenally good record.

Can women fight? 
YES!  Gender is no bar to having fun in Conquest!  In fact being seen not having fun can seriously get you into trouble!   Most women in the society take to roles of part of the castles household and help out with cooking, food prep etc.  Some demonstrate sewing and the making of authentic clothing and others just help out with what needs doing around the camp.   Some of the women take part in the siege displays taking the role of archers in the besieged garrison, as we have evidence to support this role for them.  The ones that take part in the actual foot combat / mounted combat dress and assume the roles of males as there is no credible evidence for women actually having fought in our period.  We don't demand that excessive lengths must be gone to, just that from 10 feet that she should reasonably look like a regular soldier.  If you look closely at some of the photos you may be able to guess who the women are, but then you may not.

What is a good source of information about your period?
Look at the book section and should find a book that will have the information that you want.  

What does the society do besides events?
Besides events there is always something going on in the society.  Where members live close to one and other social evenings are arranged, sometimes for making kit, more often though just for fun.   We have on one occasion taken some 30 of us paint balling for a day an trashed a local TA team, gone go karting and even went on mass to watch a major high medieval battle!  

What does it cost?
That is very difficult to answer because there is no standard price for any of the clothing or equipment.  If you want everything kit wise, full armour, weapons, tent, authentic bed, mattress, chests etc then you'll be parting with a lot of money.  Just to start though you mainly need time and enthusiasm as the society has a limited supply of spare kit that can be used for new members for their first few events.  A full set of kit though to get you started will cost about £350, but this varies greatly depending on who you order shoes from, how nice a helmet you fancy and what you chose for your first weapon.  You may also be able to pick up some second hand kit, which is usually very reasonably priced.  All members have the first year to buy this kit in, but once bought the kit will last a very long time!

How old must I be to fight?
You must be 18 or older to take part in combat at a Conquest event.  All of the societies that we do joint events with have the same age restriction as well.  Its also a requirement of our public insurance policy and as such can't be negotiated.

I am under 18 and want to come to an event.
All people under 18 have to be accompanied by a parent, or legal guardian at an event.  You may be able to attend an event if you are accompanied by a responsible adult, but we far prefer that it be a legal guardian or parent with you.  

What will I need for my first event? 
Cash, sleeping bag, camp bed/air mat, enthusiasm, warm clothing, more enthusiasm, a torch, loo roll  and all the other stuff that you'd usually take away with you for a weekend camping break.  If we don't have a spare tent you'll need to bring one as well. 

What safety gear will I need? 
The mandatory equipment for combat and training is a helmet and solid leather gloves.  The helmet must meet society standards on authenticity and quality of manufacture.  The society has a stock of loan helmets for events and most times has some in stock for sale to its members.  Besides that we recommend stout leather gloves/gauntlets for combat and generally working around the site.  Other safety gear may be worn for combat as long as its under your kit and can't be seen.  The rest is up to you, but we would also highly recommend the purchase of a gambeson if you plan to fight regularly.

Update:  Over the past season several members of the society have been trying out modern football shin guards.  These are now so slim now that they will fit under clothing and not be noticeable as well as offering protection to the ankles as well as the shins.  The results have been so good that we are recommending them to all members who do not wear period leg armour!