Battle for Britannia - Saxons invade Butser Ancient Farm
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July 2021 10am to 4pm
Normal admission prices apply. Tickets must be booked in advance
A spectacular weekend of re-enactments as invading Saxons clash with resident Romans and Celts to claim victory over the beautiful Butser Ancient Farm.
At the end of the 4th century, the mighty Roman Empire that had conquered and ruled over swathes of British Isles for four hundred years was in its dying days. The legions were retreating, leaving the land open to be reclaimed by the native Britons. But in their wake, the Roman’s left the rich and fertile lands vulnerable to attack from an old enemy, raiding parties of Germanic warriors known as the Angles, Jutes and Saxons, a wave of invaders that would ultimately overcome the native inhabitants and any lingering Romano-Brits, and would become known to history as the mighty Anglo Saxons.
This July, the Germanic war band known as Herigeas Hundas have set their sights on the riches of Butser Ancient Farm, and they won’t let anyone stand in their way!
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see these terrifying raiders fall upon the Iron Age Village and Roman Villa at Butser Ancient Farm, which will be defended by Iron Age and Roman combatants from The Vicus. Meet vicious warriors from Herigeas Hundas, and touch, smell and see the day-to-day events of camp life, both on the road to war and in an established settlement.
Meet the native Britons from The Vicus in their Iron Age round houses and encounter some of the last Romans in Britain as they live out their lives in their luxurious villa at the Northern edge of the dying Empire.
Enjoy fascinating living history talks from the reenactors, along with music and storytelling, and unmissable combat and archery demonstrations on throughout the weekend, culminating at 2pm each day with a final battle as the invading war band of Herigeas Hundas make their final raid on the Iron Age village of The Vicus.
There will also be the exciting opportunity to join the invading war band and the local inhabitants for an outdoor performance in the spectacular setting of Butser Ancient Farm as the sun sets: An Evening at the Edge of the Empire with music, mead and storytelling! Saturday 17th July 7 - 9pm (separate ticketed event)
This exciting event will give visitors the chance to walk amongst their ancestors at a pivotal point in British history, as one conqueror leaves and a new invader attacks.
Throughout each day there will be a range of living history talks giving a great insight into daily life in the past. (please note timeline may be subject to change)":
10.00am – A Day in the Life of a Saxon/Introduction to Saxons
10.30am - Fishing with the Anglo Saxons
11am – Archery display
11.30am – Living history talk from The Vicus
12pm – Edible Ancient Plants talk
12.30pm – Gladiatorial display from The Vicus and Herigeas Hundas
1pm – Living History talk from The Vicus
1.30pm – Combat in the Saxon Age talk
2pm – Herigeas Hundas raid The Vicus!
2.45pm – Storytelling with Dawn
3.15pm – Blacksmithing talk from Joe
3.30pm – Anglo Saxon burial rites talk
4.00pm - Farm closes to public
All activities are being planned in a Covid secure way, and we will be limiting numbers on site in order to comply with social distancing and give the best experience for all. We are pleased to have been awarded a ‘Good to Go’ certification from Visit England in recognition of the steps we have taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. For more information about the extra safety steps we’ve taken please visit our Reopening Page.
