The Lincoln Castle Garrison was formed in 1988 by a group of enthusiasts dedicated to shooting the traditional English Longbow. Then known as the Lincoln Castle Longbowmen, over the next couple of years the group began to grow, its members becoming more interested in all aspects of medieval life, not just longbow archery. In 1991 the Longbowmen stages one of the first “Living History” events of its kind, turning the Castle back in time to the fifteenth century.  They brought together all aspects of medieval life (right down to the goats and chickens penned on the main lawn) to show what life would have been like in the Castle.

Links

 

Livery & Maintenance

 

Federation of the Wars of the Roses

Gradually the group changed from having a sole focus on the Longbow to becoming an authentic Living History Group, portraying a fifteenth century garrison of archers as authentically as possible. As the focus shifted, it was felt that a change of name was required, so the Lincoln Castle Garrison was born.

 

Nowadays, the group doesn’t just do archery, but also combat training and demonstrations using sword, bill and quarterstaff. They also bring to life the social side of  medieval living with a full kitchen range and the amazing cooks (and food!) to go with it. Amongst the craft demonstrators are a renowned weaver, a chandler and a talented carpenter. Weapons and armour experts are able to share their knowledge on the war craft of the day, bringing to life the slightly more bloodthirsty aspects. We also have a large selection of medieval games and pastimes, including a Mummers Play, which never seems to be performed the same way twice!

 

More recently, the group have diversified into the slightly more noisy arts of black powder weapons. The Garrison travel all over the country to set up their encampment and give displays and demonstrations. We are also part of two large “umbrella” organisations - Livery and Maintenance and The Federation of the Wars of the Roses. These organisations give the opportunity for lots of smaller societies to work together to create larger spectacles. For further information on these groups, please use the links provided on the left. The Garrison have been to some of the most spectacular sites in this country and abroad including Warwick Castle, Castle Rising Bosworth Battlefield, Ashby de la Zouch Castle, Goodrich Castle, Scarborough Castle, Whitby Abbey, Towton BattlefieLd, Old Sarum and last but not least, our home at Lincoln Castle.

 

The Lincoln Castle Garrison are above all a family group, something that we are very proud of, and work hard at creating fifteenth century life as accurately as possible. If you would like more information, or are interested in joining, please get in touch - we would love to hear from you!

 

You can email the Garrison at garrison@folc.co.uk.

 

 

BE A PART OF IT!