English Civil War - Main
The largest part of my historical re-enactment project is on the English Civil War period (1642-1651) and mainly shows the Sealed Knot.
English Civil War - Individuals
There are only so many action shots that you can take, and posed or candid portraits are a large proportion of my re-enactment work. I work with available light, or very rarely with a small flash.
English Civil War - Politics
In 2007 the Tower Hamlets Trayned Bands (Sealed Knot) opened the permanent Putney Debates exhibition at the site where in 1647 the victorious New Model Army met to discuss settlement terms with the King. The generals and soldiers' representatives debated proposals for universal suffrage, freedom of conscience, and other liberties which were radical at the time but would later be at the heart of the Anglo American democratic tradition.
English Civil War - Religion
Religious differences were a major cause of the war, and were often the key reason for individuals' choice of side. Re-enactors depict Puritan preachers often as millennial firebrands, but others portray how the King also claimed to be defending the faith.
English Civil War - Living history
The historical re-enactment scene is not just about warfare, and living history camps offer a richer sense of the period. Great care is taken over authenticity and participants often research contemporary crafts, cooking and clothing.
Medieval
This set of pictures shows two events, one where Swiss re-enactors took over the Chateau de Chillon. The other is a 940th anniversary re-enactment of the 1066 battle of Hastings held on the original site. The event attracted groups from all over Europe, and over 3000 foot soldiers and 150 cavalry took part.
Napoleonic Wars
The Napoleon brand, with its ornate and colourful uniforms, seems to possess a pan-European appeal. British participants, even those hooked by the Sharpe series, appear to have more Europhile attitudes than one finds in other British re-enactment groups.
American Civil War
The American Civil War is popular with re-enactors on both sides of the Atlantic. These images are all toned to mimic late 19th century print colours, and some are aged and distressed using manilla envelopes and other found textures.
Twentieth century
Some modern period enthusiasts seem less re-enactors and more like militaria collectors - original uniforms and equipment are widely available. It's hard to escape contemporary overtones.