Introduction
The Red Wyvern Society seeks to re-create as many aspects as possible of life in
the period 1400-1500. This period covers the end of the Hundred Years' War and the period known in England as the "Wars of the Roses"
when there was a civil war between the Households of Lancaster and of York, which
resulted in major battles between contenders for the throne, and minor skirmishes
between lesser members of the nobility. The situation was no less turbulent in continental
Europe, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.
The purpose of the Red Wyvern Society is to bring these troubled, yet fascinating
times, back to life. This is done principally through presenting Living History
and Battle Re-Enactments. The Society usually depicts the Clifford Household - one
of the most powerful in England at the time. The Society takes its name from the
Red Wyvern, a mythical two-headed and two-legged beast which was the heraldic symbol
of the Cliffords.
During this period the Clifford family were Lords of Westmorland with extensive
lands in Cumberland, Westmorland, and Yorkshire, including such castles as Brougham,
Appleby, and Skipton, and the Port of Hartlepool. They played a major part in the
Hundred Years' War and the Wars of the Roses on the Lancastrian side, and in the Scottish wars; and were closely
allied with the Percy Earls of Northumberland. In 1415 lord John Clifford was on the Battle of Agincourt. In the 1440s lord Thomas Clifford fought in many campaigns in France. In 1455 Thomas, Lord Clifford, was
killed at the Battle of St Albans, and his son John Clifford, known as "The Butcher"
avenged his father's death at the Battle of Wakefield in 1460 by killing both the
Duke of York, and his son the Earl of Rutland, only to be killed himself on the
eve of the Battle of Towton in 1461. His brother, Sir Roger Clifford, survived the
Battle of Towton, only to be executed in 1485 by Richard III. John Clifford's son
Henry Clifford was dispossessed and went into hiding until 1472 when he made his
peace with the Yorkist King Edward IV, and lived as a Gentleman at Londesbrough
in East Yorkshire. In 1485, when Henry VII won the Battle of Bosworth, Henry Clifford
was restored to all his father's estates, and played a prominent role, especially
in the North of England, during the early Tudor period.
The Red Wyvern Society brings local connections with the Cliffords to life wherever
possible. However, the Society is also willing to depict other households, where
this is more appropriate. For example, we depicted an encampment of the Black Douglas’s
at Dumfries in 2002.
The Red Wyvern Society is a member of the National Association of Re-Enactment Societies.
What Is To Be Seen At A Red Wyvern Society Event?
The Red Wyvern Society's re-creation of the late fifteenth century can include:
- An authentic encampment including medieval people of all walks of life, medieval
domestic equipment, authentic cooking, crafts (including cordwaining and woodwork),
music, mumming plays, dance, archery, arms and armour, and many other activities.
Examples of some of these can be seen in the
Photo Gallery
- Demonstrations of Military Life, including how soldiers of different types are armed
and equipped, drill, fighting with various different pole-arms and swords.
- Demonstrations of archery with the longbow and crossbow.
- Re-Enactments often incorporate a story-line in which all activities are related
to the events being depicted during the day. For example, in June 2002 we re-enacted
a Royal Visit to Skipton Castle and members of the public were able to meet King
Henry VI and Queen Margaret along with members of their court
- The public are encouraged to be involved as far as practicable in the events by
being able to talk to the re-enactors, and to view and handle reproduction weapons
and other objects.
- We are also able to present innovative historical interpretation. For example, we
have presented a trial of King Edward IV for treason and war crimes on the eve of
the anniversary of the Battle of Towton.
What Is The Mission Of The Red Wyvern Society
The Red Wyvern Society:-
- Is an historical re-enactment society whose objectives are to re-create as many
aspects as possible of life in the late fifteenth century for the enjoyment and
education of its members and the general public;
- Re-creates life in the fifteenth century, through living history, reproductions
of fifteenth century artefacts, crafts, mock battles, presentations, and other
appropriate means;
- Strives for the highest standards of authenticity in costume, equipment, conduct,
and activities;
- Is non-profit making with all income used to defray expenditure and purchase equipment.
How Does A Red Wyvern Society Event Relate To The National Curriculum?
A Red Wyvern Society event relates to the National Curriculum. In particular:
- At Key Stage One (ages 5-7) "pupils should be given opportunities to develop awareness
of the past and of the ways in which it was different from the present... Pupils
should be taught about the everyday life, work, leisure, and culture of men, women,
and children in the past, e.g. clothes, diet, everyday objects... entertainment."
- At Key Stage Two (ages 7-11) "pupils should be taught about... the way of life of
people at different levels of society."
- At Key Stage Three (ages 11-14) "pupils should be taught about...some of the major
features of Britain's medieval past, including... the ways of life of the peoples
of the British Isles... Relations of the Monarchy with the Church, Barons, and People...
including the Wars of the Roses... (and) relations with other countries, e.g. Henry
VI in France."
- A Red Wyvern Society event can also be related to a GCSE History syllabus.
What better way to achieve this than 'time travel' to a Red Wyvern Society event
at an historic site?
It is also possible for members of the Red Wyvern Society to do demonstrations in
schools, or to Local History Societies or other relevant groups.
What Has The Red Wyvern Society Done?
The Red Wyvern Society's first event was in September 1996. Since then, the Society
has held events at many venues including those listed below, some annually or even
more frequently:
- Appleby Castle
- Berwick on Tweed, Commemoration of the Union of the Crowns (Berwick on Tweed Borough
Council)
- Border History Museum, Hexham (Tynedale District Council)
- Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle (Durham County Council)
- Brougham Castle (English Heritage)
- Dumfries and Galloway College, Border Gathering
- Fell Foot Park (National Trust)
- Kendal Castle (South Lakeland District Council)
- Kirkstall Abbey (Leeds City Council)
- Muncaster Castle
- Pontefract Castle (Wakefield City Council)
- St. Chad’s Chapel, Romiley (Stockport Borough Council)
- Sheffield Manor
- Skipton Castle
The Red Wyvern Society can undertake a limited amount of publicity prior to events,
but our events often attract coverage by local newspapers, local radio, and regional
television. The Society also appeared on the BBC2 television series 'War Walks'.
All of our events have proved very successful and have been enjoyed by crowds of
over 4,000 people over a weekend. All activities are planned and carried out in
ways that ensure that there is no risk to the public. The Society is also fully
insured. See our section on Upcoming Events for exampls of our seminars and programmes.
How Can I Get A Red Wyvern Society Event To My Venue?
Events are usually held between the months of April and September, but can also
be held at other times. They are normally over a weekend period or three day events
over bank holiday weekends.
We request a reasonable fee to cover expenses, and we can give specific quotes where
a venue has a specific requirement.
We are currently putting together our Events programmes for 2008, and our diary
is beginning to fill. To secure the date that you want for your event, we recommend
that you contact us as soon as possible.
If you would like to have us at your event then please get in touch using any of
the methods on our
Contact Us page. We look forward to hearing from you.