Getting Involved

Living history is a thoroughly enriching pursuit, giving audiences the enchanting experience of being transported back in time.  For those actively involved, living history can be an adventure - providing opportunities to actively explore history, learn crafts, experience nights round a hearthfire in a meadhall, build firm friendships and pick up knowledge and valuable skills along the way. 

The Thegns are a growing group, welcoming and supportive to new members. If you have a firm interest in the Anglo-Saxon and Viking periods, and a desire to get hands-on, why not get involved?

Who can Join?
We welcome potential new members of all ages.   Although some of our members are, or have been students of history or archaeology, this is by no means essential, and anyone with a clear interest in the period and a desire to get 'hands-on' is welcome to get involved.   Living history or reenactment experience is not essential. 
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​Most of the Thegns' activities take place in the English Midlands, and thus most of our members are from this region.  However, members from further afield, able to travel to events, are welcome to join.    

We also offer "Associate Member" status to individuals keen to contribute in some way, but who, usually for reasons of geography, are not able to regularly take part in events.  

Investing in You
One of the biggest roadblocks for getting involved in living history is authentic costume being a minimum requirement.  We understand that the upfront cost of time and money involved can be prohibitive. Unlike many groups, we therefore take a different approach; costume is not essential for involvement, and at most events we typically have a few members not in period dress, but proudly wearing t-shirts bearing our logo.    These members are able to take part as fully as those in costume. 
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For members wanting to develop costumed impressions, the Thegns typically do whatever possible to support their efforts, with advice, research materials, contacts, and, for items to be made by hand, practical help.  

Prior expertise in a particular field or craft is not essential, and our members do whatever possible to support new members in finding their niche and gain new skills and knowledge. All members are encouraged to get involved in our 'Within-Group Learning Progamme' of learning and craft days, share knowledge, and take part in discussions in our ' Leorninghús' online knowledge & idea-sharing network. 
Take the First Step

If you are interested in getting involved, and becoming a member of the Thegns of Mercia, don't hesitate to contact us using this form and introduce yourself.   
Please include information about;
  • ​Where you are based
  • Any previous experience, qualifications or skills
  • What aspects of the period particularly interest you
  • Why you would like to be involved with the Thegns in particular.

Once your message is received, we will typically contact you to discuss things further.  

We often encourage potential new members to meet us at our events to learn more, in person, about what we do, or in our 'quiet season' may seek to arrange for you to meet with a couple of our members to discuss things further.