Battle for Britannia - Saxons invade Butser Ancient Farm
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May 2022 10am to 4pm
Normal admission prices apply.
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 May, 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, and unmissable combat and archery demonstrations on throughout the weekend, culminating at 2.30pm 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.
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.
Provisional outline each day (may be subject to change)
- 11am - Archery display
- 12pm – Ancient fishing talk with Ray Warren
- 12.30pm - Spinning and Natural Plant Dyes with Bea Helme and Pauline Murray
- 1.30pm – Gladiatorial Display
- 2pm - Anglo Saxon Burial Rites with Lewis Beck
- 2.30pm – Combat display
- 3.15pm - The Anglo Saxon Cunning Woman with Jennifer Atkinson
We will be following the latest government guidance in response to Covid-19, and will continue to monitor 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 click here.
