The MCS was originally formed in 1970, and is one of the oldest tournament
Historical Reenactment groups in the
United Kingdom today. The object of the Society is to have fun whilst entertaining the Public and generate an interest in the
History Of Britain . The MCS is a member of the
Early Medieval Alliance (EMA), and has approximately 60 members from all over the UK and all walks of life. The society is friendly and family orientated with some families of 3 generations taking part, and roles for members of all ages. we are well respected throughout the re-enactment community.
King
Edward III (1327-1377) and his son Edward of Woodstock, more popularly known as
Edward The Black Prince , held many Chivalric foot tournaments or
Pas D'Armes of
Chivalry for the Nobility and Knights, which the MCS recreates, complete with all its pomp and pageantry. It was a time when England lay claim to the throne of France, with victories at the
Battle Of Crécy 1346, the
Battle Of Poitiers (1356) and the Naval
Battle Of Sluys 1340, the time of
Chaucer , the founding of the
Order Of The Garter , with its
Saint George day tournaments but also the start of The
Hundred Years' War and the
Black Death killing up to half of England's population.
The MCS are proud of an exemplary safety record with their
Combat Reenactment , giving safe enjoyable re-enactment Tournaments.
Squires often train for one to two years before becoming Knights who take part in free form, non-choreographed full contact combat, clad in armour and using a variety of weaponry, authentic to the period. The Society are happy to encourage both male and female members to train to fight, and are encouraged to expand their medieval personalities & skills in many ways, including; archery, authenticity, costume, dance, music and fighting. There are many characters that can be played by the members and some have more than one character such as Royalty,
Nobility , Wenching, Clergy and many more.
The Society have performed reenactments at many major venues throughout the UK,
Castles ,
Manor Houses ,
Museums , on film you may have seen us in
Red Dwarf (TV Series) or the
History Channel , as well as Schools, Educational displays, Corporate events, Carnivals, Charity events, Festivals, Weddings, Birthday parties as well as multi group events. Our displays vary from small street shows, where space is limited to a full size arena with a backdrop and foot tournament. Outside of the tournament we enjoy medieval dancing, music, archery and banquets and of course
Mead .
During the winter months we spend every other Sunday at fight practice where members get together, and train. Part of the fun in re-enacting is where you can come away from your modern day lives, don your medieval personality and have a jolly good laugh.
