Medieval Combat Society

The Medieval Combat Society

The MCS was originally formed in 1970, and is one of the oldest tournament Historical reenactment groups in the United Kingdom today. The object of the Society is to have fun whilst entertaining the Public and generate an interest in the History of Britain. The MCS is a member of the Early Medieval Alliance (EMA), and has approximately 60 members from all over the UK and all walks of life. The society is friendly and family orientated with some families of 3 generations taking part, and roles for members of all ages.

King Edward III (1327-1377) and his son Edward of Woodstock, more popularly known as Edward the Black Prince, held many Chivalric foot tournaments or Pas d'Armes of Chivalry for the Nobility and Knights, which the MCS recreates, complete with all its pomp and pageantry. It was a time when England lay claim to the throne of France, with victories at the Battle of Crécy 1346, the and the Naval Battle of Sluys 1340, the time of Chaucer, the founding of the Order of the Garter, with its Saint George day tournaments but also the start of The Hundred Years' War and the Black Death killing up to half of England's population.

The MCS are proud of an exemplary safety record with their Combat reenactment, giving safe enjoyable re-enactment Tournaments. Squires often train for one to two years before becoming Knights who take part in free form, non-choreographed full contact combat, clad in armour and using a variety of weaponry, authentic to the period. The Society encourages both male and female members to train to fight, and are encouraged to expand their medieval personalities & skills in many ways, including; archery, authenticity, costume, dance, music and fighting. There are many characters that can be played by the members and some have more than one character such as Royalty, Nobility, Wenching, Clergy and many more.

The Society have performed reenactments at many major venues throughout the UK, Castles, Manor Houses, Museums, on film (, the History Channel) as well as Schools, Educational displays, Corporate events, Carnivals, Charity events, Festivals, Weddings, Birthday parties as well as multi group events. The displays vary from small street shows, where space is limited, to a full size arena with a backdrop and foot tournament. Outside of the tournament the group practices medieval dancing, music, archery and banquets, complete with Mead.

During the winter months the group spends every other Sunday at fight practice where members get together and train.

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