Cestrefeld is an
Early Medieval living history group based in and
around Derbyshire. We are a member group of the
national society Regia Anglorum and take part in a
huge variety of national and local shows throughout
the year.
Our name is the Anglo Saxon for Chesterfield (it should be pronounced Chestrevelt, as far as we can tell!). This name comes from the fort that the Romans built around 70AD (caester in Old English).
We specialise in recreating the period 848 to 1066 (King Alfred to the Norman Invasion), the later part of what is traditionally called the Dark Ages, and have members portraying roles from all walks of life. This was a period of intense rivalry and action as the modern countries of Britain were forged in blood and steel by Britons, Saxons, Vikings and Normans. Derbyshire was borderland between what was left of the ancient Anglo Saxon realm of Mercia and the Danelaw; the region settled by Viking raiders and farmers.
Our members have appeared at local museums, schools (as part of the National Curriculum KS2: Invaders and Settlers) and many other local events. We pride ourselves on our attention to authenticity and focus on educating people about the period as well, of course, as offering fantastic entertainment. Cestrefeld currently around 50 members, and we are always on the look out for more.
The group has regular training sessions in and around Derby, as well as monthly 'Hearth' nights (an excuse to visit a pub), group Banquets and kit making sessions. We also have a members only group forum where ideas and information can be passed around. If you are interested in joining or in booking Cestrefeld for an event please come along to one of the events listed or contact us to get more details.
Our name is the Anglo Saxon for Chesterfield (it should be pronounced Chestrevelt, as far as we can tell!). This name comes from the fort that the Romans built around 70AD (caester in Old English).
We specialise in recreating the period 848 to 1066 (King Alfred to the Norman Invasion), the later part of what is traditionally called the Dark Ages, and have members portraying roles from all walks of life. This was a period of intense rivalry and action as the modern countries of Britain were forged in blood and steel by Britons, Saxons, Vikings and Normans. Derbyshire was borderland between what was left of the ancient Anglo Saxon realm of Mercia and the Danelaw; the region settled by Viking raiders and farmers.
Our members have appeared at local museums, schools (as part of the National Curriculum KS2: Invaders and Settlers) and many other local events. We pride ourselves on our attention to authenticity and focus on educating people about the period as well, of course, as offering fantastic entertainment. Cestrefeld currently around 50 members, and we are always on the look out for more.
The group has regular training sessions in and around Derby, as well as monthly 'Hearth' nights (an excuse to visit a pub), group Banquets and kit making sessions. We also have a members only group forum where ideas and information can be passed around. If you are interested in joining or in booking Cestrefeld for an event please come along to one of the events listed or contact us to get more details.
The group logo is
based on an Anglo - Danish carving from Breedon on
the Hill (Leicestershire), which was a famous
monastic site prior to the Viking invasions and the
partition of Mercia.
This hill (the village name actually means, in the various languages of the peoples that have settled the area ' hill hill on the hill') dominates the skyline for miles around and can be seen from much of our 'land grant'.
For more information about the local area in our period of interest please go to the History page.
This hill (the village name actually means, in the various languages of the peoples that have settled the area ' hill hill on the hill') dominates the skyline for miles around and can be seen from much of our 'land grant'.
For more information about the local area in our period of interest please go to the History page.
Last Updated 13th
March 2010
