The Warriors

Welcome to the heroic but extremely violent world of early medieval warfare. At the heart of any Anglo-Saxon army are the duguth - 'doughty men' tried and tested in battle. These Westcentingas warriors have served in countless shieldwalls and know what it is to fight. Then there is se geogoth the 'youth' - new blod eager for fame and glory. Together we make the Westcentingas Fierd.

Commitment

It is important to stress that if you want to become a Westcentingas Warrior then you will be required to commit the time and effort necessary to learn and develop essential weapons skills as well as acquiring the appropriate war-gear. Westcentingas warriors are highly committed and thoroughly motivated and are expected to take their place in the Westcentingas Fierd whenever it takes to the field. This can be as many as ten weekends per year. It can be a challenge at times but once you have fought, shoulder to shoulder, in an Englisc bordweall (English shieldwall) you will know it was worth it.

Combat Displays

The Westcentingas combat display is ever evolving to maximise authenticity within reasonable safety constraints. Our display is not the usual 'hack and bash' technique employed by most other groups but attempts to demonstrate as wide a range of period weapons as possible, their use and who would have used them. This is achieved by means of authentic training displays and an authentic 'trial by combat' display in which two or more combatants fight to the 'death' or until one side is too badly 'wounded' to continue.

Regia Anglorum's combat display is quite different and tends to follow a set pattern with a number of semi-scripted phases followed by an unscripted, competitive finale.

Military Training

All new members begin their military training with the 9' two-handed spear and round-shield, the basic fighting equipment of any warrior. The initial training will familiarize the trainee with weapon use and battlefield safety. Authentic commands and tactics are also introduced at this stage. Once you become competent and pass this phase of your training, you can then begin using a 'short arm', either the axe, sword or short single-handed spear. You can also start to build up your armour by acquiring a helm and a byrne (maille shirt). With each new stage, your warrior's kit should reflect your promotion through the warrior ranks. Ultimately, with training in several weapons and appropriate soft kit and armour, you will come to represent the archetypal warrior of our period.

Westcentingas warriors take their military training very seriously and meet for weapon training alternate Wednesday evenings. Training takes place in Mersham, just south of Ashford, Kent, where we are fortunate to be able to use the excellent indoor facilities of the Chequer Tree Equestrian Centre.


About Us Living History The Warriors What We Do Recruitment Gallery Links The Handbook Forum The Warriors Welcome to the heroic but extremely violent world of early medieval warfare. At the heart of any Anglo-Saxon army are the duguth - 'doughty men' tried and tested in battle. These Westcentingas warriors have served in countless shieldwalls and know what it is to fight. Then there is se geogoth the 'youth' - new blod eager for fame and glory. Together we make the Westcentingas Fierd. Commitment It is important to stress that if you want to become a Westcentingas Warrior then you will be required to commit the time and effort necessary to learn and develop essential weapons skills as well as acquiring the appropriate war-gear. Westcentingas warriors are highly committed and thoroughly motivated and are expected to take their place in the Westcentingas Fierd whenever it takes to the field. This can be as many as ten weekends per year. It can be a challenge at times but once you have fought, shoulder to shoulder, in an Englisc bordweall (English shieldwall) you will know it was worth it. Combat Displays The Westcentingas combat display is ever evolving to maximise authenticity within reasonable safety constraints. Our display is not the usual 'hack and bash' technique employed by most other groups but attempts to demonstrate as wide a range of period weapons as possible, their use and who would have used them. This is achieved by means of authentic training displays and an authentic 'trial by combat' display in which two or more combatants fight to the 'death' or until one side is too badly 'wounded' to continue. Regia Anglorum's combat display is quite different and tends to follow a set pattern with a number of semi-scripted phases followed by an unscripted, competitive finale. Military Training All new members begin their military training with the 9' two-handed spear and round-shield, the basic fighting equipment of any warrior. The initial training will familiarize the trainee with weapon use and battlefield safety. Authentic commands and tactics are also introduced at this stage. Once you become competent and pass this phase of your training, you can then begin using a 'short arm', either the axe, sword or short single-handed spear. You can also start to build up your armour by acquiring a helm and a byrne (maille shirt). With each new stage, your warrior's kit should reflect your promotion through the warrior ranks. Ultimately, with training in several weapons and appropriate soft kit and armour, you will come to represent the archetypal warrior of our period. Westcentingas warriors take their military training very seriously and meet for weapon training alternate Wednesday evenings. Training takes place in Mersham, just south of Ashford, Kent, where we are fortunate to be able to use the excellent indoor facilities of the Chequer Tree Equestrian Centre. What We Do >>