Living History Events - 2023

​Click here to find out more about our living history work or click here to meet our team of living historians and contributors. 
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    Two weekend events at Sutton Hoo, date tba.
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​If you're interested in booking the Thegns for an event in 2023-24 do get in touch !  Click: Contact 

  • 3rd-4th of December 2022         Yule at Sutton Hoo  ​'Join Anglo-Saxon living history group Thegns of Mercia as they turn the High Hall exhibition building into an Anglo-Saxon feasting hall. Discover what this time of year meant to Anglo-Saxons living 1500 years ago through the objects they left behind and find out where many of our traditions came from in this special weekend of living history.'  Included with normal admission. 10:30-16:00   - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/sutton-hoo/yule-at-sutton-hoo#cb-6115065-0         
  • 11th of September 2022                    TAMWORTH CASTLE  - Marking the acquisition of, and unveiling a die used to produce decoration for making early Anglo-Saxon helmets, discovered locally, this public event will include demonstrations of the pressblech technique by our team. Other activities will include recitals of Beowulf. http://www.visittamworth.co.uk/saxon-die-public-launch. Activities from 11:00-15:00.   Included with normal admission 10-16:00.​
 
  • 15th of September 2022                    TAMWORTH CASTLE  - "The Secret Legacy of Aethelflaed";   A talk by Aed Thompson about Aethelfaed - the Lady of the Mercians and the concept of "female kingship". Research focusing on evidence around the lifetime of Aethelfaed has revealed some novel discoveries in the Saxon Chronicles which might fundamentally change the story of how Wessex and Mercia became 'England' in the 920s, and it all hinges around events in Tamworth.  Admission time: Doors are 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. The talk is expected to last for 90 minutes with an optional 30 minutes at the end for any questions.   Admission: £12.50  Purchase tickets online www.tamworthcastle.co.uk or call 01827 709618
     http://www.visittamworth.co.uk/secret-legacy-aethelflaed
 
  • 27-29th of August 2022             SUTTON HOO -  Making up for lost time, a three-day extravaganza at the UK's foremost early Anglo-Saxon archaeological site, in support of the special temporary exhibition "Swords of Kingdoms", displaying items from Sutton Hoo, the Staffordshire Hoard, and Norwich Castle Museum collection for the very first time.  Expect a full Anglo-Saxon encampment, displays of reconstructed treasures, craft demonstrations, and a programme packed with talks and performances. Included in normal admission; visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo . 
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  • 22nd of May 2022                    Tamworth Castle - Evening talk: "Secret Meanings in Early Anglo-Saxon Art" by Aed Thompson, & announcement / unveiling event. (Private Function)
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  • 28-29th of May 2022                    SUTTON HOO -  Our triumphal return to our favourite site after almost three years away! One of our biggest solo-shows of the year at the UK's foremost early Anglo-Saxon archaeological site, this time in support of the special temporary exhibition "Swords of Kingdoms", displaying items from Sutton Hoo, the Staffordshire Hoard, and Norwich Castle Museum collection for the very first time.  Expect a full Anglo-Saxon encampment, displays of reconstructed treasures, craft demonstrations, and a programme packed with talks and performances. Included in normal admission; visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo . 
 
  • 22nd of May 2022                    Tamworth Castle - Evening workshops on jewellerymaking and bladesmithing. (Private Function)
   
  • 17-18th of July 2021 - Nottingham Castle - "Founding of Nottingham - Saxons and Vikings" - An event exploring the 'Dark Age' history of Nottingham - homestead of the folk of Snotta. The Thegns will be providing a 6-7th century camp and series of displays representing the time in which the settlement was likely founded. 
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