Making Leeds Medieval

Thursday 09 July, University Square, 10.30-18.00. This event is free of charge.

Hosted by International Medieval Congress

As this year’s International Medieval Congress comes to a close, immerse yourself in the Middle Ages with an exciting day of medieval-themed entertainment. Watch thrilling combat displays, get up close to birds of prey, and meet people demonstrating medieval crafts and techniques.

Medieval Craft Fair

The Medieval Craft Fair will run on both Wednesday and Thursday, giving you the chance to browse beautiful medieval-inspired handmade items from books to textiles and jewellery.

Programme

The content of Making Leeds Medieval may be subject to change due to factors beyond our control.

10.30       Opening of 'Making Leeds Medieval': Visit University Square, Leeds University Union, and Beech Grove Plaza to meet the different craft makers, demonstrators, performers, societies, and local traders!

10.30        Medieval Music with Peter Bull: Come to University Square to enjoy some medieval music.

10.45        Late Medieval Cavalry Parade: Witness knights riding in armour on University Campus!

12.30        Late Medieval Cavalry Parade: The knights and their mounts return for another riding display.

13.00        In Conversation with Dan Jones: The Work of a Public Historian: Join us for a lively conversation with bestselling historian Dan Jones as he reflects on the craft of being a public historian. This event will be in Stage@Leeds.

13.00        Campus Tour with It’s the Beer Talking: This walking tour of the University of Leeds campus is led by acclaimed beer writer Simon Jenkins, with lots of stories from the past - and a couple of strategic pub stops. The tour will depart from the Parkinson Steps. Please note that there is a charge for this event. Advance booking is recommended. To book, please go to the It’s Beer Talking website and select the relevant tour.

13:15       Combat Display by 3 Swords: Come to the Combat Arena for a thrilling demonstration of combat from the 15^th century.

14.00      Medieval Music with Peter Bull: Peter Bull returns to University Square for more medieval music.

15.30       Late Medieval Cavalry Parade: The knights and their horses return for a final parade.

16.15        Combat Display by 3 Swords: Join us back at the Combat Arena for another demonstration of arms and armour.

20.00      Dancing around the Dales: Come to the Riley Smith Hall to celebrate the close of the IMC with an evening of traditional Yorkshire Dance with the No Lazy Dancing Dance Band.

 

Displays throughout the Day

Throughout the day, a variety of re-enactors and performers will be demonstrating traditional crafts around campus.

Displays at IMC 2026 will include: 

3 Swords (University Square) - Encounter weapons and combat experts, providing a unique insight into the arms and armour from the 15th century.

Atkinson Action Horses - Located on the grassed area across from the Leeds University Union, meet the equestrian stars of today’s event.

Battle Abbey Tapestry group (Beech Grove Plaza) - Learn about the ‘La Mora’ Tapestry Project and practice medieval embroidery techniques.

Digital Analysis of Chant Transmission (DACT) Soundwalk (behind LUU/Stage@Leeds) - Posters of fragmented chant manuscripts have been placed in the green space behind Stage@Leeds/LUU. If you add the DACT app to your phone, you can hear performances of medieval chant.

Eran ud Turan (University Square) - Learn about the history and culture of the Near East and Central Asia with interactive displays of calligraphy, clothing, and armour.

Linstock & Pledget (University Square) - Consult with a medieval surgeon and learn about other aspects of medieval life.

Nalbinding with Alice Burn (University Square) - Have a go at ‘knotless knitting’, a fabric creation technique used in parts of the country with Viking cultural influences. Available from 12.00-15.00.

Medieval Forge (University Square) - Come see the portal forge and learn about the work of a medieval blacksmith.

Scribal Arts with Sara Charles (Leeds University Union: Foyer) - Visit Sara’s stand to witness a range of manuscript production techniques. Sara’s book, The Medieval Scriptorium: Making Books in the Middle Ages was published in 2024. Drop by for the opportunity to see and handle many of the materials used in making manuscripts, from parchment-making, to ink-making, to pigment-making, to bookbinding. Interactive activities will include writing with iron gall ink with a quill and sticking gold leaf to gesso.

Seats of Empire (University Square) - Timothy Dawson brings a display of historical equestrian equipment and accessories, including a saddle for you to try out.

SMJ Falconry (University Square) - Located on the grassed area next to the Marquee, view a selection of birds of prey including falcons, kestrels, merlin, hawks, and owls, and find out about the how birds of prey were handled and used.

Threads of Time (University Square) - Tanya Bentham presents an array of exquisitely constructed textile arts.

Music by Peter Bull  - Our wandering minstrel will provide the perfect musical accompaniment to the activities, demonstrations, and performances at Making Leeds Medieval.

Historical & Archaeological Societies Fair

Thursday 09 July, 10.30-18.00, Leeds University Union Building: Foyer

We are delighted to welcome local and national groups dedicated to preserving medieval heritage to meet with attendees and members of the public to showcase their important work.

Exhibitors for 2026 include:

• Monumental Brass Society -The Society promotes the study off brasses, indents of last brasses incised slabs by publication in its Transactions of original research, lectures, one-day meetings and excursions to churches of interest. Preserve brasses by assisting with grant funding conservation and providing advice on their care. Recording lost and stolen brasses and those in private hands. Give advice and promote good practice concerning brass-rubbing.
• The Scottish Society for Northern Studies - explores the historical interrelationships between the Scandinavian, Celtic, and Scottish worlds through public events and scholarly research.
• South Leeds Archaeology - South Leeds Archaeology (SLA) is a volunteer-run, community archaeology group, open to everyone. We offer opportunities to get involved with all aspects of fieldwork, as well as monthly meetings and guest talks on a variety of subjects.
• The Battlefields Trust - The Battlefields Trust is a volunteer-run, registered charity dedicated to the protection, promotion and interpretation of Britain's battlefields.
• The Church Monuments Society - The Church Monuments Society is for everyone who is fascinated by tomb carvings, from medieval effigies to modern gravestones. We organise excursions and study days, publish a journal and a newsletter, and advise on conservation and interpretation of monuments.
• The Thoresby Society, The Leeds and District Historical Society - The Thoresby Society has been collecting the history of Leeds since 1889 and publishing since 1891. We have a very large archive and library available for study and research in the Leeds Library on Commercial Street, Leeds. Please contact the Hon Librarian. on [email protected] for research and study opportunities.
• West Yorkshire Archive Service, Leeds - The West Yorkshire Archive Service exists to preserve the past, serve the present and protect the future. We do this by collecting and looking after the unique documentary heritage of the region. Our Leeds office holds records dating from the 12th century to the present day.
• Yorkshire Archaeological & Historical Society - The Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society exists to promote the study of Yorkshire’s past and publishes the Yorkshire Archaeological Journal annually, as well as a Record Series and occasional monographs. The Society encourages interest in Yorkshire’s past and promotes the study of its history via its archives, by giving small grants and through events, lectures and excursions.