Living History Festivals and why they are so good!

Recently we went to the Living History Fayre in Chester, a wonderful event at St John the Baptist Church. A meeting of re-enactors covering all different historical periods from World War II to the Napoleonic Wars and the Roman era.

Many tents had been set up around the church with displays and living history camps representing soldiers from England, Russia and Germany. Inside the church were armour displays around the Saxon stone crosses, musicians playing whilst home-made cake was offered and members of the Napoleon contingent :) The detail throughout the fayre is extremely authentic and you can immerse yourself in these bygone times, what better way for children to learn. There is so much to see but it was fairly quiet! Why, why, why!? For a Sunday afternoon in Chester this should have been buzzing. There were characters such as an old bobby on the beat walking around the city to tell people and there were certainly plenty milling around but alas the church was quiet. As a lover of history this made me a little sad, so I'm here to tell you how amazing Living History events are and why you should go to one if you have the chance.




1. Living History Fairs are unique opportunities to learn about different eras, sometimes there are several centuries shown in one place, so like the Chester event you can learn about the Medieval period then turn a corner and you're in a World War II camp. You are experiencing history and connecting with the past, it gives us the opportunity to understand people, how life has changed and how society came to be as it is today. Living history is a valuable educational tool that's quite often free (like this one was) and easily accessible. 


2. See authentic costumes, beautifully made to show you exactly how they looked and were worn in their day.The costumes cost a lot of money, no expense spared and those that wear them are passionate about detail.  A friend of mine is involved with Battle of Waterloo re-enactments and his uniform and other bits of kit and weaponry has cost well over a thousand pounds. Most are hand made and the historical accuracy really brings the subject to life. For example, when looking how to dress as a medieval lady, manuscripts may have been consulted to see what the illustrations show.

Image source

{One observation - it would have been nice to see more female re-enactors at the fayre!}

3. Chat with enthusiastic people about history. The knowledge of the people here is immense. They know the dates, the stories, can tell you all about the outfits and the weapons. There are role plays to watch and those involved wander around completely in character with the accents and mannerisms.


4. See traditional techniques such as crafting, wood working, cooking and doing the daily chores. Have a look at forgotten arts and the tremendous skills that would have been involved. The man in the image below is wood turning. Learn about different trades and a glimpse into the lives of people from the past and the roles of men, women and children.

5. There are hands-on opportunities to explore armour and weapons such as longbows, arrows,  gauntlets and swords. Combat demonstrations will give you an appreciation of how people lived and fought, of how physically strong and skillfull they were.

6. Hear historic music being performed and look at the different instruments. Dance along with the pilgrim bagpipers or the  accordion.


7. Learn about and sample historic food. In the encampments see food being prepared the way they did in a particular time period. The camps are full of artefacts that give you a real sense of the past. An interactive experience with all the sights and smells. (excuse the cuddly pig and horse in the picture below - that might have been a step too far for a church in the city to have real ones! )

8. History is entertainment. Battle re-enactments are good fun to watch and chatting with the Duke of Wellington whilst a crusader walks on by or a Roman's having his lunch is quite humorous. What better to stir the imagination and put a smile upon faces. Seeing history come alive this way grabs children's attention and put the flesh on the bones of the history books and lessons. Often whole families are involved in re-enactments events, extremely committed to bringing the past to life for us to enjoy.  9. One of my favourites - the opportunity to buy a little bit of history. Specialists come to these fairs so whether you'd like a reproduction of some period clothing, World War II ephemera or books, here is your best bet.

10. Discover the historical locations they are held at too. In this case a church where we saw Medieval wall paintings, effigies of knights and the ruins of a chapel after the Dissolution of the Monasteries.


Learn more:
Living History Fayre Chester 2013
Living History events
Living History Forum