Historia Normannis

Last updated
Historia Normannis
Founded2003
LocationUnited Kingdom, Canada, France
Period Middle Ages
Speciality Combat reenactment, living history, educational visits
Number of members550 +
Member groups35 +
Website www.normannis.co.uk

Historia Normannis is a 12th-century reenactment society, primarily based in the UK. It currently has around ~40 active 'cells' across the UK, and a cell group in Brittany, France. The society has an active membership of around 600, making it one of the largest societies in the UK. The group's primary focus is on the period 1135–1215. The society usually hosts a large event in the first weekend in May.

Contents

While originating in 2003 as an informal project, Historia Normannis was reformed in 2008 with a formal approach to reenactment, focussing on accuracy. [1]

Activities

The society's members work on a range of displays often either as living history or combat . They work to portray authentic 12th century individuals with different ranks indicating their level in society. [2] [3]

Through the summer months, the society often take part in shows for the general public. [4] [5]

Historia Normannis also takes part in media appearanes; In 2015 they featured in Episode 4 of the UKTV series, Weekend Warriors, [6] which followed the group's build-up to their annual event at Whittington Castle in Shropshire.

Membership

The society accepts new members through any of the currently active cell groups in the UK and France. Details about joining can be found on the group's website. [7] Many members are recruited in university as the group often has university-based societies.

References

  1. "Historia Normannis - Normannis Wiki". wiki.normannis.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-08-31.
  2. Holmes, Wesley (2022-11-06). "Medieval knights surprise walkers in Sefton Park". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 2025-08-31.
  3. Forgrave, Andrew (2022-01-23). "Place where it's OK to carry a blade, shoot people and maim strangers". North Wales Live. Retrieved 2025-08-31.
  4. "Historia Normannis - Pembroke Castle". https://pembrokecastle.co.uk/ . Retrieved 2025-08-31.{{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  5. "Historia Normannis". Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre. Retrieved 2025-08-31.
  6. Weekend Warriors on UKTV Website
  7. Normannis' Website