Another old favourite this weekend at Cardiff Castle’s Grand Medieval Melee: a show Garrison have been attending for many years. As usual, we had a wonderful time demonstrating crafts, clothing, arms and armour, and even had authentic music provided by one of our members. Have-A-Go archery was also a great hit with the public. Thanks so much to everyone who came along and made it such a special show for us.
NB: Garrison are going to be super-busy over the next couple of weeks. Please drop in and see us at the Newport Ship Open Day on 20th August, or at Caerphilly Castle on 28th and 29th August. See our event page for more detail.
Garrison Have-A-Go archery for members of the public
Garrison encampment with craft and armour and weapons displays
Mark Vance’s medieval combat group in a display fight
Members of the public try on armour
Two group members demonstrating fingerloop braiding while another member plays music on a symphonie, an authentic instrument
Medieval craft displays: spinning and derssmaking
Authentic cooking underway
Various medieval encampments, including Garrison’s to the right
Dartmouth Castle, built in the 14th century, was quickly transformed by the threat of gunpowder-based weapons into a bastion to stop French attacks into the estuary.
Abstract from an essay written by Garrison member and Archaeology graduate Sam Steele during his undergraduate degree. To see the full essay, please see the files section of our Facebook group, or email cardiffcastlegarrison@outlook.com to request it.
The use of gunpowder begins to become key on the medieval battlefield in the 1300s. Guns were capable of bringing walls crashing down in a matter of moments, compared to days or weeks using battering of rams and digging tunnels. This had been the basis for sieges since ancient time, but a process which wasted time and the lives of many men and would never guarantee victory. Gunpowder was seen as the key to quick and absolute victory over all. The introduction of hand gunners and cannons caused an urgent need for change in the construction of castles and walled towns across Britain. As the Hundred Years’ War waged on between Britain and France, new technology developed, causing major rethinks in national defence. This essay examines the changes in the construction of forts, castles and cities in the mid to late 1300s, necessary because of advances in gunpowder-based weaponry, and which would continue for the next few hundred years. Also focussed on is the enlargement of artillery used in medieval warfare and the manner in which it forced older defences to be improved or rebuilt to repel this new type of engagement. Influences in construction are not only from Britain and France, but also much further afield, from Italy and the Baltic. This essay examines the defences of ports such as Southampton, Norwich and Dartmouth, key towns of medieval England. The rethink in defence designs caused new castles to be built whose design focussed the use of artillery for maximum defence, which allowed these structures to survive attack from French forces. These redesigns cost vast sums of silver, spent in order to prove that England was an advanced nation which could not be hindered by raids onto its shores.
Cardiff Castle Garrison were thrilled to be invited up to Anglesey this August Bank Holiday to be part of Beaumaris Castle’s Medieval Festival. We showcased a full living history camp, with weapons and armour, cooking and crafts, along with providing have-a-go archery for the public. We had an amazing time, and it was wonderful being able to meet so many other medieval re-enactment groups who were part of this event.
Gorgeous view driving up through Wales to Anglesey
Menai Bridge – almost there!
Setting up camp
Panoramic view of Garrison’s camp with have-a-go archery range set up on the right
Fish being prepared for lunch
Pottage simmering over the fire
Cookery tent
Garrison member cooking
Weapons and armour display
Member of the public tries on armour
Crafting display
Embroidery produced during the show; copy of fourteenth-century manuscript image “Pontifical de Guillaume Durand”
Original image (Pontifical of Guillaume Durand, Avignon, before 1390. Paris, Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, ms. 143, fol. 165r)
Group member shooting with an authentic bow
Members of the public try have-a-go archery
View of Garrison’s camp in the evening
Group member looking out over the inner ward of the castle; other re-enactment groups can be seen
Various other attending medieval re-enactment groups
View from castle walls
Gates of Beaumaris Castle
North Wales from castle walls
North Wales from castle walls
Garrison members on the seafront, looking towards North Wales
Cardiff Castle Garrison enjoyed a lovely show at Chepstow Castle. We had a great turnout of newer members who we introduced to how to take part in a re-enactment show, and many of our older members also joined us for a wonderful weekend.
Garrison set up a living history camp in the grounds of Chepstow Castle and gave fourteenth-century cooking, crafting, and weapons and armour displays, along with a more interactive archery display and a talk on medieval clothing.
We all had a wonderful time, and thanks so much to all members of the group who took part, as well as the public who came to see us.
