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RAFNHEIM
June 20, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Medieval times, Re-enactment /by abbey-testing
Meet The Reenactors 2016
The Rafnheim group was formed in 2010 after their founder Shane Ravenn left his previous Viking group in search of a new direction. Leaving the well populated Viking Age, he delved further back in time to the era before Viking expansion, but after the fall of the Roman Empire. This time was filled with many Germanic and Gothic tribes all vying for power, wealth, and glory.
Rafnheim means Raven Home, and Shane as Hraithmar Rafn (Hraithmar the Raven) has attracted other Living History enthusiasts to join an extended family of others who love the Migration Age of Europe. Members have personas spreading the length and breadth of the area recently vacated by Rome, from Gotland in the north and the Byzantines to the south, the Steppes nomad in the east and the trade hub of Jorvik to the west.
The time that the group portrays starts in the Year of Wolves in the winter of 406CE to 750CE. This is when the rivers froze and allowed for mass movement of people into the warmer and more fertile lands south of the frozen northlands, and ends before the pressures of the rising nationalities creating the Viking expansion.
The various tribes of the Germanic Iron Age had access to knowledge and skills left over from the Romans but forgotten by the time of the Vikings. The finds are rare, but filled with treasures and art beyond the ability of others to replicate for many centuries. Working towards this level of authenticity is difficult, but highly rewarding.
The Rafnheim group will be attending the Abbey Medieval Festival this year so pop in and meet them, and educate yourself on this fascinating time period.
Buy your tickets now to the Festival today!
Read more on the final round of Reenactors soon!
Balsa Wood In Jousting
June 20, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Jousting /by abbey-testing
Whats the one GREAT thing a Jousting Tournament MUST HAVE?
Well, apart from horses, costumes, Knights, armour, and joust a plaisance (old jousting term for 'friendly tournament')… one of the greatest things a tournament must have is a lance!
After all, what's more spectacular than seeing a wooden pole obliterated into a hundred pieces at high speed?
Pieces of balsa wood flying off in all directions in a cloud of timber splinters not only looks really cool, but lets the onlookers in the berfrois (old jousting term for 'stands for the posh') know who has made the strike – unless someone gets unhorsed.
And the great thing about using balsa wood for lance tips? It's soft, explodes on impact and even breaks down to melt away into the soil in just a matter of days.
Historically, ash and oak were the jousting timbers of choice for Knights, but a hollowed out soft wood like pine was also used in tournaments to lessen the blow. And although European knights are usually credited with the use of lances, their use was widespread throughout Asia, the Middle East and North Africa whenever suitable mounts were available for use.
Balsa wood is a recently popularised wood compared to older European timbers, coming to prominence in World War II when it was used as part of the construction of aeroplanes like the de Havilland Mosquito (pictured right).
In 1947, Norwegian explorer and writer Thor Heyerdahl set off on a raft made of this particular wood to cross the Pacific Ocean from South America to the Polynesian Islands. The raft was named after the Inca Sun God, Viracocha, for whom "Kon-Tiki" was said to be an old name (pictured left).
Today, balsa wood products are available online from Balsacentral.com in Adelaide. In fact they even sell Jousting sticks to Europe! The balsa trees are grown in tropical plantations using old cocoa bean and coffee lands where crops have failed. As a completely sustainable crop, balsa is widely used by the education, theatre, craft, art and modelling communities in all its various shapes and forms. But the best thing about balsa wood is… it makes the best lance tips for jousting tournaments!
See all of Balsa Centrals amazing products here.
To see the Balsa wood tips in action, buy your tickets to the Festival and Joust Tournament now!
PRIMA SPADA
June 18, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Re-enactment /by abbey-testing
Meet the Reenactor Groups 2016
PRIMA SPADA SCHOOL OF FENCE
Prima Spada School of Fence is a historical fencing school operating in Queensland, Australia. The School currently has three Salles (fencing halls) located in Brisbane, Maroochydore, and on the Gold Coast. Prima Spada take their school on the road, and will be another highly valued group attending and demonstrating their talents and skills at the Abbey Medieval Festival again this year.
Prima Spada is a founding member of the Australian Historic Swordplay Federation, now known as Western Martial Academies of Australia (WMAA). Based on the work of Spanish masters of the 16th and 17th centuries, Prima Spada teaches Renaissance European swordplay as a modern sport.
