On August 31st Thom and Derek joined together for a presentation at the
Castlerock Museum of Arms and Armor in Alma Wisconsin.The show was called "
Armor Up: A Real World Guide to Wearing Medieval Armor" We started by dispelling some myths about medieval armor. Then we dissected the armor of a 10th to 13th century medieval knight, discussing each piece, how it worked, and what could go wrong while wearing it for battle. We finished up by showing the time difference between a common foot soldier armoring themselves (3 minutes) and a knight being armored by two squires (27 minutes).
It was a great afternoon, a great venue, and a great crowd! (standing room only! We packed the museum) Here's a few pics from the day.
 |
Introducing ourselves at the start of the show.
Yes those are actual period artifacts behind us. |
 |
Talking about the cost of a Knights armoury in 1374 prices and relating it
to today's prices ($120,000 - $160,000) |
 |
| Adding technology to our presentation was a new thing for us. |
 |
| This is a helmet. It keeps your brains inside your skull. |
 |
Helping the kids try on helms during intermission. It's awesome to put
this touchstone to history into their hands. |
 |
Thom doing ther "Maile Dance" trying to shake himself
into a hauberk. |
 |
Derek, really, really expressive and passionate about
the helm in his hands. (Alas poor Yorik. . . ) |
 |
| Thom getting armored up by a pair of volunteer squires. They did a great job. |
 |
| A Knight is born!! |
 |
| Answering a few questions at the end. |
On July 20th 2014, We did an arms and armor display and discussion for the Lion's Club gathering in Endeavor WI, (click on the photos to see a larger image)
 |
| Derek and Thom discussing the use of swords in combat |
 |
One of the best parts of our usual presentation, getting the kids
in the crowd to come be part of our "Shield Wall" |
 |
| Pat, The Scar, showing his maile juggling skills. |
 |
| Bill the bowyer taking a break from the shaving bench |
 |
| The Lady Ann watching the presentation |
 |
| Thom with the standard flail |
 |
Derek with the significantly more intimidating "Military Flail"
The thing is devastating! |
 |
| Thom proving he can slice through a milk jug with his eyes closed. |
 |
| Derek and Thom, armored up and ready to fight! |
 |
| Battle!!! |
 |
| Victory!! |
On June 14th 2014 we celebrated with the
Castlerock Museum of Arms and Armor with their Annual Gala. (click on the photos to see a larger image)
 |
| Museum front |
 |
Bill with a young admirer at the shaving horse making bows
and Derek at his carving bench in the background |
 |
| Derek talking about historic carving and finishing techniques |
 |
| Bill shaping a bow stave |
 |
| Medieval breads for the crowds to sample courtesy of the Lady Ann |
 |
| Ann visiting with the crowd and Thom hiding in the background |
 |
| Bill telling some visitors about bows and bow-making. |