Chepstow Castle View
Group members giving a clothing display
Armour and weapons display
Interactive shooting display
Interactive shooting display of a fully armoured group member
A Cardiff Castle Garrison living history encampment
Everyone is welcome at shows, as long as they are a paid-up member of the Garrison (necessary for insurance purposes), and have the minimum 14th Century kit (clothes) required. If you don’t have this yet, don’t worry. You can contact our Secretary to arrange membership, which can even be done just before or at the show if necessary. You can also contact our Living History Officer to find if it will be possible to borrow kit. To message either, please email cardiffcastlegarrison@outlook.com.
Show Features and Facilities Show features and facilities vary from show to show, from small tabletop displays in modern locations to full living history encampments in historic locations with authentic tents, cookery, textile craft, arms and armour displays, and archery and combat ranges. Please see the appropriate Garrison Facebook events page for details of what each show will contain.
Types of Show Garrison shows fall into two categories: single-day shows and multiple-day shows.
Single-day shows take place over one day with no overnight camping. They are usually set up on the morning of the show before it starts and taken down that evening after it finishes.
Multiple-day shows take place over several days, usually weekends, with camping options for members overnight. Set up takes place the night before the show’s first day, and take down on the evening of the show’s last day.
Camping Options Camping is usually either in authentic group tents or in members’ personal plastic (modern) tents. At most of our multiple-day shows we provide authentic group tents for members to sleep in. These are usually divided into girls’ and boys’ tents and members provide their own bedding. If you would like a place in one of these tents or would like to check if they will be at an event, click through to the event page on our Facebook group and comment, or email us at cardiffcastlegarrison@outlook.com.
Alternatively, if space is permitting, members are welcome to pitch their own tents at shows. However, please note that unless the venue has a separate ‘plastic’ camping area, all modern tents must be completely packed away while shows are open to the public, usually from around 9a.m. til 5p.m. Members are then welcome to re-pitch their plastic tent each evening.
Garrison authentic group tents where members often camp during shows
Set-up The Garrison owns many large pieces of kit necessary for shows including tents, fireboxes, tables, benches, etc. which must be transported from our storage facility to the show location and then be set up there prior to the show’s opening. At many shows, we rely on members to volunteer to transport this kit and at all shows we rely on members to set up the camp. Therefore, we ask all members attending an event to help with set-up arrangements (typically on the evening before the first day of a multiple-day event) if this is possible.
Members pitching an authentic group tent
Set-up logistics vary from show to show. Instructions will be included on the event page for the specific show on the Garrison’s Facebook group closer to the event date, so check on Facebook for this information.
Generally, some volunteer members pick up kit from storage with their vehicles and take it to the show’s location the night before a multiple-day show or on the morning of a single-day show, and other members meet them there to help set everything up.
Volunteers at set-up help to pitch our authentic tents, set out our fire and cooking equipment and set out our furniture including benches and tables. Additionally, on the morning of each event members set up our living history displays. Experienced member(s) will be on-site every day and can will instruct any new members on how to help. There will also be committee members on-hand to help you out as well.
Show Activities The Garrison generally provide a living history camp which contains several authentic tents and several living history displays such as textile crafts, weapons and armour or archery. Our members run these displays throughout the day, showcasing reproduction items and authentic skills to the public and answering their questions.
Please don’t worry if you don’t yet know enough to give a display as we’ll teach you everything you need to know during shows. New members are welcome to assist with any displays that interest them or, for their first show, just sit and listen to the experienced members and pick up information.
Weapons & armour
Some spinning
Cooking
Armour display
Food At almost all multiple-day events, the Garrison provide an authentic hot meal each day for participating members, which is cooked as part of our cooking display. Vegetarian and other special dietary options can be catered for if given sufficient notice – please email cardiffcastlegarrison@outlook.com and the committee will pass your requirements on to the cook(s).
At multiple-day events, we also provide authentic snacks during the day including bread, cheese and various fruits.
Plenty of water is always available during our shows.
Members are also welcome to bring their own food and/or drink during shows. However, if your food is inauthentic then please eat it out of sight, for example in one of the tents! Note also that alcohol may not be drunk whilst the show is open to the public or in the morning before the public arrive.
Combat A few of our shows include re-enactment battles and/or fighting displays given to members of the public. Details of these may be found on the Facebook event page for the specific show.
Garrison members taking part in a skirmish at a show
To take part in combat or battles, Garrison members need to have passed the basic combat test given by the Training & Displays Officer and have the minimum amount of kit required to take part. For more information, please see our Introduction to Combat and Basic Combat Test posts.
