Extract from the Domesday Book
We specialise in recreating the period 850 to 1066 (from around the birth of King Alfred to the Norman Invasion), the later part of what is traditionally called the Dark Ages or the Viking Age, and have members portraying roles from all walks of life. We can however portray people from the early Saxon period through to the 1200s. This was a period of intense rivalry and drama as the modern countries of Britain were forged in blood and steel by Britons, Anglo Saxons, Vikings and Normans. Anglo Saxon and Viking Derbyshire was borderland between what was left of the ancient Anglo Saxon realm of Mercia and what became the Danelaw; the region settled by Viking raiders and farmers, where Viking (or 'Danish') law was followed. Derby was one of the 'Five Boroughs' of the Danelaw, the others being Nottingham, Leicester, Stamford and Lincoln.
Our group 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). Derby is a Viking name, Deoraby (possibly meaning 'village of the deer' although modern opinion is moving towards it being a corruption of the Roman name Derventio). Before the Vikings invaded Derby was known by the Anglo-Saxons as Northworthy.
The group has regular training sessions near Derby, as well as '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 contact us or come along to one of the events listed to get more details. At our shows as well as battle recreations we demonstrate various crafts, some of which the public can try for themselves, such as butter making, grinding flour and making an Anglo-Saxon coin.
Nationally as well as the major shows Regia Anglorum has much to offer its members. There are maritime events using our 5 authentic longboats and ships, which any member can get involved with. We also have a permanent site in Kent, Wychurst, where through the hard work of its members the society is recreating a Saxon Thegn's residence. The intro to Cestrefeld's website is from our annual banquet which we held there in 2010.
Regia Anglorum - Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Norman and British Living History
Regia Anglorum was a term used by early English writers to describe the English state. It means 'The Kingdoms of the English'. In a twenty first century context Regia Anglorum is an international society with many independent local groups in the UK, from Scotland to the south coast. If you aren't local to Cestrefeld's area please visit the Regia Anglorum website to find your local group.[Sleeker_special_clear]