Past events
Battle of Hastings
The last and biggest show of our re-enactment calendar! Follow in the footsteps of the armies of William the Conqueror and King Harold as they clashed in 1066, and see how the Normans overcame the Saxons to seize the kingdom and change history forever. Stronghold will be portraying the forces of Duke William as they fight for the English throne. There will be a large encampment filled with historical crafts, and of course, the opportunity to witness Norman weaponry in action at a reenactment of the most momentous battle in English history.
Dates: 12/10/24 to 13/10/24
Location: Battle Abbey, Battle, Hastings
Battle of Crogen
It is 1165 and the mighty Henry II is gathering his forces, ready to expand his enormous empire even further. Thinking to annihilate all Welsh he leaves Oswestry and marches west, into Wales. Stronghold will be portraying the encampment and forces of Henry II at the Battle of Crogen.
Dates: 07/09/24 to 08/09/24
Location: Chirk Castle, Wrexham, Wales
Dover Castle
Over the bank holiday weekend, Stronghold will be taking part in English Heritage's Clash of Knights event against the incredible backdrop of Dover Castle. Four teams battle it out, steel on steel, to determine the strongest! Which colour will you support?
Dates: 24/08/24 to 26/08/24
Location: Dover Castle, Dover
Abbots Bromley Photography Day
Stronghold is excited to attend an action-packed multi-period photography day hosted by Chappers Photography. Stronghold's display will feature tournaments and living history of the Angevin period.
Dates: 10/08/24 to 10/08/24
Location: High Ash Farm, Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire
Battle of Evesham
In 1265, the echoes of rebellion still resound across England. The Battle of Evesham marked a turning point in the Second Barons' War—a clash that pitted the forces loyal to King Henry III against the rebels led by Simon de Montfort. A favourite event of ours, Stronghold will be portraying some of the barons and retinues of de Montfort's forces in reenactments of both the Battle of Evesham and the Battle of Lewes.
Dates: 03/08/24 to 04/08/24
Location: Evesham, Worcestershire
Siege of Bolsover Castle
The year is 1216, and England is in turmoil. Civil War has broken out following King John’s failure to adhere to the terms of the Magna Carta. Determined to gain the allegiance of Lord William de Ferres, John has granted him the castles of Peverill and Bolsover. However, the incumbent custodian, Brian de Lisle, refuses to surrender these castles. So, amidst civil war, two John loyalists battle for Bolsover Castle.
Dates: 27/07/24 to 28/07/24
Location: Bolsover Castle, Chesterfield
Battle of Lewes
In 1264, England stands on the brink of change. Dissatisfaction with King Henry III's autocratic rule and favouritism has driven Simon Demontfort to lead a rebellion against the crown. The conflict reaches its climax at the Battle of Lewes, where the ensuing Royalist defeat compels the King to sign the Mise of Lewes, effectively transferring significant power to the barons and paving the way for parliamentary governance. The reenactment consists of two main clashes, separated by a vibrant parade and skirmishes through the town streets.
Dates: 11/05/24 to 12/05/24
Location: Lewes, East Sussex
Murton May Day
Stronghold returns to Murton in the year 1260, where the troubles of the realm can be forgotten as we celebrate May Day. The festivities will include Archery, Tug of War, (Medieval) Football, and of course the May Pole!
Dates: 11/05/24 to 12/05/24
Location: Murton Park, Yorkshire
West Stow Rebellion
Three years have passed since the Norman Conquest placed William I on the English throne. Norman rule is harsh and many yearn to be free of their new overlords. In the village of West Stow, rumours simmer of an outlaw rallying resistance against the oppressive Normans. Could West Stow be poised to join the burgeoning rebellion?
Dates: 04/05/24 to 06/05/24
Location: West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, Bury St. Edmunds
Battle of Hastings
The last and biggest show of our re-enactment calendar! Follow in the footsteps of the armies of William the Conqueror and King Harold as they clashed in 1066, and see how the Normans overcame the Saxons to seize the kingdom and change history forever. Stronghold will be portraying the forces of Duke William as they fight for the English throne. There will be a large encampment filled with historical crafts, and of course, the opportunity to witness Norman weaponry in action at a reenactment of the most momentous battle in English history.