From the duelling swordplay of the 16th century, Prima Spada has created a challenging and enjoyable activity which can be appreciated at many different levels – as a martial skill, as a sport, or as a movement art. However, Prima Spada seeks to do more than simply reproduce the mechanics of duelling swordplay; the philosophical principles of honour and courtesy that were a fundamental part of the character of a 16th century noble, are also a key facet of what is taught in Prima Spada.
The practical and philosophical approach of Prima Spada creates an enjoyable and accessible form of swordplay where the emphasis lies firmly on quality of execution rather than brute strength or speed. This art resonates with dance movement, and is a unique, flamboyant combat style with a theatrical sensibility.
The Prima Spada style helps its students to develop considerable confidence in themselves and their abilities. From the very beginning, students are constantly challenged to excel at the techniques taught at their level, and encouraged to demonstrate their ability in stylised combat. This also requires one to accord the same respect to one's fellow students. This is bourne out in School's motto "Honourable in victory, gracious in defeat".
See Prima Spada and witness this age old art of swordplay in action at this years Festival!
More on other Reenactors groups here soon!
OLTRAMAR
Oltramar is a historical display focusing on the lifestyles and culture, equipment and accoutrements of the European nobility who settled on Cyprus in the late 12th– early 13th century. The Oltramar group chose to examine this place and era because during that time Cyprus became a major trading base between the Holy Lands, North Africa and Europe, resulting in a melting pot of European, Byzantine and Islamic culture and goods, and thus making it a very interesting and flamboyant place to study.
Particular attention is paid to maintaining a high standard of equipment and knowledge through intensive research and reconstruction, in all of Oltramar's displays. Most of their clothing and equipment has been handmade by members and, as far as possible, all items are as historically accurate as they can make them. This ensures the group's public displays are instructive and stimulating, also creating a deeper understanding of the period through hands-on experience.
The Oltramar groups aim is to extend an enjoyable and educational experience to the public at events like the Abbey Medieval Festival, through practical reconstructions and displays of equipment and skills from a variety of cultures. To promote research and public interest in the period through means of quality displays, and in doing so, flesh out the dry bones of written history by bringing at least a small part of it to life.
To meet the Oltramar Group, book your tickets online now!
Stay tuned for more on our amazing Reenactor groups.
MEET THE JOUSTERS – PART 3 2016
June 9, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Experience, Jousting, Medieval Animals /by abbey-testing
Meet the final 2 Jousters for the 2016 lineup!
As we are all getting ready and very excited for this years Medieval Festival, the Jousters are training and readying themselves for the ferocious combat that is the Jousting Tournament! The final 2 Jousters have been named, get to know them before you witness them live at the Festival!
The Lady Elizabeth – Australia
Lady Elizabeth has been in the jousting world more, behind the scenes and Head Marshall, for nearly 10 years, and has previous Jousted in the 2009 Abbey Tournament. Lady Elizabeth may be more recognized through her horse Flash who carried many an international rider to victory.
Lady Elizabeth has been riding for over 23 years now. She has been competing and training in dressage, show jumping and cross country. She is the founder & head instructor at Moonlight Manor Horse Riding, and teaches horses and riders of all ages & disciplines.
The 2016 Abbey Tournament will be the Lady Elizabeth's return to the field after many years of training.
Motto: "Victoria venit in" – "Victory comes from within"
Jouster Amanda Challen – Australia
Amanda has been working with horses since her early teenage years. She started by simply trail riding, and then into trail guiding and droving. She then became a riding instructor and now works in the racing industry. Amanda trains horses for all sorts of disciplines which includes Jousting. She will be astride 'Nyx' – the black daughter of the mighty war horse 'Fenris' – a well renowned Jousting horse for many years in the Abbey Tournament.
Amanda has been training under Talisien Bleechmore, Luke Binks, and Sasha Buchmann – all well regarded Jousters within Jousting circles. This will be 'Nyx's' second Joust at the Medieval Festival, this time carrying her breeder and trainer!
Buy your tickets to the Festival and Joust Tournament now!
Moreton Bay Region's very own Archaeologically Significant Historical & Cultural Site?
June 7, 2016 /in Blog, Uncategorized /by abbey-testing
The Pageant Wagon
June 3, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Costuming, Medieval Street Theatre, Uncategorized /by abbey-testing
What is the Pageant Wagon?
