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Know
your Jousters
Who's Who of
Re-enactment Groups
Quick links to:
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Companie of Knights
Bachelor
The Companie of Knights Bachelor portray the lifestyle, culture and
combat of the Crusaders in the Holy Lands during the time of King
Richard the Lion Heart. Contact Michelle Barton
email:
michelleb@greencrossvet.com.au
http://www.geocities..com/knights_bachelor/
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Companye of Northumbria
The Companye of Northumbria portrays the period 1066 to 1215, an age
where England became England. They welcome everyone to their camp for an
in depth introduction to the life and crafts of ordinary people living
in an extraordinary time.
email:
craigglasby@hotmail.com
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Company Of The Wolf
Company of the Wolf, representing
a free Mercenary company from the High Middle ages. Company of the
Wolf displays a timeline of the great warring periods of the middle
ages, from the later Crusading period of 1250, through the Hundred Years
War, to the end of the War of the Roses and Bosworth Field in 1485.
As fits a collection of the finest hired blades in Europe, our ranks
include members representative of the landless nobility, down to humble
foot soldiers, and camp followers, drawn from across Western Europe.
Email:
aubrey.wilkins@bigpond.com
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Condottieri
is a group
dedicated to recreating the look and feel of an Italian mercenary
encampment in the year 1480. Various aspects of the lives of the
nobility, knights, soldiers, craftsmen and camp followers are brought to
life for the entertainment and enjoyment of all. This includes, but is
not limited to, the clothes they wore, the foods they ate, the games and
entertainments they enjoyed, their arts and crafts and their military
and martial skills.
If you are
looking for a fun and friendly environment in which to experience the
early Renaissance please contact us:
by email:
enquiries@condottieri.com.au or
through our
website at http://www.condottieri.com.au
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Cottereaux
Cottereaux - Company of the Dagger
portrays life on the road for a group of travelling knights, their
men-at-arms and their squires. The group have a predominantly
European background with a smattering of mercenaries from far and wide.
They are travelling through to the 4th Crusade, which was the sacking of
Constantinople. The year is 1204AD. The name is derived from
a French word meaning ‘dagger’. The carrying of a dagger as
personal weapon became synonymous with mercenaries.
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Das
Törichte Leben
Törichte Leben is a late-medieval living
history group where individuals endeavour to re-enact daily life in the
Swiss Cantons circa 1477. Das Törichte Leben takes its name from a band
of discontented free citizens from the Canton of Zug during the
Burgundian Wars (1474-77). Citizens from surrounding Cantons joined the
band and marched on Geneva to demand payment for services during the
wars. This band took the name "Das Törichte Leben" (German for "The
Foolish Life"), and adopted the Saubanner depicting a large sow as their
emblem, as a symbol of discontent. Each group member researches
and displays a medieval trade or life skill they are interested in such
food, pottery, leatherwork, metalwork and the skills required to get
through a late 15th Century day. We also research and display the
military skills associated with the confederate soldier in medieval
Switzerland. These include pole-arms drill, sword work, gunnery and
archery. If you have an interest in what we do or would like us to
perform at an event please contact us.
email: dtllhg@optusnet.com.au
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Dragon's Lair
The Vikings have landed in
Gympie, but instead of pillaging and burning, they are building
longhouses. This group is focused on the practical life skills of
the Vikings including building, carving, tablet weaving, leatherwork and
cooking.
Contact: Avril Petersen ph
(07) 5484 0030
Email:
cavernadraconis@bigpond.com
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Eslite d'Corps
A group who portrays the 14th
century period of 1350-1400AD, Eslite d'Corps pride themselves on high
quality performance and portrayal of individuals in an English knight's
retinue and household. Their activities include combat, arts, everyday
life and much more. Eslite d'Corps is the French medieval phrase for
"body of picked men". It's modern translation today means "the best in a
chosen field" giving the group two goals for its members to aspire to. Also known as EdC, they hope to serve as inspiration to other groups who
seek excellence in their chosen roles and performances.
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Harem Topkapi & The Tribes of the
Crescent Moon
Representing the
medieval Middle East - the peoples who opposed the European Crusaders
(successfully in most cases) in the name of Islam. The focus is mainly
on the Ottoman Turks and the Bedouin in the 1450-1550 period, with
representation from such other peoples as Persians, Egyptians and
Berbers.