Archery Some of the Garrison’s events will have the option to do archery displays, have-a-go archery with the public or shooting in battles.
An archery display
To be able to do this you must have passed your basic archery test and for archery displays and battles have your own archery equipment which has been passed by the Training & Displays Officer. Some shows will have the opportunity to do archery training after hours, which will be put on at the discretion of the Training & Displays Officer.
Take-down At the end of a show, all Garrison camp equipment needs to be taken down and transported back into storage. As with set-up, there are only volunteer Garrison members available to do this, so we ask all members who attended the show to help with this after shows if it is possible.
Professional Attitude The Garrison is hired by event organisers to run a 14th Century re-enactment display at public shows. Members therefore need to act in a professional manner at all times, abide by Garrison rules and not commit any actions during these events which may bring the group into disrepute. Please have a quick read though the Garrison Code of Conduct before you attend your first event. It is available in the members-only section of this website or by emailing cardiffcastlegarrison@outlook.com.
Shows can seem daunting at first; but please don’t worry, our committee members will be on hand to help you as much as we can. If you have any problems, experienced members will be available and you can speak to them, or any committee members, about any issues you may have. Garrison loves new members and we’d be really happy to see you at shows!
Several of our members at a combat training session at Cosmeston Medieval Village
Garrison members taking part in a full-scale battle at a show
Two group members in full plate armour display fight at a show.
Anyone who wishes to take part in combat displays or battle re-enactments with the Cardiff Castle Garrison will need to pass the basic combat test before being allowed onto the field. Below is a copy of the official basic combat test document. The test is intended to ensure that anyone who wishes to fight is able to do so safely, but also in a convincing manner, making their displays look real while minimising the risk of injury both to themselves and to others. Anyone wishing to take the test please contact the combat captain, either at Garrison social or training sessions or by emailing cardiffcastlegarrison@outlook.com.
Though the test can seem daunting at first, it is not as difficult as it sounds, and the combat captain will teach you all the skills necessary to pass the test within Garrison’s Thursday combat training sessions, and will ensure that you have the potential to pass before testing you.
If you have any questions about the test then feel free to contact the combat captain.
The Basic Combat Test
Initial Notes
The Cardiff Castle Garrison (CCG) requires any members or guest members wishing to take part in combat displays or battle re-enactments to pass the Basic Combat Test.
This test aims to ensure combatants are physically and mentally competent and can produce convincing displays. This involves fighting safely whilst acting with ‘deadly character’ (i.e. they must look as if they are intended to kill / injure), both when giving and receiving shots. Thus, blows will look ‘real’ but the risk of injury to the combatant, their opponent(s) and any observers will be at a minimum.
The test will be administered by the CCG Combat Captain (CC) or an appointed representative. The CC may request the assistance and / or advice of other experienced fighters at his / her discretion.
The decision to pass or fail a candidate is made solely by the CC, though s/he may request the advice of experienced fighters at his/her discretion.
If the candidate passes the Basic Combat Test with their weapon of choice, they will be permitted to take part in any subsequent combat displays. This test is not an unlimited pass for combat with any weapon. If the candidate wishes to fight with a different weapon, or with a combination of weapons and / or shield, the CC may require the candidate to pass the Basic Combat Test with this/these weapon(s). Additionally, if at any later date the candidate’s competence at fighting falls below the standards required for this test the candidate may be barred from fighting in any combat displays or battle re-enactments at the CC’s discretion. The candidate would then have to re-take this test before being permitted to fight in combat displays or battle re-enactments.
If the candidate fails the Basic Combat Test with their weapon of choice, they may re-take the test after a 1 week waiting period. They may not retake the test on the same or next day. Failure of the test with one weapon does not affect any previous passes with different weapons.
The CC will score the candidates out of 10 for each of the sections outlined below. 6 represents a standard pass, 10 excellent, and anything below 5 constitutes a fail of varying degrees down to a score of 1.
A pass or fail will not be announced by the CC until the end of the test. This is to allow a full and fair assessment of all of the candidate’s skills.
In the case of a dangerous situation, the test may be halted immediately by the CC. The CC’s decision on this is final. At one point during the test the CC will shout ‘hold!’ All combatants involved shout stop fighting immediately and disengage from their opponent by withdrawing a pace (if safe to do so). Failure of the candidate to do so in a length of time deemed reasonable by the CC will result in the failure of the test.
