Swords of Penda - Children of Loki
3rd and 4th September 2022 10am to 4pm
Normal admission applies
We’re delighted to be joined by a new re-enactment group - Swords of Penda - Children of Loki – who will be bringing our Anglo Saxon buildings to life.
This group specialise in the reign of King Penda the last Pagan king of Britain in the early 7th Century – a time which shaped Britain through the migrations of various European tribes to these shores. In these turbulent times petty kings vied for power and supremacy and Penda was determined to make himself the greatest warrior King of them all.
Please note you may wish to bring cash as there will be have a go archery activities during the weekend and Saxon traders selling their wares!
Provisional daily timetable (may be subject to change)
11am King Penda holds court in the Mead Hall
12 noon Wessex Attacks plus Combat Displays
1pm King Penda holds court in the Mead Hall
2pm Anglo Saxon Storytelling in the Mead Hall
3pm Wessex Attacks plus Combat Displays
3.30pm Funeral of a Warrior
Historical Background
The year is 648 and the island of Britannia is once again in turmoil, hostilities have broken out between Mercia and Wessex once more, but how so??
Cenwalh Cyning (King) of Wessex has, for many years, been married to the sister of Penda, Cyning (King) of Mercia, a warrior king and fearless leader of men. However Cenwalh has now chosen another woman over her and has sent her away, infuriated by this insult Penda was determined to conquer Wessex and get revenge .
Penda drove Cenwalh into exile in East Anglia where he remained for three years with King Anna of East Anglia. Here he learned about Christianity and was baptised. While Cenwalh was in exile, Wulfhere, the son of Penda, took a great deal of territory away from Wessex. For example, he gave the Isle of Wight to Aethelwalh, King of Sussex.
Scenario for the weekend at Butser!
Infuriated by the slight on his sister, Penda has advanced on Wessex with his army. He has set up a temporary command base at a wealthy farm called Bryttes Oran with his household warriors, whilst his main army camps nearby and scouts are sent out to ascertain the location of Cenwalhs forces.
The farm however is owned by a Thegn of Wessex called Leofwine, a descendant of Brytta who founded it many generations before. He hears of this and is outraged as he was just preparing to celebrate a good harvest and give thanks to the Gods for the years bounty. Now all his wealth will be stolen, and his land despoiled by this Mercian King and his entourage.
So without permission from Cenwalh he gathers his best warriors and advances on his homestead to try and deal a quick and decisive blow for Wessex. Little does he know however that Penda has also bought with him his best warriors. Who will win? Wessex or Mercia….
