The House of Bayard represent a 15th Century French household on loan from the King of France to the Lancastrian cause (Henry Tudor) during the Wars of the Roses and will be portraying a medieval military camp for the weekend. Their medieval camp (complete with their own period bread oven) includes archers, men at arms and, being from the Continent, guns. Prepare for some loud bangs!

Step back in time to an era when Vikings ruled in Leicestershire. Immerse yourself in the culture of the 11th century and learn how the Vikings influence impacted on the Midlands with the Vainburg Companye. Vainburg is based around a crew of a snekkja or knar (plus their families) who have been very successful when on “trading expeditions” and have decided to settle near Ilkeston. Are you brave enough to come face to face with a viking? You’ll learn about Viking dress history of the period weapons and armour … and much more in this interactive and engaging historical living history demonstration.

Have you ever wondered how your ancestors once lived? What they did in their day-to-day life? How they prepared for battle? From the clothes they wore, the equipment they used, they food they ate, and the weapons they made: Come visit the 15th Century campsite of the Household of Sir Walter Devereux, The Lord Ferrers, loyal supporters of the House of York. They’ll be portraying military and civilian life through out the period we bring the past back to life in stunning and interactive displays. The camp is arranged to how it would have been during the 100 years of the ‘Wars of the Roses’, staying, eating, and living in traditional period tents.

Hear from our beekeeper Chris how honey was used in Roman and Medieval times, try on a Bee suit and see the Bosworth Bees.