Some history regarding Medieval Theatre.
The European Renaissance holds the title of being one of the great ages of theatre. Patronage of acting troupes, the establishment of permanent theatres and playwrights such as Shakespeare and Marlowe, provide solid evidence to support this statement. While this era of theatre is still studied and adored today, it is important to acknowledge that an artistic revolution like the Renaissance is indebted to its predecessor – Medieval Theatre.
By today's standards, the subject of many plays that make up medieval theatre wouldn't be considered as exciting as those of the Renaissance, but its history is no less impressive. With its humble beginnings of Catholic priests performing biblical events during mass, it led into the Renaissance with troupes of actors performing on one of the great tools of medieval theatre, the Pageant Wagon.
A procession of wagons would arrive in town, each performing a scene of a cycle play; the audience would either remain stationary as the wagons passed by, or the wagons would be set up in an open area allowing the public to move from play to play. It was a wonderfully inventive way to allow just about the whole community a chance to see a performance.
Unfortunately, modern day occupational health and safety standards make it a little tricky to have a pageant wagon; however 2015 saw the debut of a new venue at Abbeystowe – the Pageant Wagon – the Abbey Medieval Festival's little homage to staging for medieval theatre. Last year the Abbey Medieval House Troupe tested the waters a little by performing Shakespeare and a variety of children's stories on our new stage. Conveniently situated near the Market Place, the Pageant Wagon stage will be in full swing in 2016 with a full program of theatre, costume and music.
A guaranteed favourite at the Pageant Wagon stage will be the children's story telling. Developed and performed by the Abbey Medieval House Troupe, the story telling will take place from 12-1pm, and again 3.30-4pm both Saturday and Sunday at the Festival. Performed 'players theatre' style, the stories are told by a narrator with sections acted out by performers.
Stories for 2016 are will include:
St George and the Dragon
Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow
King Arthur and the Sword and the Stone.
Come and sit by the Pageant Wagon stage – the perfect opportunity for families to have lunch while being entertained! Cheer for the good guys and boo at the baddies!
Buy your tickets now to see the Pageant Wagon come to life!
If anyone would like to fund the construction of a functioning pageant wagon that meets modern day OH&S standards, please contact our House Troupe Coordinator, you will quickly become her favourite person. Ever.
CONROI
June 1, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Medieval times, Re-enactment /by abbey-testing
The membership of Conroi is made of like minded individuals who have an interest in doing Living History/Re-enactment from different time periods.
Any time, Any place, Any Class
Conroi is a multi-time period Living History/Re-enactment Group without restriction on class, location or time. This is to allow all areas of individual interests to be permitted and encouraged. It is our goal for each event to have a focused look and feel. We strive for a high level of gear which is supported by appropriate documentation and high levels of discussion within our group. Our members are like minded individuals, who are always improving on their knowledge, gear and displays due to new research and suppliers.
The Conroi Motto is "With all, For All." We are here to enjoy our individual interests but also to support others in our group in their interests. Another aspect of Conroi is the bringing together individuals or groups of re-enactors so the Living History aspects of our hobby can be enhanced and improved through Workshops, Living History Events, Historical Shows. Re-enactors from other groups do not have to be a member of Conroi to enjoy the activities we will be organising. We love individuals or groups attending with us as it is our firm belief is that we all (the living history/re-enactment community) have something to bring to an event, even if it is just your presence.
Abbey Festival 2016
Our focus for Abbey 2016 is 1250-1325AD, with some specific displays related to Simon De Monfort and 1264, including the significant range of events leading to the change for the governing structure in England and the birth of the modern day parliament.
Around the encampment, the Conroi will show everyday living items and activities from around this time period. Lord Frederick will oversee the Baronial Court, Sir William will lead the Conroi banner in the William Marshall Tourney. Head Squire Henri will be keeping the younger squires in line and working hard.
We are joined this year by a newly hired Mercenary Band (Mercenaries of Western Europe) who will display stout hearts during battles, provide guards for Lord Frederick. Captain Ranjie has his hands full controlling his mercenary band however is supported by the experienced Sergeant John DeLuc. No easy task going by the presence of one of the mercenaries in the Baronial Court on charges of drunk and disorderly.
Overseeing all this are the true commanders of the camp, Lady Marguerite and Lady Emma.
