Question 1

What do you reenact?

Accepted Answer

We reenact a military encampment in England and Europe during the later half of the 13th century.
However, we also participate in events from 1066-1314, seeing in the Norman Invasion under William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings and the Scottish Wars of Independence with the Battle of Bannockburn.

Question 2

Where do you practice?

Accepted Answer

West Rugby Club, Hartlepool. (Back Field, away from the main road)
Follow the dirt path on the left through the large gate. If we're there, you'll see our sign.

Question 3

When do you practice?

Accepted Answer

Every Sunday (but get in contact to make sure, circumstances change!)
14:00 - 16:00
We recommend arriving at roughly 13:30 for your first time.

Question 4

What / How / Why do you practice?

Accepted Answer

Vanguard's specific fighting style requires training to achieve a level of competency and safety.
 
We train with two systems of combat: competitive and show style.
 
Competitive training is a more sport-based method of training for on-target strikes.
Show style gives fighters the practice to use more flair and more dramatic strikes.

Question 5

Do I need to bring anything?

Accepted Answer

All you need for your first day is comfortable clothes and a drink (preferably water).
What you find comfortable is up to you: jeans, shorts or joggers. Anything goes.

Question 6

What will I be using and wearing?

Accepted Answer

We'll provide you with a helmet, gambeson (a padded jacket) and hard-leather gloves.
 
Your focus at first will be training with a sword, training your muscle-memory with a balanced weapon. As you progress, we'll give access to shields, spears, maces and other weapons.

Question 7

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Incredibly! The likelyhood of injury is incredibly slim due to several factors:
we pull our blows; we train to score points against our opponent, not to leave us too bruised and bloodied to return to work!
fighting style - We're trained in a very specific and largely unique system.
protective gear - Trust the equipment, it will protect you.
new people dont fight eachother - for the first few weeks you'll only find yourselves against people already trained and safe with the style.

Question 8

What are shows like?

Accepted Answer

During shows we're hired to put on a display for the duration of an event. Our authentic camp, where you will be spending your time between combat displays, is a display in and of itself. We accomplish this by ensuring everything inside of the ropeline is authentic to the period.
 
The tasks that need completing means the display makes itself:
Someone will be cutting wood for the fire
Debearing swords and axes with a whetstone
Repairing ripped clothing
Practicing combat skills
Cooking meals over the fire, and preparing food
While we take pride in our living history, our true pride will always be our combat. During the combat displays, we will often have the following:
Dress the Knight - Audience watches as the Knight is armoured and armed for a tournament.
Knightly Duel - Knights with distinctive personalities and combat styles clash.
Serjeant Clash - One or a team of Serjeants, professional soldiers and mercenaries of the age, fight for their Knight's honour and favour.
Household Melee - Knights and their full retinue all clash in a bid to beat the opposing Household.
Grand Melee - All fighters will fight in a free for all.

FAQ