MCS Training Events

Why?

We train every fortnight in the winter months and practice at events to ensure we give performances that are safe as well as enjoyable to the general public. It is also a great opporunity to mix with other members of the society to ensure we all work together to produce the best show we can.

Who?

Our Combat, Archery and Dance masters have been studying their crafts for a number of years both in the society and in their real lives. They will support your efforts to improve your particular skills.

Combat

Thomas Montacute, 4th Earl of Salisbury and Sir Walter of Mersea make sure our knights, Men at Arms and squires are combat ready.

" The Medieval Combat Society uses the FAST style of fighting. There are specific target areas, we learn to pull our blows and we do not choreograph our fights. We fight against armoured opponents with rebated (blunt) blades and other weapons in keeping with the period. We work with each other to provide entertaining fights for an audience. Essentially, we do not aim to actually hurt each other or really compete to win. We can take complete beginners and start teaching the basics at their first training session. As with many things, the more practice you get, the better you become."

Archery

My Lord Thomas Hatfield currently guides our archers.

"We train a whole range of people from complete novices through to modern compound bow archers. We shoot in the style of medieval longbow and we expect that you will progress to a stage where you are accurate shooting intuitive style. We consider that our archers are trained to a level of safety to protect members of the public and fellow archers. Our archery master and trainers have a wealth of knowledge and experience and they are happy to pass it on. Archery is amazing fun to both participate in and watch. Don’t forget, we shoot not fire!"

Dance

My Lady Ella of Lacock oversees the training of dance in the society.

"You don't have to be a dancer to join in the dance training at MCS. We work from historical sources (Playford, Arbeau etc) to recreate dances of a broad medieval period, including circle dances, formal court dances, and rowdy miming dances, which mostly have very simple steps. We work on show pieces that we demonstrate to audiences, and we also learn some dances which we then use for audience participation. It's great for getting children young and old involved. We aim to have fun and entertain our audiences."

We also have a range of advisors who will help you with understanding what kind of armour, weapons and costumes are correct for our time period and how to make or buy them.

Interested?

Want to join in? Find out more on our membership page, then get in touch with our secretary or look on our Facebook page and we will get back to you ASAP.

Want to book us? See more on our bookings page or contact our Bookings Officer via e-mail.