Stay tuned for more on the Reenactor Groups this year!
To meet the member of Conroi in person, by your tickets now!
Celebrating Shakespeare
June 1, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Costuming, Experience, Medieval Street Theatre, Medieval times, Re-enactment, Uncategorized /by abbey-testing
'Eaten me out of house and home'
'Forever and a day'
'Good riddance'
'Wear my heart upon my sleeve'
We've all heard one or all of these saying before. But did you know where they came from? Who was the first person to say or write them?
These are just some of the common phrases made popular by the great playwright and wordsmith William Shakespeare!
Ever eat a meal so delicious that the only was the describe it was to say it was "a dish fit for the gods!"
Shakespeare did.
Did your parents ever get so exasperated at your siblings (not you, of course) you hear them say "for goodness sake!"
Yep, that came from Shakespeare.
Every knows a good "Knock Knock, who's there" joke!
That phrase came from Shakespeare too!
Going on a "wild goose chase"!
Yep, you guessed it. Shakespeare.
Mind Blown.
Celebrating Shakespeare with the Abbey Medieval House Troupe!
23rd April 2016 marked the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, and while the Bard may be 'dead as a doornail' (another one, thanks William!), his contributions to literature, theatre and the English language are immense and still celebrated today.
To mark this anniversary, the volunteers of Abbey Medieval House Troupe have been hard at work over the past few months developing and rehearsing a tribute to Shakespeare. Sorting through his plays to find a mere sample of gems to perform has proved to be an endeavour not for the 'faint hearted' (they just keep coming!). However the Troupe have managed to narrow it down to a select few including, but not limited to Macbeth, King Lear, Richard III, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and of course, Romeo and Juliet.
We cannot ignore the line we are dancing on with historical accuracy here, the Abbey Medieval Festival celebrates the Middle Ages, specifically Europe and the Middle East from 600 – 1600AD, thankfully for us we just touch on the English renaissance, and 'as good luck would have it' many of Shakespeare's works are believed to have been penned in the late 1500s.
Come and see the House Troupe's tribute this year!
Join the House Troupe to be a part of amazing shows like this, and many others!
Black Plague Doctor
June 1, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Costuming, Experience, Medieval times, Re-enactment /by abbey-testing
Have you ever wondered who/what the person dressed in black with a white long beaked mask is? Or do you know a little about this person/character, but would love some more info?
The Black Plague Doctor!
Typically donned head to toe in black, with a white, long-beaked mask, the Black Plague Doctor is one of many iconic figures from the middle ages, largely due to the unique and often terrifying mask. Fully covering the face with glass openings for their eyes, the mask's prominent feature is the long curved beak shaped nose that typically held dried flowers, herbs and spices to keep away the bad and evil smell of their patients. Although this character has a foreboding presence, seen as the bringer of death, they were instructed to treat patients in a friendly and kind manner.
It was believed that the Plague was spread by smell, hence the stuffed beak and clothing designed to basically cocoon the doctor. A shining example of the archaic medical practice and understanding of medicine and disease at the time.
The Black Plague Doctor is a fascinating character and one we love to profile at the Abbey Medieval Festival. Since 2013, the role of resident Plague Physician has been filled by Murray, a volunteer with the Abbey Medieval House Troupe, who, every year, travels from Victoria to rid Abbeystowe of the deadly Plague. To show that he is not to be feared, Murray has been seen playing ring-around-the-rosy and soccer with patrons at the Abbey. Treating patients is his first priority, and he always likes to lend a helping hand to clear out the dead at the end of the day.
If you spot our wonderful plague doctor at the Abbey Medieval Festival this year, feel free to stop and say hello, ask for a photograph, or treatment advice* – his plague pillows are highly effective!
*Disclaimer: Murray is only qualified to assist with medieval treatment of the black plague.
To meet Murray, whoops I mean, The Black Plague Doctor this year, buy your tickets now!
Join the Abbey Medieval Festival House Troupe!
New Banquet Bowls!
May 30, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Abbey Medieval Banquent, Blog, Experience, Medieval times /by abbey-testing
A lovely new handmade addition to our Medieval Banquets..!
Expertly handmade by the lovely Bribie Island local Potter Bev Porter (as shown above), these new Banquet bowls have been made to specifications required for a medieval feast!
