Our fletcher is a member of the Guild and a master at his trade. Using traditional methods and materials he can fashion an arrow shaft from a block of wood astride his shaving horse. He can speak knowledgeably on the use of materials, the final product and all the associated tales and anecdotes. He tells a good tale but is also a hard task master, as his apprentice will verify.

Have you ever wondered how our ancestors managed without the wonders of modern medicine? Our herbalist will show some of the natural remedies which would have been available in the period and believed to be capable of curing all known ailments from headache to stress. Some remedies are still in use today, others thankfully have been long since abandoned.

All our food is prepared to authentic medieval recipes by our cooks, over an open fire, using produce known to have been available, not only during the 15th Century, but also during the particular season as well. We are not permitted to allow visitors to sample the delicacies prepared, but our cooks are happy to explain the methods and produce used and share their recipes with you.

Every man in medieval England could use a bow, however if you were particularly skilled with it you could earn a good living. As the main weapon of warfare there was always plenty of demand for a good archer.

15th century mills had to be licensed to operate, but our itinerant miller has no time for paperwork and so must keep a constant lookout when at work in order not to get caught milling without a licence.

If you could afford it, medieval life need not be dull. Our dyer produces the most beautiful colours using only those natural dyes and mordants known to have been in commercial use in the 15th century.

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Strong and lightweight, willow has been used for making baskets for many centuries and the 15th century was no exception. The basketmaker soaks her willow overnight and the next day visitors can watch as another new basket slowly takes shape in her skillful hands.

The weaver was an essential part of life in medieval times, producing the cloth with which people clothed themselves. A cottage industry at this time, weaving was just one stage in producing the woollen cloth which England was famous for and which brought great prosperity in the medieval period.

Musicians were popular wherever they went in the 15th century. In the days before CD's and iPods the ability to make music could earn you bed and board when travelling as well as providing entertainment when at home. Here one of our musicians gives us a tune on his hurdy gurdy.

Long before the advent of electricity or even gas lighting one of the main sources of artificial light for the better off was the candle. Laboriously produced by hand you can see them slowly growing thicker as the chandler dips them repeatly in the hot beeswax.

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When the chores of the day are done, the medieval housewife would take the opportunity to make braids or decorative cords to embellish the clothing of their families. You may see a lucette being used, or a box loom or maybe an inkle loom as pictured here.

Our genial tavernkeeper can show you a wide variety of medieval board games of the period. Take care if he offers you a little wager on the outcome though, he has played many times before! He is also highly skilled with the childrens games, such as cup-and-ball.

In an age when people might have difficulties with reading or writing, the scribe is a very necessary member of society. As an educated man, this scribe is able to sell his skills at fairs and markets. He is able to read the letter or document you have received and write your reply for you. If you have the money, he will even illuminate it for you.

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Pattens were wooden soles worn beneath ordinary shoes, particularly in inclement weather, raising the leather soles of the shoes out of the water and mud, protecting them from rotting too soon. For ladies they also lifted the hemline of skirts out of the water and mud. A useful item to have when walking through the streets of towns and cities, where drainage wasn't available!

Knowing how to use a needle was an essential skill in the days before clothing was mass produced. While most women would have sufficient skill to clothe their own families, only those who were particularly proficient with their needle would be able to earn a living sewing.

Well okay, being a child is not an occupation, medieval or otherwise. But our youngest member is as keen as the rest of us, having literally been with us from birth. When not churning butter or making braid she enjoys medieval games and will happily teach visitors children how to play them.