The Medieval Siege Society owns the largest portable medieval trebuchet in the UK.

It can be demonstrated in displays or used during battle recreations. It is an exciting optional extra and is available at an additional cost.

Our highly skilled and trained sapper team can be seen at many of our events using our authentic trebuchet to enthral and delight members of the public.

The term sapper comes from the word ‘sap’.

A sap is the trench and the mine dug under the walls of the castle that was under attack. Therefore the people, both men and women, that under took this work become known as sappers. We still to this day have sappers in our armed forces, they are now known as the Royal Engineers.

To protect the siege camp, the sappers would construct defensive works of wood and earth. This was to protect the attackers from projectiles shot by the defenders of the castle, and to safeguard against the defenders sallying forth from the castle to attack the siege camp. The idea of digging a mine under the walls of the castle was that once under the walls, the sap would have been filled with wood and straw all covered in pitch and tar. This would then be set alight to burn out the frame work of the mine and cave in the ground above, which would damage the foundation of the wall and eventually collapse foundation and hopefully castle into the pit left by the burnt mine – much like modern day demolition.

Fire, smoke & sulphur! A spectacular display of 15th century handguns & poleguns.

Many people are surprised to find that guns existed at all in the medieval period and will be amazed at this display of early firearms.

Cannons may also be demonstrated certain events.

We can provide a display of the formidable English longbow versus its more powerful, but slower opponent, the crossbow.

The longbow required many years of practice to learn how to use it efficiently and took a long time to master. However, it was capable of loosing many arrows in a minute. It was a very popular and much-favoured weapon of the English.

The crossbow, by comparison, took very little time to learn but had a slower rate of fire. The wounds it caused could be horrendous and in early medieval times it was considered so barbarous its use was restricted by the Second Lateran Council, as it was considered a weapon hateful to God!

The display includes demonstrations of target shooting using sharp arrows, and a comparison with the crossbow. A speed test for each type of bow is also given. A running commentary is provided along with public friendly explanations.

Where allowed onsite, we can also organise an ‘Arrows versus armour’ display where blunt arrows are shot (the archery term is ‘loosed’) at our brave volunteers to demonstrate the efficiency of armour in deflecting arrows.

We can also organise an archery tournament, where spectators can watch the competition unfold and cheer on their favourite.

”Have a go’ archery for the public can sometimes be provided for an additional cost.

The MSS Living History Encampment is the window into the past where the public can observe life as it was over 500 years ago.

MSS members recreate the sights, sounds & smells of a vanished age of chivalry, combat and intrigue: to educate, illuminate and entertain visitors of all ages. Throughout the day members of the public can walk through the camp learning about the different elements of campaign life and chat with our members about Medieval crafts and skills from the craftspeople in the society.

You may come across soldiers, archers, and see how arrows were made by skilled fletchers, and watch medieval food be prepared. We also have several members who are historic traders who make and sell various replica historical items, and often trade at our re-enactment events.

Our encampment includes a colourful array of authentic style medieval tents replete with banners, musicians, cooking fires & soldiers’ families who provide a continuous backdrop to the events of the day.

The fighters of the Medieval Siege Society represent historical retinues of the fifteenth Century who actually took part in the Wars of the Roses and Hundred Years War. We portray every man and woman from lowly serf to noble knight, even kings and queens!

Weapons typically used at this point in the fifteenth century were Sword and Buckler, Bills, Spears, Poll Axes and  Long swords. You will see our fighters using a wide variety of these and battlefield tactics during the battles and skirmishes.

Other than the battles & skirmishes, we also do other types of display.

Arming of the knight

A detailed demonstration of medieval armour based around a squire dressing a fully armed knight for battle.

Men At Arms display

A demonstration of authentic historical fighting techniques using swords, daggers, spears, shields and poleaxes all based on fifteenth century manuscripts.

Commission of Array

Often held prior to raising an army the Commission of Array introduces the historical context of the battle and the individual units involved.