These bowls will be used for the salads, and will stay on the tables throughout the Medieval Banquet nights, so our guests can 'pick' throughout the evening, taking second and maybe even third helpings!
Some more things you can expect to see and experience at the Medieval Banquets 2016:
Trenchers – 10 points if you know what these are 😉
Rich, authentic Medieval costumes
Full platters, bursting with delicious Medieval foods, and mulled wine
Dancing, and authentic Medieval entertainment
Courtesies and manners, gallant words and gaudy tales of old!
Delight your sense of smell with the aroma of baked lamb shanks, veggies and much more
Taste the essence of medieval herbs and spices which make this a feast like no other
The touch of rose water to cleanse your hands in preparation for your night ahead.
Leave with full stomach and possibly wake up with a sore head!
Whether you have never been to a Medieval Banquet before, or if you are a regular guest, don't miss this years Medieval Banquets – a true feast for all your senses!
Buy your tickets now as we are almost ALL SOLD OUT!
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May 27, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Medieval Arts and Crafts, Medieval Living Skills, Medieval times, Re-enactment /by abbey-testing
By the early 15th century, the coffers of the Italian city states were overflowing with gold from their trade with the east. Cities like Milan, Florence and Venice had grown in size, prestige and affluence, however their dependence on peasants to fill the ranks of their armies made them prime targets for attack by foreigners and neighbours alike.
In order to defend their territories, the city states hired large groups of mercenaries called "Condotta", which were lead by captains called Condottieri.
Unlike the Knights of other European countries, Condottieri were not necessarily nobles. Many were low born and more than a few were foreigners. Anyone with the skills and determination could become Condottieri; for this they were rewarded with wealth, land, recognition and fame.
However, some were little more than bandits and thieves and it was not uncommon for them to change sides, for the right price, and many of them receiving bribes from towns to avoid being attacked.
The Condottieri attracted all those in society who aspired for greatness; some were adventurers, great captains, statesmen, patrons of the arts, patriots and others, like Hawkwood, Sforza, Malatesta, Federico Da Montefeltro and the Medici's, were powerful political figures who left their mark on history.
The Condottieri living history group is a group dedicated to recreating the look and feel of an Italian mercenary encampment in the late 15th century. Various aspects of the lives of the nobility, knights, soldiers, craftsmen and camp followers are brought to life for the entertainment and enjoyment of all. This includes the clothes they wore, the foods they ate, the games and entertainment they enjoyed, their arts and crafts and their military and martial skills. All this and much more will be on display at the Abbey Medieval Festival this year.
To see these amazing displays by the Condottieri group this year, buy your tickets now!
Check back here for more on other Reenactor groups.
COTTEREAUX
May 24, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Medieval times, Re-enactment /by abbey-testing
Cottereaux (1189 – 1202)- Company of the Dagger is a 45 member strong reenactment group portraying life on the road for a group of travelling knights, their men-at-arms and their squires.
Cottereaux, derived from a French word meaning 'dagger', have a predominantly European background with a smattering of mercenaries from far and wide. The group used to be a mercenary company but with the Papal decree of 1187, in which the use of mercenaries were outlawed, the group, under Baron Ulric de Tracey, have settled in Acre having been awarded a barony.
This group also has a church element represented by Warrior Priests from the Order of St John. With the Company settling down in a Barony, the Company actively seeks artisans and merchants to build on town atmosphere.
The Company specializes in Siege equipment having built several scale models of counter weights Trebuchets, traction trebuchets, Onagers, Siege Ladder trucks, Battering Rams and sappers penthouse. The Company is currently working on a 7 metre counter weight trebuchet and also have plans for a full size Siege Tower.
Cottereaux will be at the Abbey Medieval Festival again this year, so drop by and see some their amazing equipment!
To meet the Cottereaux group this year, buy your tickets now!
Check back for more on other reenactment groups soon!
Find The Answers Here!
May 19, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Experience /by abbey-testing
Have a question you need answered that you just can't find on our website?
Below is list of some of the most common questions we have been asked this year. Chances are, you will find the answers you need here.
Can we bring our own lunch?
Yes, you can, just no alcohol. We have our own Tavern on site for this!
What does our ticket entitle us to do?
