Grantanbrycg

These images were taken just last weekend at Leominster Priory, where we were proud to take part in a Viking Age fashion show as part of a major Regia Anglorum event.

The spotlight is on two of Grantanbrycg's younger members stepping out in style, and seeing the next generation bring history to life. These outfits capture a fascinating period in English history when Scandinavian and English cultures lived side by side.

Both are wearing beautifully crafted Hedeby-style costumes, one of the most important trading centres of the Viking Age. They are wearing Scandinavian apron dresses (smokkr) over linen shifts, fastened with distinctive tortoiseshell brooches and completed with authentic details such as bead strings, woven cords and hanging knives.

As an Anglo-Danish re-enactment group, these costumes tell an important story of migration, settlement and cultural exchange in 10th-century England. They represent members of the Anglo-Danish communities that emerged across England following Scandinavian settlement.

If you look closely at their bead strands, you will spot some a Thor's hammer pendant on one and a silver Arabic coin, known as a dirham on another. This was repurposed as jewellery after it travelled thousands of miles from the Islamic world into Scandinavia, and then England through trade and gift.

Grantanbrycg is a family re-enactment group, and seeing the next generation bring history to life with such enthusiasm and dedication is what our society is all about.

Want to step back in time with us? Grantanbrycg is always welcoming new members, families and individuals alike.

Whether you are interested in authentic crafts, combat or living history, there is a place for everyone. Message us to find out how you can get involved.

Grantanbrycg joins Lindcolne Skipfierde, Suðfolc Gesiþas and Norðfolc this weekend 23rd - 25th May at Castle Rising's Black Knight Historical - Soldiers Through the Ages. The event reenacts 2000 years of soldering and living history.

The four Regia Anglorum groups thrilled the crowds with an entertaining reenactment of a confrontation between Anglo Dane and Anglo Saxon Thanes over land rights. The Saxon challenger, a Thane by birthright, risks all to reclaim his father's lands only to pay the ultimate price.

One of my favourite photos from Knights, Queens and Time Machines - A Living History Event , a combat display moment with Grantanbrycg at Kimbolton Castle.

If you were there too, I’d love to hear what your favourite bit of the weekend was: a moment, a person, the food, the shopping, the weather behaving itself… (with that small exception on Saturday night).

Photo credit: me. Display credit: them. If you spot yourself and would like a tag, shout and I will add it.

Grantanbrycg had a strong and engaging presence at Kimbolton Castle’s History Alive living history event over the Sunday and Monday, bringing the early medieval period vividly to life for visitors.

Set in the year 1070, just after the Norman Conquest, our display explored a moment of real change and uncertainty in England’s history. Through both combat and living history, we aimed to show not only how people fought, but how they lived.

In the arena, our warriors delivered dynamic and entertaining displays of early medieval combat. With spear, shield, and sword, they demonstrated the realities of warfare while keeping the crowds fully engaged with a mix of skill, storytelling, and character. The performances were well received, with strong audience interaction throughout.

Away from the arena, our living history camp offered a detailed and immersive look at daily life. Food was a central part of the display, reflecting the diet of the period, including maslin bread and spring dairy and herb cheese, nettle fritters, and herb and barley pottage. These dishes helped bring the camp to life and gave a real sense of the flavours of 11th-century England.

Kimbolton Castle provided an excellent setting for the event, and it was a pleasure to be part of what is clearly a show with strong potential for the future. We look forward to returning next year.

Members of Grantanbrycg thrilled the crowds in the Ely Eel Day Arena on Saturday with Anglo Saxon & Viking combat re-enactment. The encampment hosted members of the public interested in medieval life demonstrating fishing, craft, games and of course the battle gear of the times.

Members of Grantanbrycg at Wychurst at War this weekend. The date was set in the aftermath of the Norman invasion. The group joined forces to defend the palisades from Saxon rebels. Blessings were given by our curate Wilfrid, and our youngest warrior was ransomed after a battle hard fought.

In the early medieval period, pottery would often have been fired on a large scale in pit kilns. These kilns were made by digging a shallow pit, which was filled with the various wares to be fired. The dug earth or clay could then be used to construct an igloo-shaped lid over the pit, using simple ceramic cylinders, or green hazel for support.

On a smaller scale, a simple pit, over which a fire can be built, is sufficient to fire most heavily grogged clays. These ancient and primitive "pit firings" emerged as a technique in the neolithic, and were the de facto method for producing ceramics for much of human history.

Depriving the firing clay of oxygen produces a reduction reaction, in which the mineralised iron oxide in the clay is stripped of oxygen, leaving a higher proportion of magnetite minerals in the surface. A few of the cups that were fired here were placed inside the large foundry that was also being fired, this has the effect of reducing the amount of oxygen available to them during the firing, and producing a striking black colour.

Midwinter is the season of festivities. Whether it's Saturnalia, Yule or Christmas, those long cold nights are made bearable by good food, friendship, and a warm fire. At Grantanbrycg, we celebrate midwinter with our own Yule feast in the spectacular surrounds of Wychurst.

If you'd like a seat at the mead bench next winter, then why not reach out and get involved by visiting https://www.grantanbrycg.co.uk/contact