The scene is that of celebration as a Vizier and his retinue arrives
from the Court of Kostantiniyye (Istanbul) to visit a trusted Bedouin
tribe to discuss local issues and confirm an alliance.
The Group is essentially one of entertainers - dancers and musicians who
perform some of the great variety of Middle Eastern dance and music, and
some aspects of Middle Eastern medieval culture (including costume and
customs) are provided by performances and activities at the Turkish
Pavilion and Bedouin Tent.
Contacts Dennis Campbell email:
caintode2@optusnet.com.au
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Historia Germanica
This group portrays the era
of the Landsknechts, fearsome German mercenaries of the 16th century.
The Landsknecht fought as mercenaries all over Europe and North Africa
and for some of the most famous monarchs of the period such as King
Henry VIII of England and King Hans of Denmark. When their bright
and outrageous clothing raised the ire of the nobility they complained
to the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian. He knew how brutal, short
and grim life was for the Landknecht soldier, so he granted them the
right to freedom of expression with their clothing. Also when the
Pope banned codpieces, the Landsknechts were given greater impetus to be
as extravagant as possible with their creations, some which resembled a
bad medical condition!
Contact: Anna Margot Collins
0404 945 177
or email: margot@millton.net
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Janissary Barracks Historical Re-Enactment Group
The Janissary
Barracks remind all of us that the culture of the Middle Ages did not
stop at Constantinople. Janissary [Yeniçeri (yeh-knee-cherry) in
Turkish] means “new troops”. Established in the 14th century
by the third generation Ottoman Sultan Murat Han, they were made up of
Christian slaves and young boys taken from Christian families.
Trained under a very strict military regime, for nearly 500 years, they
were the most feared soldiers of Europe, Middle East and North Africa.
Janissary barracks replaced love of family, home and country with
religious frenzy and fanatical obedience. As their barracks were
home to them, cooking took on an important role in Janissary life.
The kazan (cauldron) was the most important symbol of the barracks.
Contact: Zafer Sarac email:
Saracz@bigpond.com
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Knights of the Empire Germanica
The Knights of the Empire Germanica represent the
times of the late 14th to early 15th centuries and the lords, the
ladies, and knights that made up the highest echelons of society.
With an emphasis upon chivalry, duty and accuracy; her members hold
feasts, tournaments, and other displays of their wealth and martial
prowess.
Contact - President Paul Williamson on 0421758274 or Secretary Nelle
Woolford on 0432021970.
Email:
knights_empire_germanica@hotmail.com
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Knights Guild of Wessex & Mercia
The Knights Guild of Wessex
and Mercia is an historical group with the aim of researching and
presenting life in England in the twelfth century. The Guild is the
oldest re-enactment group in the Brisbane area, with a diverse range of
members. Each member is encouraged to pursue their interests in
medieval life and subgroups include the Dragon's Lance (fighting group),
Garderobe (the musical group), Gebeorscipe (the youth group) not to
mention archery, cooking and arts and crafts.
The Guild is a welcoming
and creative group, conducting regular school presentations to
demonstrate how life in the middle ages was
lived and specialises in
interactive and educational presentations.
With members from six to
eighty, all ages are welcome."
Contact: Faith Eiser email:
aliciat@optusnet.com.au
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Knights Order of Lion Rampant
Knights Order of Lion Rampant recreates the
culture of Chivalry that flourished in the late 14th centuries. It
is a non-profit organisation dedicated to re-enacting and researching
the life of the European nobility and their retainers at the end of the
14th Century. Members of Lion Rampant combine theatre, martial
arts, historical research and crafts to recreate the appearance and
atmosphere of a tournament encampment in the mid to late 14th Century.
Based in Brisbane, Australia, the group perform throughout South East
Queensland.
Website:
www.lionrampant.com.au
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The
Marxbrüder
The brotherhood of Saint
Mark, was originally founded in 1474 and based in Frankfurt Germany.
They were well known throughout Europe for the quality of the students
they produced. We are a revival of that German ‘Fecht Schule’ or
“fight school”. Our crest is the winged lion and it symbolizes
courage, strength, nobility and grace.
