Where better to spread our love of history than at HistFest at the British Library?
Over a weekend in April, a detachment of The Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote returned to the British Library for another HistFest, the annual gathering of folk with a passion for history. Alongside the talks by writers and historians such as Michael Palin, Saara El-Arifi, Sofía Robleda, Michael Scott, Greg Jenner and many more, we set up a display of 17th Century life.
@english.civil.war We’re still buzzing from #HistFest – what a great weekend, packed with folk with their own passion for history. The highlight has to be meeting Ruth Goodman, the amazing presenter of Tales of the Green Valley, Tudor Farm, and so many other great series. We got up to some games, some weaving, and some ailment curing, bringing our love of the 17th Century to a whole new audience. Huge thanks to organiser @Rebecca Rideal for inviting us again! #HistoryTok #History #Reenactment #LoveHistory
We got up to some gambling, some weaving, and some ailment curing, but the highlight of the weekend has to have been getting to meet Ruth Goodman, the amazing presenter of the Tales of the Green Valley and so many other great shows in BBC Two’s historical farm series. Tales of the Green Valley is required viewing if you’ve got any interest in 17th Century history and it was a joy to listen to her talk about her career in practical history.
There was even enough time for some of our merry band to pick up some new skills — although some were better at it than others…
@english.civil.war When you’re learning a new skill at HistFest and some are better at it than others 🤣🤣🤣 Picking up traditional belt weaving at the British Library was a cinch … for some! We were invited by @Rebecca Rideal to be part of this great weekend packed with talks by historians and writers, so we set up our living history display in the main lobby and brought a little of the 17th Century to life – including learning a weaving technique called ‘belt weaving’. Portable and quick, attaching a loom to your belt to produce braid for the trim of clothing or leg ties was dead easy. Not for everyone though 🤣🤣 #History #HistoryTok #Craft #Crafting #crafter
Once the doors had closed, it was the perfect opportunity to chill out in central London for a pint and a curry, and some great laughs.
What a great event – a huge thank you to everyone who chatted to us , and especially to event organiser Rebecca Rideal for inviting us to be a part of such a fantastic weekend!
Fire a cannon!
Fire a musket and go into hand-to-hand!
Be a drummer and lead the regiment!
If that’s not your thing then join our living history, where you can learn traditional skills!