War..Huh...What is good for...people who enjoy re-enactment really.

In the words of the song, by Edwin Starr. 

War, huh, Yeah, What is it good for, absolutely nothing, Uh Huh.

Although, yesterday this was proved wrong as it was good for something. It is good for the 6,000 people who I am told are member of the Sealed Knot . There are those of us, whose hobbies tend to be more sedate in nature; Reading, Gardening, making ships out of matchsticks and then there are those who believe that a weekend could not be complete without charging into some one else behind a 30ft ash pike, dressed as a time traveller from the 17th Century. I am, sadly, not one of these individuals as the idea of camping that frequently fills me with dread. Let alone how you tie down a pike or a halberd to the roof bars of a Ford Fusion.

But thanks must go to those individuals who, do, want to live that lifestyle and be truly passionate about their hobby. And I guess be passionate about that 'Period' of English History to want to spend their time and their money taking part in re-enactments, for the entertainment of others. Credit, where credit is due I say. Not only was the event very good value, compared to other venues and events. But it provided a lot to everyone really. More so than most others. Those who wish to see the armies of the time firing muskets and cannon. Pikemen, engaging in battle and descending into a push and shove. 

Push and Shove

Cavalry riding through lines, horses sat motionless when all around the loud discharge of canon rings across the field. 

Royalist Cavalry sit and wait, while the canon goes bang.

Truly entertaining stuff. But it's not all just blood and thunder. It also has a more sedate side that was as interesting and that's what anoraks call 'Living History'. They also dress and display the tools and the lifestyle of the more common folk, who lived at that time but also, from age memorial followed the army around as part of the baggage train. From horrific medical provision's of the 17th Century, no penicillin, no anaesthetic, no real skill so essentially butchery style medicines. 'If it can't be leeched, it can be chopped off' could well seem up medical knowledge at this point in time.

So, on an adjacent field they had a good dozen tents put up showing different aspects of the lifestyle and culture of the times. From weapon making to cooking to even 'faith' with a tent showing, I think, a mobile chapel, here;