Local History

Historical re-enactment groups are a regular fixture at outdoor events throughout the summer months.

For the volunteers who fire the cannons, wield swords and load the muskets, it is a chance to share their passion and recreate how life was in the past - in remarkable detail.

The Southern Skirmish Association is England's oldest re-enactment groups, founded in 1968 by a group of like minded individuals interested in the American Civil War. 

The group now has 400 members devoted to educating the public on the realities of the American Civil War - a war which killed more Americans the two World Wars, Vietnam and Korea combined.

Carnage

Shaz Ney is an IT teacher who has been a member for 6 years - she first had her interest in the American Civil War sparked when she visited relatives in Atlanta:

"I got a two week long experience of a world I never knew existed. Like most, I'd thought the civil war was just about slavery and had no idea of the issues of tariffs, the states' rights, industrial and agricultural ways of life and other matters that were involved."

"On top of that, I had no idea the American Civil War was a period of so many military firsts: - the move from muzzle loaders to breach loaders, the  first use of the gattling gun, the first successful attack by submarine on enemy shipping and the first mass photography of battlefields showing the reality of war."

As well as re-creating the battles, the group set up living history camps to show how the soldiers would have lived.  The public is given the chance to talk to the surgeon about gruesome battlefield operations, watch a game of baseball or see military discipline in action with a court martial or execution of a deserter.

The team has also provided sound effects and extras for film and TV productions - including Hollywood blockbusters like Cold Mountain and Sahara.

Using gunpowder and 18 inches of solid steel bayonets mean safety is a priority, although the most common injuries are caused by people slipping over wearing authentic period boots which have no grips.

As well as learning about the past, for Shaz it's also a chance to get away to a simpler way of life:

"By the end of the week, you're fed up with the 21st century and all its stresses - it's good to only have to worry about whether you have enough oil for your lamp."

Roman ways

Ever since Russell Crowe wielded his sword in Gladiator, it seems that people can't get enough of the Romans.

David Richardson

It's been good news for David Richardson from Portsmouth who runs the 2nd Augusta Roman Living History Society - as a Roman Centurian he works full time with media appearances and giving presentations in schools.

Back in Roman times, there is just as much attention paid to detail in putting together a re-enactment display.

David explained: "There's a lot of research goes into re-enactment - looking at the archeological finds and recreating it.  But  the further back in time you go, the less there is to work with."

All agree that the re-enactment groups of volunteers are a great family activity, in which children and teenagers can learn about history.

Re-enacting a pitch battle

Many of the groups have whole families involved - David's wife is a midwife who gives talks on Roman childbirth during displays. The Society even has an octogenarian lawyer who incorporates Roman law into the shows.

"When we do a show it is part entertainment, part education. We explain all the kit and  we do marching to Latin commands - although no drill books exist from Roman times so it's speculation as to how they actually marched.  We've also got Roman artillery which fires a bolt or fires a stone the size of a tennis ball - although it's always the  Cavalry men who steal the show!"