England’s living history, explained simply

This is a plain companion to historical reconstructions—civil war camps, medieval fairs, coastal musters, and small village displays. Timings move, weather turns, and gates get busy. Treat this as a nudge and adjust on the day.

Start Project
Lanterns and canvas tents at a reenactment camp at dusk

About

Pike & Petticoat gathers modest, people-first notes for England’s historical reconstructions. We focus on how days usually flow: when camps open, which fields host the drill, where queues tend to form, and simple ways to keep warm, dry, and unhurried.

Our pointers come from prior seasons and openly posted schedules. They can shift with wind, ground conditions, road works, or site decisions. No promises—just clear English, small steps, and enough context to help you choose a corner, watch a drill, and find your way back.

About Us

Service

Line drill with pikes and flags during a civil war display

Drill & Etiquette Briefing

£25 / person

A short walk-through of common camp layouts, drill rhythms, and crowd habits. Not a guarantee of access—just pointers on where to stand, when to move, and how to keep sightlines respectful.

Timbered stalls selling simple fare beside a living history lane

Living-History Market Loop

£35 / person

A calm loop through craft tents and food corners. Notes on cash vs. card, queue hotspots, and nearby benches. Availability varies with stallholders and weather changes on the day.

Families watching a small cannon demonstration on a village green

Village Day Companion

£55 / set

A simple plan for smaller greens and parish fields: likely start windows, loos, wind breaks, and a low-stress route between camp, arena, and tea tent. Times may shift at short notice.

FAQ

Do I need tickets in advance?

Some events sell out; others are pay-on-gate. We note typical patterns from public listings, but gate rules can change. If in doubt, check the site’s latest notice on the morning you go.

What should I wear or bring?

Sturdy shoes, a warm layer, and something rain-friendly help. Fields can be uneven or breezy. A small tote for water and a snack keeps you comfortable between displays.

Are timings exact?

Not always. Drills and skirmishes can slide with weather or crowd flow. Treat schedules as guides rather than fixed appointments and give yourself buffer time.

Can I bring children or a pushchair?

Many village events welcome families. Ground may be soft or sloped; quieter edges of the arena usually feel easier. Ear protection can help during artillery moments.

Do you arrange entry or transport?

No. We don’t handle bookings or travel. We share plain notes so you can plan your own day and adjust to site decisions, local roads, and the sky above you.

Contact

+44 20 4551 3894

7 Museum Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1A 1LH, England

Write to us

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