Making Leeds Medieval
Join us in University Square for a range of medieval activities including historical combat and craft demonstrations, a falconry display, musicians, and much more!
Combat demonstration, IMC 2022
Thursday 10 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 programme for Making Leeds Medieval at IMC 2025 will be published in due course.
The Programme for Making Leeds Medieval at IMC 2024 is provided here for information and guidance only. 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!
10:45 Trouvere: Come to the Combat Arena to enjoy some medieval music.
13:00 Combat Display by 3 Swords: Come to the Combat Arena for a thrilling demonstration of a judicial duel from the 15th century.
16.00 Combat Display by 3 Swords: Return to our Combat Arena for another demonstration of late medieval arms and armour.
20.00 IMC Ceilidh: Come to the Riley Smith Hall to celebrate the close of the IMC with the Assumption Ceilidh Band.
Displays throughout the Day
Throughout the day, a variety of re-enactors and performers will be demonstrating traditional crafts around campus.
Details of displays at Making Leeds Medieval at IMC 2025 will be published in due course.
Displays at IMC 2024 included:
3 Swords (University Square) - Encounter weapons and combat experts, providing a unique insight into the arms and armour from the 15th century.
Eran ud Turan (University Square) - Learn about the art and culture of early medieval Sogdiana (modern day Uzbekistan and Tajikistan)
Medieval Gunners (Beech Grove Plaza) - Consult with a medieval surgeon and learn about other aspects of medieval life.
The Mulberry Dyer (University Square) - Try your hand at traditional papermaking techniques.
Nalbinding (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.
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.
Trouvere (University Square) - Wandering minstrels will provide the perfect musical accompaniment to the activities, demonstrations, and performances at Making Leeds Medieval.
Historical & Archaeological Societies Fair
Thursday 10 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 2025 include:
- Monumental Brass Society - We promote the research, understanding and conservation of monumental brasses, one of the most common forms of surviving medieval memorials. We offer church visits, talks, newsletters, journals and other benefits, and our membership will benefit those interested in monuments, churches, genealogy, and the study of costume, armour and heraldry.
- Scottish Society of Northern Studies - The Scottish Society for Northern Studies (SSNS) is a charity which encourages the exploration of the interactions and influences of the Scandinavian, Celtic, and Scottish worlds – both within Scotland and further afield.
- South Leeds Archaeology - South Leeds Archaeology is a volunteer led community archaeology group, open to all. We hold monthly meetings, featuring talks from guest speakers, and offer opportunities to learn and get involved in fieldwork in the local area.
- 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 - Founded in 1889, The Thoresby Society has a long-established library and archive collection, including historical records, maps, newspapers, and images, provides a varied programme of monthly talks and summer excursions, and publishes original research on aspects of Leeds history in its highly regarded annual publication.
- Towton Battlefield Society - The society has three main objectives: the preservation, protection and promotion of Towton Battlefield.
- Yorkshire Archaeological & Historical Society - The Yorkshire Archaeological & 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 grants and through events, lectures, and excursions.