At any point and for any reason, the candidate is permitted to request an end to the test.
The Basic Combat Test
The basic test is comprised of a number of sections:
1.1 Kit
The candidate must own or be able to borrow the following:
1. Male soft kit
Shirt, braies and hose at minimum
These must fit well enough to not impede movement
14th Century style leather boots or shoes which must fit well enough to not impede movement and the candidate must be able to move securely in them over all surfaces, including grass
2. Hand protection, options include:
Reinforced thick leather gloves, solid enough to protect against blows (≥3mm leather, thinner at the CC’s discretion)
14th Century style steel gauntlets (at least 16 gauge, mild steel)
3. Head protection:
14th Century style steel helmet (at least 16 gauge, mild steel)
Should fit well and not slip or obscure the candidate’s vision
4. Torso portection:
14th Century style gambeson, thick enough to protect against blows (1cm thick, or thicker if worn without additional armour)
5. Weapons:
Must be 14th Century style
Blunt and round-tipped
Free from nicks, cracks, burrs and/or other damage
No blunt-force weapons (e.g. maces, flails, hammers, etc.), except at the CC’s discretion
6. Shield (if desired)
Must be 14th Century style
Free from nicks, cracks, burrs and / or other damage
All kit must be authentic, provide adequate protection against blows and must not impede the candidate’s movement unduly. For further information on authenticity, consult the authenticy officer and the CC.
All kit will be inspected by the CC before the test starts. Inadequate kit may result in failure of the test. If it is a minor issue, e.g. burrs on a weapon, the test may instead be postponed at the CC’s discretion.
1.2 Footwork
The candidate must be able to adopt a fighting stance automatically, without prompting, and use this stance whilst moving (forwards, backwards, circling – all with either foot forwards).
This aspect will not be tested separately but will be monitored throughout the test. An inability to consistently maintain good footwork without tripping or falling will result in failure of the test.
1.3 Standing 8s
The candidate must be able to demonstrate the basic attacks used by the CCG. These are aimed at the designated hit zones:
The head (never directly struck, always pulled)
The right upper arm (aiming for the meat of the bicep, avoiding the elbow and shoulder joint)
The left upper arm (aiming for the meat of the bicep, avoiding the elbow and shoulder joint)
The right side of the stomach / torso
The left side of the stomach / torso
The right thigh
The left thigh
Thrusts aimed at either the right left side of the torso or thighs
All blows must be delivered to one of these zones with ‘deadly character’, i.e. they must look as if they are intended to kill / injure. All blows must be strong enough for the opponent to feel but controlled enough to avoid injuring the opponent.
First the candidate will demonstrate the 8 attacks on a shield. Next, the candidate will demonstrate them on an unarmed opponent who will not block. Hitting other zones than those designated, hitting without control, hitting too hard or hitting without ‘deadly character’ will result in failure of the test.
1.4 Moving 8s
The candidate must next demonstrate the 8 attacks whilst moving. A good stance and footwork must be maintained, as must safety and ‘deadly character’.
1.5 Blocks
The candidate must demonstrate the defences for the 8 attacks using their weapon (and / or shield, if appropriate). They must also defend against additional attacks used by other groups, e.g. right and left calf / shin
First, the candidate will block the 8 attacks from an opponent wielding a sword. Next, the candidate will block attacks from other weapons, e.g. spear, single-handed axe, two-handed axe, etc. Failure to block an attack safely or act with ‘deadly character’ will result in failure of the test.
Non-mandatory section, with permission and supervision of the Archery Captain:
If the candidate wishes and is armed with a shield or full plate armour, the candidate may receive missile attacks. This scenario may happen during a re-enactment battle. The candidate should be able to block the shots but should react appropriately if hit in a legitimate zone. Failure to do so will result in a failure of the test.
1.6 Free-form fighting against one opponent
Next, the candidate will fight the CC or another nominated experienced fighter for 2 minutes, or longer at the CC’s discretion.
For the first 90 seconds, both fighters must acknowledge legitimate hits by saying ‘hit’, stepping back from thier opponent, and ‘re-setting’ before continuing to fight (e.g. you cann just say ‘hit’ and carry on attacking your opponent). The CC will indicate when 30 seconds remain. From then on, both fighters will ‘take hits’: a legitimate hit must be responded to, with the one hit acting injured and the other moving in to ‘kill’ with ‘deadly character’. Mutual hits will be recognised but will not result in a ‘kill’ and the fighters should continue after ‘re-setting’.
