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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!

Two re-enactors in medieval armour carrying swords and shields demonstrate medieval combat techniques in front of a packed crowd in an outdoor arena.

Combat demonstration, IMC 2022

Thursday 04 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 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.

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.

A woman holds a baby owl at Making Leeds Medieval 2018

Historical & Archaeological Societies Fair

Thursday 04 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 include:

  • Medieval Dress and Textiles Society (MEDATS) - MEDATS hold a variety of events through the year, both online and in person, dedicated to furthering the study of all aspects of medieval dress and textiles.
  • Monumental Brass Society - We promote the research, understanding and preservation of monumental brasses, one of the most common forms of surviving medieval memorials. With church visits, talks, journals and other benefits, membership will benefit those interested in monuments.
  • Scottish Society of Northern Studies - 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 is a volunteer run, community archaeology group, offering both practical experience of fieldwork in the local area, and monthly meetings with a variety of talks from guest speakers.
  • Towton Battlefield Society - The society has three main objectives: the preservation, protection and promotion of Towton Battlefield.
  • The Battlefields Trust - The Battlefields Trust is a volunteer-run registered charity dedicated to the protection, promotion and interpretation of Britain’s battlefields.
  • The Thoresby Society, The Historical Society for Leeds - The Thoresby Society publishes original research on aspects of Leeds history and will be displaying copies of its publications, particularly those relating to Kirkstall Abbey and the Manor of Leeds.
  •  The Yorkshire Heraldry Society - The Yorkshire Heraldry Society is a not-for-profit society for the study of the art and science of heraldry and relevant genealogy, by lectures, visits and symposia.
  • West Yorkshire Archaeological Service - The West Yorkshire Archive Service collects and looks after the unique documentary heritage of the region. We have five district offices - Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
  •  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.