Hands on History: Arms and Armour Replica Handling Session

A delegate wearing a replica helmet holds a small teddy which is wearing a similar over-sized helmet. Presented by The Society for Combat Archaeology

When: Wednesday 03 July, 19.00-20.30
Where: TBA
Price: £12.50

Ever wonder what it would be like to take a museum object out of its case for a closer look? As that is not always possible, you could try the next best thing and get up close to facsimiles of museum artefacts.

This workshop will consist of both a presentation of arms and armour from across Northern Europe from the period known as ‘The Wars of the Roses’ (1455–1487). These civil wars were fought over control of the English throne in the mid-to-late fifteenth century between supporters of two rival households of the Plantagenets: Lancaster and York. These events led to the Tudor family inheriting the Lancastrian claim to the throne. This presentation will focus on the materiality of the pieces, followed by the hands on ‘handling session’ of replica objects – including swords, polearms, warhammers, sidearms, helmets and armour for you to handle and try on.

All the arms and armour presented are researched and referenced against archaeological finds, museum artefacts, or items based on manuscript reproductions (with a detailed breakdown of information related to each piece). Photography is actively encouraged!

The Society for Combat Archaeology (SoCA) is an international organization committed to the advancement of knowledge about the nature of combat and conflict in the past in all of their varieties. Its mission is to research, interpret, and convey material and issues on the subject of combat and to encourage interdisciplinary interaction between researchers in a variety of fields. To this end, SoCA cooperates extensively with an international network of expertise consisting of persons with academic and practical backgrounds in subjects related to combat, most notably from archaeology and martial arts. SoCA thus draws upon a vast array of sources and critical assessments, which ensure a high level of consideration in the presented material and the maintenance of academic integrity in all its mediums of knowledge.

This workshop can only accommodate a limited number of participants. Early booking is recommended.