This part of the test will be conducted in a designated area mimicking the ropes between the display/battle and the audience, testing the candidate’s awareness. The opponent will try to force the candidate and/or their weapon(s) out of this area. The candidate must use circling, etc. to prevent themselves, their opponent or either party’s weapon(s) from going outside of the area.
At some point, the opponent will, without warning, use incorrect hits (e.g. hitting too hard or hitting a non-designated zone). The candidate must react safely and appropriately to this: they must not respond with incorrect hits or act out of character but may acknowledge the hit as wrong (e.g. by saying ‘elbow’ when a hit was intended for the upper arm but hit too low), back off or (if safe) allow the opponent to deliver a ‘killing blow’ and act ‘dead’.
In ‘dying’/‘death’, the candidate must consider the surrounding battlefield and act to protect themselves and others, e.g. by keeping weapon(s) in hand, protecting themselves with their shield (if appropriate), etc.
Failure to act safely and with ‘deadly character’ throughout the ≥2 minutes, responding appropriately to hits and unsafe actions by the opponent, will result in failure of the test.
The candidate must demonstrate that they know the rules resulting in ‘death’ may change depending on the display / battle script, e.g. a select band of warriors may be ‘invincible’ until their leader dies in a scripted fight and thus these opponents will not respond to legitimate hits with ‘death’.
1.7 Free-form fighting against another candidate
The candidate will fight another candidate for 2 minutes in continuous combat. If there is only one candidate taking the test the CC will select a suitable experienced member as an opponent. If this occurs, the experienced fighter will not fight to the maximum extent of their abilities, but to a suitable level to test the candidate.
As above, this part of the test will be conducted in a designated area with hits in the first 90 seconds acknowledged by saying ‘hit’ etc. and hits in the last 30 seconds acknowledged with ‘death’.
As above, failure to act safely and with ‘deadly character’ will result in failure of the test.
1.8 Free-form fighting against multiple opponents
The candidate will fight the CC and / or other nominated experienced fighters for 2 minutes, or more at the CC’s discretion, to test their abilities to respond to multiple opponents. As above, this part of the test will be conducted in a designated area and excessive backing off / retreating as opposed to circling will be deemed to be failing the test due to the restrictions of space on a battlefield.
The first 90 seconds will consist of continuous combat against both / all opponents with fighters acknowledging hits by saying ‘hit’ etc. In the final 30 seconds fighters will acknowledge hits with ‘death’.
As when fighting a single experienced opponent, the opponent(s) will, without warning, use incorrect hits and will try to force the candidate and / or their weapon(s) out of the designated area.
As above, failure to act safely and with ‘deadly character’ will result in failure of the test.
Garrison members taking part in a battle at a multi-group show
In Cardiff Castle Garrison, you will have the opportunity to take part in medieval re-enactment fighting. You will be able to learn basic and more advanced combat skills in training sessions with us, and also take part in battles with various medieval re-enactment groups from across the country at some of our shows. The following is a brief overview of combat in the Garrison and more detailed information will follow in due course.
Combat with the Garrison is free-form contact fighting, fought with a variety of blunted steel weapons including swords, spears, knives and axes.
Battles and Shows
Cardiff Castle Garrison take part in combat displays for the public at several of our regular shows. These displays take various forms, from choreographed fights between two members to full scale battles with hundreds of participants from numerous medieval re-enactment societies.
Combat training
Cardiff Castle Garrison runs combat training every Thursday at Plasnewydd Community Hall, 2 Shakespeare Street, Cardiff, CF24 3ES, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Anyone is welcome to come to these training sessions, even if you have had no previous martial arts experience, and if you are a new member your first session is free, otherwise training costs are £2.50 per session.
At these training sessions, you will be taught everything that you need to know to take part in combat at Garrison shows and battles. To take part, you will need clothes you can be active and move around comfortably in, and shoes that have grip and non-marking soles. Trainers are recommended.
Please note that you do not need authentic medieval kit for these weekly combat sessions.
Who can train?
Everyone over 16 is welcome at our combat training sessions, though if you are under 18 you need written permission from a parent or guardian to take part.
Note that women are more than welcome to join combat training sessions, and we have several female combatants, but if you are taking part in combat at re-enactment shows you will have to dress in authentic medieval male kit for the duration of the fighting.
