Performance requirements

The Paladins of Chivalry aim to bring the 14th century to life. Our goal is to portray an encampment of 14th century nobles and upper classes gathered to play. While some members portray exclusively nobility and gentlefolk, others also provide the necessary servants, craftspeople and professionals that would have been present. However, we can not do this unless all members who train with us are also willing to perform.

As a performance group, everybody tries to work together under the guidance of experienced members, to make an event enjoyable and informative. While we have several elements within our shows that we practise routinely, every show tends to be different and all elements can be adapted and changed according to our client’s requirements. This is our hobby and we do this for fun, but regardless of our personal gain and interest, we also need to make our best efforts to present an organised and committed show.

Minimum equipment

All members wanting to participate at a Paladins show need a minimum amount of equipment. While often enough spare kit is brought to events and many people are more than happy to lend out their own equipment, it is of course not generally accepted to perform in borrowed gear for an ongoing time. There is plenty of help at hand to make your own clothing and maybe further items like pouches, belts and shoes. Should you prefer to buy your clothes and other equipment, then we can also provide help and assistance with traders and markets.

Minimum requirements for men:

The Paladins have a small number of spare weapons for training purposes if you wish to learn to fight, so with exception of some form of hand protection the above list should be your first priority. If you do not have the above listed equipment you will not be able to assist us at a performance in the essential role of squire or attendant.

Minimum requirements for women/ladies:

Normally new members should aim for generally useable pieces of clothing made from appropriate materials like wool and linen, while items made of silk should be regarded as high status parts only and used sparingly amongst a “lower” status persona. Shirts and chemises made from linen were worn throughout all classes of society and are appropriate no matter what status you end up choosing. Underdresses/tunics and plainer overdresses/cotehardies can first serve a lower status and then become undergarments for higher classes. Simple veils, hats and hose can be used regardless of status; unadorned belts are generally suitable immediately and can be embellished later.

Reenactment and Living History is generally an expensive and time consuming hobby for enthusiasts, but with enough commitment and effort it’s possible to get things right even on a budget. All our members have gone through the first stages and are happy to assist with help and advice. However, all clothes, weapons and other personal equipment generally need to go through a process of approval, in order to ensure the standards of the group as a Living History performance group. This process is there to help get things right, and save you time and money as well as making sure standards are met. Also bear in mind, what may be deemed acceptable this year, may (through even more research) not be allowed on the field next year. Choose your materials and patterns wisely.