Welcome to the Medieval Combat Society
Join us for fun weekends, you don’t need to have any skills or knowledge and can take part in one or all of our main areas of interest, bring your own skills, or just come along for the fun of the events and to meet us all. We do displays of archery, combat, dancing, set to a backdrop of medieval living history tents and crafts. You choose how much you want to be involved.
JOIN US: members@themcs.org
Archery
We will teach you how to shoot the traditional English Longbow, often made of yew and a formidable weapon of the fourteenth century. We also shoot the medieval crossbow at training and events and shows.
If you already have some skill with the longbow, join us for a try out to join our display team, and show how the longbow was used.
Combat
We fight with a minimum of helm and gauntlets with armour and weapons of the 14th century. We use a free form combat to make the fights fun, entertaining to watch and above all safe. Starting off as a squire or man-at-arms you can work up to knighthood within the society. We regularly train to ensure we are safe and are able to put on a good display of combat, performing in front of the public keeps us on our toes!
Experienced combatants are also welcome to join us.
Medieval Dancing
We perform a variety of medieval dances used by different walks of life from the upper classes to the lower classes. We dance in front of the public as a display, but also at our private banquets. Off season we practice all the dances and learn new ones. We also warmly welcome anyone who has any previous medieval dancing experience.
Living History
Bring a skill or trade to the society or perhaps learn from our very approachable members. Any medieval profession, trade or skill would be most welcome, perhaps you may play a musical instrument, have carpentry skills, embroidery, armourer, apothecary, how much you wish to take part is entirely up to you.
Questions?
How do I get started? Below we have some frequently asked questions to guide your early days. The first thing not to do is rush out and buy the wrong kit, so do talk to us or come along and see us at an event.
Do I need Medieval Clothes?
Yes, modern clothing and accoutrements are not permitted, speak to our members about what you may need before rushing out to buy anything.
Is there a membership fee?
Yes we charge an annual membership fee that helps pay for things such as our public liability insurance.
Can I bring a plastic tent?
Yes, most of our events allow a plastic camping area, it depends on where we are performing and full details are sent out to members.
Are families welcome?
Yes we are a family society and have many families within the society.
Where do you do events?
We have performed across England, Wales and Europe for special events. Loosely we do events from the South Coast to the midlands and from Mid Wales to the East coast.
Do I need any experience?
No, we can train you in many of the skills, or we can help renew old skills and always welcome people willing to teach what they know.
How old do I need to be?
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Combatants must be 16 to train and 18 to fight in tournaments.
How do I find out more?
send us an email and our membership secretary will get in touch.