With over 120 societies here at Loughborough, we have an unbelievably diverse range of clubs and activities for you to get involved with. Within our group of Historical and Political societies, we have the lesser-known LSU Living History – a 12th-century re-enactment society that started two years ago. We spoke to a member of the society, to find out a little more about them. 

What is the Living History Society about?

The Living History Society is a 12th-century re-enactment society. We meet twice a week – once to make things and once to train in combat. All of this is geared towards going to shows and events with Historia Normannis throughout the country.

It’s also about having fun; you don’t have to be a serious historian to feel pride when you make your own clothing or enjoy running around a field fighting people with few rules and the only repercussion is that people will hit you back if you’re not quick enough!

When did the Living History society start?

The Living History Society was formed for the start of the 2013 academic year, but was present before then as ‘historical re-enactment’ for a year.

What have been some of your memorable events from this last year?

Picking out a single ‘memorable event’ is tricky! Seeing the freshers improve in both combat and craft skills, and get more involved and enjoy themselves is brilliant, and being one of the one’s training and teaching them is really rewarding.

What are your plans for the future of the Living History Society?

We’re really hoping to expand! More people joining us means we can do more and better things; it means we can make more things, and generally get more people involved in the fun!

What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Living History Society?

Don’t be put off by the costs. It’s true; some of the things we use are not cheap. Buying pure wool and linen to make the clothing is not the cheapest thing. That said, we can always help and we do aim to spread the cost and make it as easy as possible.

Everyone enjoys themselves and the more you put into it, the more you get out. So for the fun, you can have, the friends you make, and the skills you learn – it’s definitely worth it! Just come along, keep an open mind and see if you enjoy it. You don’t even have to care much about the history. I myself am an engineer and basically joined ‘because swords, daggers, axes and spears are cool, right?’ I only got into the history after that.

Finally, what’s one thing you want us to know about you, the Living History Society?

By joining the Living History Society, you aren’t just joining a group of stuffy old reenactors. You are joining a close-knit group of friends that will always support you and provide a great addition to your time at Loughborough!

If you would like anymore information on the Living History Society, pop into the Societies office.

If you would like your society to be featured on the blog, please contact: digital@lboro.ac.uk

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