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Swords of Penda /Children of Loki

Educational Living History Reenactment Group

Recreating the past is our passion.

Swords of Penda - Children of Loki is a small historical re-enactment society that specialises in dynamic and entertaining living history's and combat displays through the use of character role playing, crafts and skills now mostly long forgotten. 

Our reenactments are designed to bring the people into the world of our ancestors & give them a real taste of life in that period through entertainment that educates.

You might have noticed that the group has a double barrelled name.

This is because on occasions we will still do later Viking age events and when we do that we perform under the guise of “Children of Loki.” Whilst in the early Saxon period we are “Swords of Penda”. It’s the same group, same people but just a different terminology to recognise the different settings.

Our group covers the early period of Anglo Saxon period of the 7th Century and the rule of King Penda, the last Pagan king of England - this is an exciting and mysterious time. Cloaked by the mists of what we call the Dark Ages, these turbulent years from the late 5th to the mid 8th witnessed the end of an empire and the birth of a Nation.

As Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Frisians, Franks and many smaller tribes migrated and integrated with the native Romano British Celts. Wars also erupted, territory claimed and fought over, kingdoms rose and fell along with their leaders. 

We also cover the 9th and 10th Centuries and the Viking Age. In this period we portray A Viking Warband often fighting a local Saxon Fyrd for control. Each event is individually researched and scenarios are based around the history of the local area. 

Our Passion is on our high standard of historical accuracy and attention to detail. At events guests can witness our arena display of hand-to-hand combat, and travel through our tented encampment to meet our skilled craftsmen, musicians, Storyteller, and wise woman. Our village offers an extensive cross-section of life in the Early Middle Ages.

We pride ourselves on being a family-orientated organisation which has members from all walks of life and every age group and we often work alongside other groups, forming lifetime friendships. 

We strive to provide educational and engaging experiences for visitors, and value for our clients, encouraging learning our history we even have a 'knowledge-sharing network' between members to encourage research.  

We take part in shows all across the UK, a list of which can be found in our events calendar.

So, whether you are interested in hiring Swords of Penda for your event, coming to visit our village, joining as a member, wanting a new way to keep fit, or just learning more about the forgotten age, we hope to see you soon!

Skal!

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We encourage our members to research the periods that we cover and often either side too so that they understand the development and history of the items they use.  We wear as near to fully authentic clothing as we can achieve based on archeological finds. This applies to our the weapons and our everyday items such as cooking utensils, eating equipment, and craft tools. Personal items are normally replicas of archaeological finds which we are always very excited to talk about!

As part of our 'open tent' system, we create static displays of replica artefacts with craft demonstrations and talks.

We are very lucky to be working along side the musical living history group, Here Be Flagons who provide talks and demonstrations on musical instruments from the era.  Our wise woman often gives theatrical and immersive talks on rituals and ceremonies. Plus our cooking tent will usually be making our evening feast so you can fully absorb yourself in the scent of a traditionally made stew

A standard day visiting our village could include 

  • The Kings court in session - village members are invited to bring tribute and the king deals with political matters

  • Hand to hand combat displays

  • Shield wall displays

  • Axe throwing courtesy of our friends at Saexia

  • Have a go Archery

  • Ceremony and Ritual talks from the wise-woman

  • Musical Demonstrations from Here Be Flagons

  • Craft talks and Demonstrations

  • Storytelling 

We have been been lucky to work with some amazing people at some incredible venues. 

Swords of Penda have been featured on BBC Wiltshire and BBC3Counties Radio as well as HistoryHit Online.

To see our List of 2024-2025 events please click here

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