Conquest is a non profit making society dedicated to recreating the Norman, Anglo-Norman and Plantagenet (Angevin Line) period of English history 1066 - 1307AD.  The society was initially conceived in 1990 and founded in early 1993 by a group of seasoned re-enactors who had similar ideas, goals and objectives.  Since our first event in early May1993 we have successfully delivered over eighty five events as the sole attraction and have worked with many other societies from periods close to our own  to successfully deliver major events like the Battle of Hastings re-enactment in October 2000 and many other large scale multi-society/multi-period events.  

The following is a list of some of our clients from the past twelve years, this is by no means a complete list!  English Heritage, The Royal Armouries - HM Tower of London,  CADW, The BBC, Monmouthshire County Council, Discovery Channel, Time Team, Event Plan, Gloustershire County Council, The Royal Armouries - Fort Nelson -Museum of Artillery, Headingham Castle, Cardiff City Council, The States of Jersey, The Royal Armouries - Leeds, Huntingdon County Council, as well as numerous private clients and several major film/TV production companies.

In 1995, our second year of business, the society were runners up in Military Illustrated magazine's best re-enactment society competition.  In 2000 we co-hosted the largest ever Hastings re-enactment with the Vikings and participated in the Kirby Hall 2000 Armies Though The Ages spectacular, the largest ever multi-society event staged in the UK.  In late 2003 we supplied the Saxon's and Norman soldiers for the filming of the episode of Dead Famous which covered the Battle of Hastings and in mid 2004 we were the principle display at the Jersey Revels, a celebration of the 800th anniversary of Jersey receiving their Royal Charter from the crown.

Due to our experiences prior to founding the society we do not attempt to cover the entirety of the period 1066 - 1307.  As such we have selected specific time lines so that we can better concentrate our research efforts and ensure the accuracy of what we portray.  The principal time lines that we follow for the majority of our events are time line two and three.  This broadly encompasses Stephen, Matilda and the period known as the Anarchy, which was actually England's first civil war.  The cradle of chivalry centred around 1150/1170 and the period around the Magna Carta and 1215.

Our aim is to bring the medieval period that we cover to life and generate a greater interest in it and our nations rich heritage. 

Examples of activities that can be found within our camp are as follows:  A fully equipped kitchen where meals are prepared for the soldiers and civilians of the garrison.  Drill, training and archery practise for the soldiers and archers of the garrison.  Repair and maintenance of weapons and armour.  A medieval surgeon and his surgery as well as a doctor (not recommended for the squeamish!), sewing and tapestry and wood working, site and facilities depending. 

We also provide talks on many aspects of the medieval world the following subjects are but a few examples of what we can cover:  The evolution of arms and armour 1066-1315.   The rise of the knight as the military and social elite.  Warfare under the Anglo-Norman/Angevin Kings.  Clothing and costume and how it developed over 250 years.  Food, diet, farming and subsistence in the medieval period.  Siege warfare and the rise of the castle as a centre for administration as well as a refuge in times of conflict.  Medicine and surgery and herb craft in the medieval period.  A lot of these talks can be tailored to the requirements of key stage two and three.   In one week we delivered nearly two hundred half hour workshops to nearly 1200 school children from ages six to fourteen on these and other subjects chosen by their teachers.  There are many other areas that we can provide talks on, or just answer general questions to the public as well as let them see, touch, smell, feel and generally experience different aspects of medieval life. 

The contact section contains details on how to join Conquest, enquire about booking us for events or just ask questions about the society. 

Please do not contact us for genealogical research purposes as we simply do not have the time or resources to do this, your efforts would be better directed towards the Royal Genealogical Society, or some similar organisation.

'And when battle is joined, let all men of good lineage think of nought but the breaking of heads and arms; for it is better to die than to be vanquished and live.......'

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