Pike & Petticoat began with a simple idea: to create a companion for people curious about England’s historical reconstructions. We are not an events company, we do not sell tickets, and we do not promise exclusive access. Instead, we write in plain English about what visitors can typically expect when they step into the world of living history. From Civil War battlefields recreated on parish greens to medieval fairs in market towns, England has a remarkable tradition of keeping history alive through performance and participation.
Our team started informally more than a decade ago, attending village shows, castle open days, and modest town fairs. We quickly realised that while many guides were promotional, few spoke honestly about what the visitor experience was really like. Schedules slip, weather interferes, and organisers sometimes make last-minute changes. For those new to the scene, that can be confusing. We decided to write notes that neither over-sell nor over-complicate. That approach remains at the heart of Pike & Petticoat today.
The name itself, Pike & Petticoat, was chosen because it combines two ordinary images from the past: the soldier’s pike and the domestic petticoat. Together, they symbolise the blending of martial and everyday life that so often comes through in reconstructions. Our writing covers both — the spectacle of a drill or skirmish, and the quieter details of cooking fires, crafts, and market chatter.
What we offer is not a guarantee, but a narrative. Each article or section is based on prior seasons, public listings, and firsthand observation. We make it clear that circumstances change and that visitors should be prepared to adjust. This balance of clarity and caution makes our notes useful both for first-time visitors and for regular enthusiasts who appreciate reminders about crowd flow, amenities, and timing.
Over the years, Pike & Petticoat has expanded beyond one or two writers. Today, our small team includes researchers, photographers, and people who simply enjoy talking to reenactors and writing down what they hear. We do not aim for exhaustive detail; instead, we keep a conversational tone that makes it easy for anyone to follow. We respect the efforts of the groups who perform these reconstructions, and we always credit them as the heart of the experience.
Our perspective is deliberately modest. England has a long and complex history, and historical interpretation is a sensitive field. We are not here to debate academic controversies or to claim authority. We are here to guide the visitor through the practicalities of the day. That might mean pointing out that a cannon display can be loud for children, that queues for ale tents form early, or that car parks can fill by midday. These details, small as they seem, shape the way people experience history in the present.
Accessibility is another concern we try to cover honestly. Some fields are uneven, some paths muddy, and some castles are reached by steep steps. We note these things so visitors can plan. For families, we often suggest quieter corners of the arena where children can watch without being overwhelmed. For older visitors, we highlight benches, tea tents, or rest areas. Again, nothing is promised — it is always subject to change — but a little awareness can make a big difference.
Technology also plays a part in how we write. While we value the atmosphere of historical detail, we recognise that modern tools can enhance the visitor experience. Many events now post updates on social media or issue digital maps. We reference these when useful but avoid overwhelming our readers with links. The goal remains the same: a simple, digestible companion.
The work of Pike & Petticoat has been noticed by local councils, cultural organisations, and community groups. Some invite us to speak, others simply thank us for fair coverage. We keep our independence by not charging fees for basic listings and by reminding readers that circumstances can always change. Our credibility comes not from authority but from honesty.
In 2020, during the disruption caused by the pandemic, we paused site visits but continued to publish background notes. That period reminded us how fragile and valuable live, community-based history really is. When events returned, audiences were hungry for the connection, and so were we. Pike & Petticoat redoubled its efforts to provide clear, balanced writing that encouraged participation without overselling.
Today, our notes reach readers far beyond England. People planning travel from abroad often write to us, curious about how to fit a reconstruction into their trip. We advise them in the same way we advise locals: keep expectations modest, stay flexible, and enjoy the spirit rather than chasing perfection. England’s weather and logistics rarely cooperate fully, but the heart of the experience is in the gathering of people, not in the flawless execution of a timetable.
We are sometimes asked why we do not commercialise more aggressively — why we do not sell tickets, run a travel agency, or offer packages. The answer is simple: we want to remain independent. By focusing only on honest notes, we avoid conflicts of interest. Our only goal is to help readers feel prepared and comfortable when they choose to explore England’s living history.
Pike & Petticoat is based in Bloomsbury, London. We are a small operation, but we are proud of our role in connecting people with England’s past in a way that is grounded and respectful. We welcome questions, suggestions, and feedback. Our contact details are included below, and we respond to messages as promptly as our small team allows.
Thank you for reading about us. Whether you are a first-time visitor to a medieval fair or a seasoned reenactor checking a schedule, Pike & Petticoat hopes to serve as your modest companion. History is never static, and neither are we. Each season brings new lessons, and each article reflects our ongoing effort to listen, observe, and share. In doing so, we aim not to capture history perfectly, but to honour the living practice of remembering together.