Regia Anglorum
The year 1986 marked the birth of Regia Anglorum. A group of former members from The Norse Film and Pageant Society gathered to create something new. They chose a name drawn from Latin texts used by early writers. That phrase meant Kingdoms of the English people. Their goal was to portray life in Britain from the time of Alfred the Great to Richard the Lionheart. Members began portraying Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Norman, and British living history before the Norman Conquest. This unincorporated association grew to become one of the largest Early Middle Ages re-enactment societies in the world. Local groups formed across the United Kingdom to support this vision.
A full-scale replica of a defended manorial burgh rose on freeheld land in Kent. The project included a flooded ring ditch and bank surmounted by 220 metres of palisade enclosing an acre of land. At the center stood a Longhall measuring 60 feet by 30 feet by 30 feet. This structure remains the largest building of its kind in Britain today. The site sits near the Wildwood Discovery Park close to Canterbury. Its name, Wychurst, translates from Anglo-Saxon as the village in the wood. Regia Anglorum uses the settlement for educational purposes during special public visits. The primary purpose allows members to experience the lifestyle of the period more completely than ever before.
Seven wooden vessels now form the society's fleet. A 50-foot-long vessel once served but is no longer sea-worthy. Three similar hulls measure 47 feet by 9 feet in beam width. These draw about 3 feet and work well on inland waters or coastal seas. A 35-foot wooden replica sees constant use for events and filmwork. Two small craft measuring 20 feet each operate throughout the UK year-round. One follows a generic European shape while the other replicates the Gokstad Faering design. Members sail these ships at events and appear in films like Game of Thrones and Vikings. The fleet supports both historical demonstration and modern media production needs.
Hundreds of separate works have featured Regia Anglorum members as extras since their founding. They appeared in serious documentaries such as National Geographic's series about the Staffordshire Hoard. Michael Wood's Beowulf project included their participation alongside Blood of the Vikings. Six separate appearances occurred on Time Team alone. Children's programme Blue Peter hosted them four times. Adverts and music videos also utilized their skills. Their involvement extended to major television programmes including A History of Britain. This extensive history as consultants and background actors has significantly boosted public awareness of their work.
A National Training Scheme ensures authenticity and safety during all reenactment events. School visits form a core part of the society's activities today. Teams provide services primarily within Primary context under Key Stage 2. The Invaders theme helps young learners understand historical periods. Some programs expand on the Battle of Hastings theme for Key Stage 3 students. Infrastructure funding comes mainly through membership and event fees. Facilities support school groups visiting many different events throughout the year. The Radfolc team of horse riders adds another layer to these educational offerings.
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Common questions
When was Regia Anglorum founded and by whom?
Regia Anglorum was founded in the year 1986. A group of former members from The Norse Film and Pageant Society gathered to create this new organization.
Where is the Wychurst settlement located and what does it contain?
The Wychurst settlement sits near the Wildwood Discovery Park close to Canterbury. It features a flooded ring ditch, 220 metres of palisade, and a Longhall measuring 60 feet by 30 feet by 30 feet.
What ships make up the Regia Anglorum fleet and where do they sail?
Seven wooden vessels form the society's fleet including hulls that measure 47 feet by 9 feet and others that are 20 feet long. Members sail these ships at events and appear in films like Game of Thrones and Vikings on inland waters or coastal seas.
Which television programmes have featured Regia Anglorum members as extras since 1986?
Hundreds of separate works have featured Regia Anglorum members as extras including National Geographic series about the Staffordshire Hoard and Michael Wood's Beowulf project. Six appearances occurred on Time Team alone while Blue Peter hosted them four times for children's programming.
How does Regia Anglorum support school education across the United Kingdom?
A National Training Scheme ensures authenticity and safety during all reenactment events while teams provide services primarily within Primary context under Key Stage 2. The Invaders theme helps young learners understand historical periods and some programs expand on the Battle of Hastings theme for Key Stage 3 students.