This two-hour display covers the events that lead up to the Battle of Hastings, 1066, with particular emphasis on elements of Saxon, Viking and Norman history and culture. Spectators should come away from the display with an understanding of the circumstances and events leading to the war. The display is suitable for all ages.

The Saxons The display opens with the Saxons. We pick three people from the audience and arm them as a Levy, Fyrd and Thegn respectively, describing the weapons and armour used by Saxon warriors at the time. This is also used as an illustration of the stratification of Saxon society. Harold Godwinson is introduced as the king of the Saxons at the time of the Battle of Hastings. The first fight is between two Saxon warriors, using spears, seaxes and shields.
The Vikings We then move on to the Vikings and explain that there was more to them than raiding and pillaging. We introduce the Viking's costume and equipment, and briefly describe the Viking settlements in France, Russia, Iceland and the British Isles, and the institution of the Varangian Guard in Byzantium. Harald Hardrada is introduced as the leader of the Vikings, and his travels to Byzantium and Russia are briefly described. As an illustration of Viking society and laws, we perform a Holmgang - a Norse trial-by-combat with axes, swords and shields.
The Normans Finally we introduce the Normans, and explain how the Norman state was formed by Vikings settling in northern France. We show the equipment and outfitting of a Norman Knight, and we introduce Duke William of Normandy. A fight between two Norman knights is shown, using kite shields, swords and daggers.

Lead-up to Hastings

Having introduced the main players, the circumstances that led to the Battle of Hastings are briefly described, largely following the narrative of the Bayeux Tapestry. We spend a little time talking about King Edward the Confessor, Earl Tostig and the captivity of Harold.

Stamford Bridge

The Viking landing and encampment at Stamford Bridge is presented, and we show an episode from the Battle of Stamford Bridge when a single Viking armed with a two-handed axe holds the bridge against the attacking Saxon army, until he was stabbed through a gap in the bridge's planks.

Hastings

The Viking retreat from Stamford Bridge and King Harold's forced march south introduces us to the Battle of Hastings itself. We usually walk through this battle with members of the audience, although if we can muster enough display fighters we perform a full combat re-enactment of the battle.

Challenge Fight

Lastly, just for a bit of fun, we end with the Challenge Fight. Volunteers are picked from the audience, and members of our display fighting team engage in single combat on behalf of the volunteers. Audience members are encouraged to cheer for their favourite fighter.

Conclusion

The display ends with Questions and Answers, and then we split the audience into groups for Show and Tell. This is an opportunity for the audience members to get a close-up look at the swords, helmets and armour that we use in our combat.