Your general entry tickets entitles you to visit and view everything inside the Festival, with the exception of the VIP area, and the Jousts. You can buy VIP tickets to enhance your experience even more, and you can buy Joust tickets, for any of the Joust sessions. When you are roaming around the Re-enactor encampments, please feel free to view the camps and ask as many questions as you like. Many of the encampments have workshops and displays as well. Note the encampment etiquette though, and remember that real people are living in these real camps, with their own real food and personal items. Do not enter any personal space and do not eat any food that isn't specifically for the public. If you are unsure of something, ask!
What children's activities are available?
There are many activities, shows and displays for children of all ages. See our suggested itineraries for some of the activities available, and the final program will outline everything on offer as well.
If I purchase a weapon on the day, how do I get a permit for the day?
After purchasing your weapon, you will need to head straight to the Security Post and complete some paperwork to obtain the permit.
Is a health card a concession?
Yes it is, see our list of the concession cards we accept.
What time is the Knighting Ceremony on?
The Knighting Ceremony is held on the Friday night before the Festival (8th July) at 7:30pm, in the Abbey Church.
We can't find the banquet menu on the web page.
The Banquet Menu is on the Medieval Banquet page. You can find the menu here as well.
When will the program be available so we can plan our day?
The program will be available on the website by the end of May. You can also view our Suggested Itineraries for some of the activities and shows on this year.
Will there be first aid personnel on site?
Yes, there most certainly is a team of trained first aid personnel on site all weekend, as well as a security and crowd control team.
Still haven't found your answers? Contact us now
Bought your tickets yet? If not, buy them today!
Major Change!
May 19, 2016 /10 Comments/in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Experience /by abbey-testing
The Abbey Medieval Festival will make a major change regarding bottled water at this years Festival!
This year, the Abbey Festival will drastically reduce the amount of bottled water being sold INSIDE the Festival gates. None of the actual market stalls will be selling BOTTLED WATER.
Wait, WHAT? No bottled water you say?
What we mean by this is, in a step towards a more SUSTAINABLE and environmentally friendly solution, we will no longer be allowing any of our Medieval Market Stalls to sell bottled water (Mt Franklin, Pump, etc). To make this transition smoother, for this year, there will be "pedlars" roaming around the Festival selling some bottled water, as well as selling some recycled and reusable bottles for you to buy.
There will also, most definitely, be access to FRESH, COLD WATER, at any of our 3 new water stations that will be set up at 3 different spots around the Festival. The Unity Water Hydration Station will also be onsite for you to fill up at, you just need to bring your own drink bottle, or purchase a reusable drink bottle from either the Museum Stall inside the Festival or inside Downtown Abbey (Sponsors Village before you enter the Festival). These water bottles will be sold for $5, which will go straight back to the Museum, and the water re fills from the stations are completely FREE all day.
WHY are we doing this you ask?
There are many reasons for this decision being made and trialled this year. These reasons include the obvious effect these plastic bottles has on the environment when not recycled. Did you know that these plastic water bottles take up to 1000 YEARS to break down? And that "recyclable" water bottles are one of the 10 most COMMON pieces of LITTER just left on the ground, in drains, and worse, in the ocean?
If we, as an Australian organisation, can have even a small part in the minimisation of bottled water at big events like the Medieval Festival, this is our way of doing our bit. We look forward to our valued visitors and friends supporting us in this decision, and doing your bit too, even just for the day.
Subscribe to be the first to hear about changes like this!
Buy your tickets to the Festival online now
COMPANY OF THE DOVE
April 26, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Medieval Living Skills, Medieval times, Re-enactment /by abbey-testing
Company of the Dove was a free company, a late medieval army of mercenaries acting independently of any government, and thus "free". They regularly made a living by plunder when they were not employed. They were based in Brittany, France, at the start of the Hundred Years War, a series of conflicts waging from 1337 to 1453 between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, and their various allies, for control of the French throne.
Starting out initially as a traditional archery group, Company of the Dove are mostly English archers, with some men at arms, and their families, and encourage all interests in the medieval way of life. They have been a loyal visit to the Abbey Medieval Festival for many years, and continue to draw public interest not only in the period of time, but in their individual group's activities and encampment.
Company of the Dove is a family based medieval re-enactment group who adhere to Qld Living History Federation standards, and are involved with weapons training, traditional archery, clothing, furniture, music, encampments, medieval cooking and feasts, as well as studying and re-enacting all facets of medieval life in the mid 14th century (1348-1361).