Dates: 14/10/23 to 15/10/23
Location: Battle Abbey, Battle, Hastings
Murton Park: Harrying of the North
Once again Stronghold will return to Murton, but with a difference. The year is 1069, three years after the Norman victory at Hastings and William's seizure of the England. An uneasy Norman occupation has begun with castles springing up across England as local Norman lords seek to control their new lands. The Yorkshire village of Murton too boasts a modest motte and bailey. However, resentment of the Norman invaders simmers in every English heart and is about to explode into rebellion. Come and witness the villagers of Murton rise against their Norman overlords. Who will win?
Dates: 09/09/23 to 10/09/23
Location: Murton Park, Yorkshire
Battle of Crogen
It is 1165 and the mighty Henry II is gathering his forces, ready to expand his enormous empire even further. Thinking to annihilate all Welsh he leaves Oswestry and marches west, into Wales. Stronghold will be portraying the encampment and forces of Henry II at the Battle of Crogen.
Dates: 02/09/23 to 03/09/23
Location: Chirk Castle, Wrexham, Wales
Battle of Evesham
In 1265, the echoes of rebellion still resound across England. The Battle of Evesham marked a turning point in the Second Barons' War—a clash that pitted the forces loyal to King Henry III against the rebels led by Simon de Montfort. A favourite event of ours, Stronghold will be portraying some of the barons and retinues of de Montfort's forces in reenactments of both the Battle of Evesham and the Battle of Lewes.
Dates: 05/08/23 to 06/08/23
Location: Evesham, Worcestershire
Siege of Bolsover Castle
The year is 1216, and England is in turmoil. Civil War has broken out following King John's failure to adhere to the terms of the Magna Carta. Determined to gain the allegiance of Lord William de Ferres, John has granted him the castles of Peverill and Bolsover. However, the incumbent custodian, Brian de Lisle, refuses to surrender these castles. So, amidst civil war, two John loyalists battle for Bolsover Castle.
Dates: 29/07/23 to 30/07/23
Location: Bolsover Castle, Chesterfield
Bosworth Vikings
Step back in time to an era when Vikings ruled Leicestershire. Immerse yourself in the culture of the 11th century and learn how Viking influence impacted the Midlands. Stronghold will be attending this exciting and vibrant weekend of Viking living history and combat.
Dates: 17/06/23 to 18/06/23
Location: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Leicestershire
Belvoir Castle
Stronghold will commemorate the founding of Belvoir Castle in 1068. Join the castle founder Robert de Todini as he and his knights test their skill at arms in tournaments throughout the weekend.
Dates: 27/05/23 to 29/05/23
Location: Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire
Battle of Lewes
In 1264, England stands on the brink of change. Dissatisfaction with King Henry III's autocratic rule and favouritism has driven Simon Demontfort to lead a rebellion against the crown. The conflict reaches its climax at the Battle of Lewes, where the ensuing Royalist defeat compels the King to sign the Mise of Lewes, effectively transferring significant power to the barons and paving the way for parliamentary governance. The reenactment consists of two main clashes, separated by a vibrant parade and skirmishes through the town streets.
Dates: 13/05/23 to 14/05/23
Location: Lewes, East Sussex
Anarchy at Murton Park
1138 civil rages as Anarchy comes to Murton Village. A key question is one of allegiance! Which side will you back? Are you for King Stephen? Will you support Empress Matilda? It is market day for the good folk of Murton as well as peddlers, hawkers, and a few traders from the big city. Will the two warring factions disrupt this important day for the village?
Dates: 29/04/23 to 01/05/23
Location: Murton Park, Yorkshire
Battle of Fornham
England, 1173. Henry II’s sons, as well as his wife Eleanor, have risen in rebellion against their father. Forces led by the Earl of Leicester Robert de Beaumont and his wife Petronilla de Grandmesnil, have launched a fresh invasion of England with the help of mercenaries and have been met by the King’s Chief Justiciar Richard de Lucy near Fornham. Who will win the battle? The rebels have occupied the local village and may have the numbers, but the king’s forces may gain the upper hand in a fight if their forces remain divided.
Dates: 25/03/23 to 26/03/23
Location: West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, Bury St. Edmunds
Battle of Hastings
The last and biggest show of our re-enactment calendar! Follow in the footsteps of the armies of William the Conqueror and King Harold as they clashed in 1066, and see how the Normans overcame the Saxons to seize the kingdom and change history forever. Stronghold will be portraying the forces of Duke William as they fight for the English throne. There will be a large encampment filled with historical crafts, and of course, the opportunity to witness Norman weaponry in action at a reenactment of the most momentous battle in English history.
Dates: 15/10/22 to 16/10/22
Location: Battle Abbey, Battle, Hastings