This is a list of the basic kit you will need to participate in the summer shows. Don't worry - it seems like a lot to start with but a lot of the items can be hand made or bought or borrowed from group members to reduce cost. You can still take part in training without having authentic kit, although we do encourage members to train in kit to familiarise themselves with the way medieval clothes feel. You're not going to do any good if you participate in a weapons demonstration having never worn medieval shoes before, and fall over onto your sword...
Men | Women |
Braies in undyed, unbleached linen. Shirt in undyed, unbleached linen. Coif in undyed, unbleached linen OR hat or hood in linen or wool of an appropriate colour. Hose in linen or wool of an appropriate colour. Tunic in linen or wool of an appropriate colour. 14th Century boots or shoes of brown leather. Belt of brown leather with a simple buckle. Small eating knife with a wooden, bone, horn or brass handle and a brown leather sheath. | Underdress in undyed, unbleached linen. Headdress, veil or wimple in undyed, unbleached linen. Overdress in linen or wool of an appropriate colour. 14th Century shoes or boots of brown leather. Belt of brown leather with a simple buckle. Small eating knife with a wooden, bone, horn or brass handle and a brown leather sheath. |
Since the majority of the group portray commoners or peasants, clothing in dull or pale greens, browns, yellows, oranges and peaches. Pale or dull reds and blues may also be acceptable. No one's stopping you from portraying a rich noble, however - but this is inadvisable, particularly for new members, as you will have to do a lot of research to be an authentic noble.
Don't worry too much about the kit since just about any older member can help and advise you about it. The group also organises a trip to the Coventry Reenactors Market every autumn so you can pick up fabric and supplies. If you miss this, don't worry. There are plenty of places you can buy these supplies - just ask an older member, to make sure you buy stuff you can use.
Kit making sessions are organised throughout the academic year on a basis of need and demand - see the activity page for details. Equally, many older members are happy to organise an informal meeting at their house - just ask them at the pub or on the forum. Finally, if you really are in a pickle, just bring your question (or your problematic kit) to the pub - someone will be able to help you.
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