Upcoming events
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: 31/05/25 to 01/06/25
Location: West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, Bury St. Edmunds
Melbourne Parish Church
Experience a martial and ecclesiastical portrayal of the year 1123. Watch warriors clash for honour in a thrilling tournament, let your children young squires take their first steps in chivalry at the 'knights school', and observe a knight preparing for battle in the arming display. Also, step inside the church to discover the role of faith and clergy in medieval life.
Dates: 14/06/25 to 14/06/25
Location: Church Square, Melbourne, Derby
Heritage Photography Day
Stronghold is excited to present a small slice of medieval life at yet another photography day hosted by 'Chappers Photography', this time with the beautiful Bishton Hall and its gardens as a backdrop.
Dates: 15/06/25 to 15/06/25
Location: Bishton Hall, Staffordshire
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: 21/06/25 to 22/06/25
Location: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Leicestershire
Valence House Multi-Period
Stronghold will be portraying a tourney between rebel barons celebrating their victory at the Battle of Lewes. Knights and barons, with their chosen retinues, ready themselves for a contest with blunted weapons. The spectacle is sure to draw tourists enjoying a day out, locals joining the revelry, and tradesfolk keen to sell their wares. Nuns from the Abbey of St Mary and St Ethelburga will oversee events, perhaps joined by other clergy.
Dates: 25/07/25 to 27/07/25
Location: Valence House Museum, Daggenham, East London
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: 01/08/25 to 03/08/25
Location: Evesham, Worcestershire
England's Medieval Festival
Stronghold will be hosting a martial tournament celebrating King John's coronation in 1199.
Dates: 23/08/25 to 25/08/25
Location: The King's Grove, East Sussex
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: 06/09/25 to 07/09/25
Location: Chirk Castle, Wrexham, Wales
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: 11/10/25 to 12/10/25
Location: Battle Abbey, Battle, Hastings