The focus of the school is to teach the art of the long sword and
various other weapons/disciplines in a safe and friendly environment for
the enjoyment of all. Like our fore bearers, overall strength and
fitness also plays a significant part in our training structure.
Above all we foster in our school a code of honour, chivalry and respect
akin to the knights and noble warriors of old.
For more information contact Hochmeister Matthew J Hoffmann
Mob 0422 903 576 Home 07 3394 4122
Email:
hochmeister@marxbruder.com
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Midgard
The Midgard militia is
re-enacting a town militia between 1370-1430 AD, and mainly consist of
archers, spear men and mercenaries along with the usual camp followers
and crafts people needed to keep the militia functioning. A town militia
was often a well equipped and disciplined fighting unit that would
acquire a variety of weapons and personnel as they came to hand. Town
militia usually formed to defend the town against invading enemies,
however they could be mobile units working along side regular army
units.
Contact Lisa Thoresen
vikingsjon@yahoo.com.au
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NEMAS
New England
Medieval Arts Society, NEMAS, is now 21 years old, and is a ‘Dark Age’
re-enactment group based in Armidale NSW, with coastal and northern
outposts. NEMAS has built many long houses with a strong link to the
later centuries of 1st millennium, and has a 45 to 50 strong
membership. We specialise in the culture, combat and costume of the
migration period. NEMAS offers an authentic living experience by way of
bringing to life the fabric and steel of a bygone era. With a strong
contingent of archers, axemen, swords, shield, leatherwork,
blacksmithing, fabric and felt-making, cooking, building and living the
life without modern needs, NEMAS’s reputation as one of Australia’s
leading re-enactment groups is legendary.
Website:
http://users.tpg.com.au/gpost
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New Varangian Guard - Joth Gar Garrison
Jorth Gar is a professional
performance group which operates from Tamborine Mountain QLD. It is an
official garrison of the New Varangian Guard, which is a national
organisation reenacting the life and combat of the Viking and Eastern
mercenaries that served within the Byzantine empire.
The Varangian Guard were an elite unit that served as the Byzantine
Emperors personal bodyguard on the battlefield and within his palace at
Constantinople. They were well equiped, well paid and from most accounts
totally awesome and accomplished fighters
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New Varangian Guard - Rusland Garrison
The New Varangian Guard re-enacts the cultural and
military lifestyles of the Byzantine Empire and her allies during 950 to
1204 AD providing a focus for people interested in historical
re-enactment and recreation. We aim to provide opportunities and
venues for members to practice, display and teach the skills, arts and
crafts that they pursue and make our recreation as realistic as possible
without compromising safety, the law, or personal enjoyment.
Contact: Patrick Urquart email:
brizsoma@ozemail.com.au
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Order of the Argent Lozenge
The Order of the Argent
Lozenge is a group of living history enthusiasts with a particular
interest in the twelfth century. Our members, depending on their
personal preference, enjoy researching and recreating aspects of life in
the twelfth century from any culture.
This year at the Abbey Medieval Festival we look forward to presenting a
recreation of the probable encampment of an Anglo-Saxon some fifty years
after the Norman invasion, influenced by the Norman Conquest.
The Order of the Argent Lozenge always welcomes new members and
interested persons can contact the group by telephone on (07)4669 4654
or email to btd1@aapt.net.au
Or you can look us up on the internet at
www.geocities.com/argentlozenge
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Order of the Dracul
The Order of the Dracul is a Brisbane based Living History Group
focussing on the life and times of Prince Vlad III of Wallachia, better
known to history as "Vlad the Impaler", and whose life and exploits form
the basis of Bram Stoker's fictional character "Count Dracula". The
Order is not a "Dracula" fan club, nor seeks to glorify his deeds.
Rather it seeks instead to separate the man from the myth. The order
invites those with an interest in living history as well as this
fascinating time and place to join.
website:
http://users.bigpond.net.au/Order-of-the-Dracul
email: orddrac@bigpond.net.au
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Prima Spada School of Fence
Prima
Spada is an exciting recreational activity based on the swordplay of the
16th century gentleman's duelling and dress swords. The school
specialises in a structured approach to training in swordsmanship,
taught and practiced for the art, science, and competitive enjoyment of
metal weapons contact swordplay. Prima Spada seeks to revive,
teach and practice the ancient art of Western European Swordplay, based
on adaptations of the concepts and philosophies of the late sixteenth
and early seventeenth century Spanish Masters of Defence, utilizing the
rapier, sword, two-handed sword and companion weapons of the period.
