LIVING HISTORY
2025 Programme
An opportunity to sample the sights, sounds and smells of the past.
Our living history encampments range from the Stone Age through to the Second World War and offer an opportunity to sample the sights, sounds and smells of the past. Our historians are all experts in their field and are actively learning more about our predecessors from the process of living with and using the materials of earlier ages. There will be a number of scheduled talks and displays but all our living historians are happy to talk at any time and share their extraordinary –
and often unique – knowledge.
Let us take you on a journey through time…
PRE-HISTORY – NEOLITHIC AND BRONZE AGE
PRE-HISTORY TO PRESENT
Led by renowned prehistory educator Sally Pointer, our team of expert archaeologists and interpreters will be shedding light on life in the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age.
PRE-HISTORY TO PRESENT
IRON AGE
PARIO GALLICO
Experiential archaeologist and living historian Caroline Nicolay from Pario Gallico will be exploring the history of natural construction, from the ancient methods used in the Iron Age to traditional local techniques.
PARIO GALLICO
MEDIEVAL
CUTLER’S WORSHOP - HERITAGE BLADES
Feel the heat of the furnace in our thirteenth-century cutler’s workshop, where Tom Timbrell of Heritage Blades and Emma Harrison of Bog Born Crafts will be smelting and refining iron to produce cutlery.
CUTLER’S WORSHOP - HERITAGE BLADES
MISTRESS FINN
Step into our medieval apothecaries’ garden and uncover the fascinating uses of plants, from healing cuts and bruises to dyeing fabrics and creating inks.
HISTORIC EQUITATION
Using the latest archaeological and historical research and their own impressive horsemanship skills, Historical Equitation will explore where horses were bred and trained, the role they played in medieval society and conflict, and the armour used in late medieval England.
HISTORIC EQUITATION
CHANZ DES REIS
MEDIEVAL ENCAMPMENT
Step back in time and experience what life was like in medieval England during this period of political turmoil, from period crafts such as basket weaving and wool dying to calligraphy and archery.
EARLY MODERN
EARLY MODERN
THE HISTORICAL SAILMAKER
Meet our historical sailmaker as she shares tales of her time spent on board great ships around the world and demonstrate the tools and techniques used to make sails.
REMAKING HISTORY
Explore the gruesome history of execution as the Remaking History team attempt to recreate an eighteenth-century guillotine. Discover how technology and craftsmanship drastically changed crime and punishment, and witness the guillotine in action!
REMAKING HISTORY
THE WIMBORNE MILITIA
From musket training, cannon ball casting, and leather working to the sounds and smells of the kitchen and coffeehouse, the Wimborne Militia will be sharing an insight into the military and social history of the late 17th century.
SECOND WORLD WAR
SECOND WORLD WAR
THE TIME TRAVELLERS KITCHEN
Dig for Victory! The Time Travellers Kitchen continues to travel through British culinary history, this year stopping in 1940 with the introduction of rationing during the Second World War.
ROYAL NAVY COMMANDOS
Discover the history of the Royal Naval Commandos and their crucial role in major amphibious landings during the Second World War, from intelligence gathering to mine removal.
ROYAL NAVY COMMANDOS
THE GARRISON ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS
Dedicated to rediscovering the technical skills of gunners during the twentieth century. In this thrilling demonstration, the volunteers will show the drills and live firing techniques of the Royal Artillery during the Second World War.
Historic Market Square
New for 2025! Wander around our Historic Market Square, where heritage crafts come to life!
Try your hand at traditional skills, sample historical delights, and take home a piece of the past.
- THE COPPER POT – Taste history with authentic recipes recreated from archaeological records, spanning from prehistory to the Victorian era.
- JANE’S HISTORICAL KITCHEN – Step into the Tudor kitchen and discover dishes fit for a king, from delicate ravioli to Henry VIII’s lavishly decorated pie lids.
- QUARTERMASTERIE – Explore exquisite historic leatherwork, pottery, and textiles, crafted using techniques from the Roman period to the 18th century.
- THIMBLERIG GAMES – Play like the ancients with historic games from around the world. Learn their rules, origins, and why they stood the test of time.
- ORCHARD 101 – Drink like a Roman soldier! Sample Apple Cider Vinegar, a gut-loving elixir enjoyed for over 2,000 years.
- HIOW BEORHT – Discover medieval craftsmanship with calligraphy, illumination, tablet weaving, and embroidery.
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