They run workshops to help their members get more involved in medieval tasks and equipment and they make a lot of our own equipment.
To meet Company of the Dove this year, buy your tickets now!
Get to know some of the other Reenactors groups here.
KNIGHTS OF THE EMPIRE GERMANICA
Knights of the Empire Germanica is a Medieval German re-enactment group in the High Middle Ages period.
They are a Brisbane based re-enactment group depicting the Germanic nobility of the Holy Roman Empire. They practice armoured combat and try to recreate the colour, traditions and day-to-day life of the nobility and their retainers.
A family orientated group, their aim is to create an environment that enables learning about medieval life. Medieval re-enactment is a way of bringing history to life in an exciting and hands-on way. The members of Knights of the Empire Germanica get to actively create and use their equipment, and find out how it all works in a real-life setting. It is especially rewarding to members to be able to engage in a hobby which can include the whole family.
Knights of the Empire Germanica is a group with many years of activity in Brisbane. 'KEG' has close ties with other re-enactment groups with whom they share combat training, public appearances such as attending the Abbey Medieval Festival, and other demonstrations. As a group they share research, cook and share medieval food at feasts, create medieval clothing, armour and equipment, and train warriors to be formidable but entertaining fighters.
Knights of the Empire Germanica are a friendly group and are always happy to interact with the public for discussion or photo opportunities. Come and see them at the Medieval Festival this year!
To meet Knights of the Empire Germanica, buy your tickets now!
Read more on other Reenactor groups here.
COMPANIE OF KNIGHTS BACHELOR
April 22, 2016 /in 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival, Blog, Medieval Arts and Crafts, Medieval Living Skills, Medieval times, Re-enactment /by abbey-testing
Companie of Knights Bachelor is one of Brisbane's oldest re-enactment groups. Established in 1989, this group re-enacts the splendor of the 12th century and early 13th century, and the heroism of the Crusades. Companie members travel across Queensland as well as interstate to attend events such as the Abbey Medieval Festival, and other living history events, to live out life as a member of the 12th century nobility, either fighting in melees and tournaments, or showing off other medieval skills to the public.
The Companie also runs private Medieval Feasts and Living History weekends, to recreate the society and culture of the 12th and early 13th century with artisan craft displays and heroic swordplay.
At the Abbey Medieval Festival each year, Companie of Knights Bachelor reenact the pageantry and excitement of a medieval tournament. Knights join battle in a test of martial strength. Ladies cheer encouragement for their favorite Knight and partake of the gentler art of courtly love. After the Tournaments, the knights and ladies retire to their authentic encampment at Abbeystowe for some feasting, gaming, singing and dancing.
Members of the Companie take keen interest in medieval arts and crafts, and study the historical background surrounding the Crusades. They employ a high standard of historical accuracy, encouraging every member to do much historical research. All the gear they use at shows and displays has to be documented, to encourage the highest degree of realism that twentieth-century society can produce. Companie of Knights Bachelor and its members are looking forward to returning to the Abbey Medieval Festival this year and educating and entertaining the public one again!
To come and meet the Companie of Knights Bachelor, buy your tickets now!
Check back here for more on Meet The Reenactors 2016
Major Change!May 19, 2016 - 10:34 am
A Guide to Encampment EtiquetteMay 28, 2013 - 10:34 am
The Festival is now on Instagram!May 28, 2013 - 10:36 am
A Crusader's JourneyJanuary 18, 2020 - 8:25 pm
Incredible Partners — NORTH HARBOUR!August 26, 2019 - 1:38 pm
30th Year Recap! HUZZAH!July 25, 2019 - 12:00 pm
Was wonderful to see them last year.. looking forward to...May 1, 2017 - 7:48 am by Kim Schmidt
Definitely try to dress in medieval clothes. It makes the...February 20, 2017 - 7:43 pm by Sam
Do any of the people know of a John or Peter Harris involved...August 2, 2016 - 4:18 pm by Jan Johnson
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(off Old Toorbul Point Road)
Caboolture, Queensland, 4510
e: enquiries@abbeytournament.com
Please visit: Abbey Museum Website
Companie Draco RoutiersJuly 12, 2019 - 12:42 am
Preview of stalls!July 6, 2019 - 4:29 pm
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