Contact: Keith Beattie 0407 642 937 or
Email:
primaspada@primaspada.com.au
website: www.primaspada.com.au
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Reafan Alliance
Reafan, named after the old norse word for 'raven' is a group of
individuals sharing a desire to increase their knowledge and
understanding of the peoples of the tenth and eleventh centuries, while
enjoying the 'living history' experience of making and using replica
historical items in a period setting. We have a wide range of skills
include spinning, hand sewing, tablet weaving, embroidery, nalebinding,
leather work, jewellery, open fire and clay oven cooking, pottery and
chain mail construction. If you want to find out more please visit us in
our encampment.
Reafan Contact Details: Lisa Gallagher
gargoyle@gmail.com
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Rognvald's Lith
Who is Rognvald and what is a Lith? Rognvald was a Swede who
served in the Varangian Guard. A Lith is a band of warriors. The club's
banner is taken from a mid 11th century Runic inscription which reads "Rognvald
had these runes carved: In Grikland he was the Leader of a Lith", which
means he must have come back from Constantinople (Grikland) rather well
off. Rognvald's Lith hail from Lismore, and are the Northern
Rivers district’s largest medieval re-enactment group. Established in
2003, they specialise in depicting the period 700 - 1066 AD.
contact: Jim Hammond email:
lith@rognvaldslith.com
phone: 02 6622 2558 Web:
http://www.rognvaldslith.com/
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Shuvani
Romani Kumpania
This group represents the
Romany c 1482 AD in southern Spain, Andalusia and Granada. In this
tribe, called Shuvani, their living is primarily earned by
the women with their dancing, fortune-telling, story telling and
traditional craft like basket weaving.
Contact: Margaret Cunningham
(07) 3205-6984
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Society for Creative Anachronism
The Society for Creative
Anachronism is an international non-profit educational organisation that
is dedicated to the research and recreation of pre-17th century European
History, with a particular focus on its practical applications in arts
and sciences, including costuming, cooking, martial arts, dance,
calligraphy and illumination, metalwork, archery and music (to name but
a few!). We are a family friendly organization and have activities for
all family members of any age. You can find out more about SCA in
Australia by visiting http://www.sca.org.au/. Information on local Brisbane groups can be
found at http://www.sca.org.au/st_florians/ (Southside) and
http://www.sca.org.au/riverhaven/ (Northside and surrounding
areas)
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Staraya Ladoga
The Stray Dogs are a Viking re-enactment group
portraying the Rus Vikings of Staraya Ladoga, Russia in the late 900s.
Through living history, all aspects of life of a bygone era come to the
forefront in the discovery of the past, allowing a greater understanding
of how things really were.
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Teutonic Order of Prussia
The Teutonic Order of Prussia is a re-enactment club dedicated to
the life and times of the Teutonic Order during the years 1380-1450 and
are involved in foot fighting and jousting. After the crusaders
were defeated at Acre in 1291, the Teutonic Order moved its headquarters
to Venice, a long-time ally. In 1309, the Order moved again, this time
to Marienburg in Prussia. Here the Order had subdued the pagan
inhabitants and established a theocratic form of government. The
position of the knights in the Baltic region had been strengthened in
1237 when a knightly order in Livonia, the Brothers of the Sword (Schwertbr(der),
joined the Teutonic Order. The history of the German knights in Prussia
and Livonia is one of almost perpetual revolts, uprisings, raids,
conquests, victories, and defeats. Many secular knights from western
Europe (e.g., Chaucer's knight in the Canterbury Tales) would go to the
Baltic to help the Order in "crusading activities" for a season or more.
The Grand Master's prizes and feasting for especially heroic knights
became legendary and reminds one of various aspects of King Arthur's
knights of the Round Table.
email: stormy_sam@hotmail.com
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Traders of
Frojel
This group focuses on
Frojel, an important trade port during the Viking Age. It was on
the western side of the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. They
look mainly at the daily life and trading practices of the inhabitants
of Frojel in the period 950 – 1050AD.
Contact: Don Campbell (07) 4168
4185
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