Weapons
Garrison uses several fourteenth-century weapons in combat. Here is an outline of the most common. New members do not need to bring any weapons to training sessions, as there are wooden swords available for learning basic strikes and blocks during the first sessions and an opportunity to borrow metal weapons from other group members later on.
Members are also welcome to buy their own metal weapons, if you are interested in doing this, please speak to the combat captain for advice because there are specific requirements for any weapons purchased, as to be used safely they need to be of a certain quality.
Swords
Swords are the standard weapon we train with. There are several types commonly used in the Garrison, from smaller single-hand swords to larger hand-and-a-half swords and heavier falchions.
Daggers
These are another basic weapon that Garrison members use in combat, and are essentially a long knife. These work in a very similar way to swords except they are much shorter, tending to be circa 12 inches long and necessitate a different fighting style due to their shorter range.
Axes
Axes are single-hand weapons that can be used in a few additional ways to swords and daggers. Apart from basic hits and strikes, they may also be used to hook an opponent’s weapons and immobalise them, or hook open their shield, leaving them vulnerable.
Spears
Spears are a type of pole weapon and can either be long or short, with short (single handed) ones being circa 5ft and used either over or under arm in one hand. Long spears (double handed) are between 7 and 9ft long and can be used either individually or as part of a group or formation.
Basic Armour
There are some pieces of armour that are required as a minimum to take part in re-enactment battles or displays. These are outlined below. Please note that you can still come to and take part in training sessions without owning any of these, as the Garrison can lend you a helmet and gloves for practise.
Gambeson
A Gamberson (also known as an Aketon) is a long-sleeved padded jacket that normally goes to mid-thigh that gives protection from hits. It is the base-layer for any additional armour such as chain or plate, and the minimum level of protection required for combat at shows.
Helmet
These can come in various styles with the most common including kettle helms (which look like a WWI British infantry helmet) and the ‘secret helm’ formally known as a Cervelliere, which is a rounded skull cap type. You will be able to borrow one of these from the Garrison to practise with at training sessions.
Re-enforced gloves
These again can be borrowed from the group for training sessions but you will need your own authentic leather or armoured pair for combat displays/battles.
There are other weapons and armour types used in the Garrison and more detailed information on these will follow.
The basic strikes – ‘The eights’
There are 8 basic strikes with each of the weapons: A head shot (which never hits the target), to the right and left upper arms, to the right and left of the torso, the outside of the right and left thighs and an indirect thrust to the torso. These shots aim to make contact with the ‘hit zones’ shown in the image below:
The combat hit zones
All shots that are to hit the opponent must be made to look like a killing shot (i.e. fast and looking deadly) but must be pulled so as to not hit the opponent hard. We will train you how to do this effectively and safely.
As there are 8 basic strikes there are also 8 basic blocks to counter these. These will be taught alongside the basic strikes.
Basic combat test
If you wish to take part in combat displays or re-enactment battles with the Garrison you will need to pass the basic test with the weapon you intend to use when fighting. You can ask the combat captain to take a basic combat test when you feel you are ready.
Llantrisant Castle weekend show of the 3rd and 4th of May went really well. Cardiff Castle Garrison, along with West Wales re-enactment group, the Templars, set up camp in the grounds of the ruined Llantrisant Castle for the weekend.
This was a brand-new location for us, and we were very pleased that everything went very well. We gave demonstrations of blacksmithing, crafts, cookery, and archery practice, with have-a-go archery available for the public to try. The Templars also gave combat displays, and everything was very well-received by the public.
We are also extremely happy to say that we have been invited back to Llantrisant for the same show next year. Please enjoy the gallery of pictures below, and we hope to see everyone at our next event, the Newport Ship Open Day, on the 24th May.
A display of items made by Gor, our blacksmith, along with various weapons common in the fourteenth century.
A blacksmithing display
Cooking displays were run by Sarah and Smudge over the weekend, with rabbit stew and spitroasted pork among the recipes produced.
Members of the public around the cook’s area
We offered have-a-go archery practice to the public throughout the weekend, which proved very popular.
Several of our members offered craft displays over the weekend. Here, Jayne and Alice are spinning with distaffs, a craft most women of the period would have spent a large proportion of their time on.
Jayne is displaying dressmaking, and working on a hand-sewn apron.
A Garrison lady in a wimple and veil with a decorative frill added to the veil; this is a higher class method of veiling as the frill would have needed more care than simpler veils.
The Raven Tower is almost all that remains of a once-proud castle.
Two veiled ladies with sunhats over the top of their veils.
Cardiff Castle Garrison 
