Stow Maries: Multi-Period Living History Show

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Events - 2026

As part of our ongoing commitment to our supporters, 2026 sees a bumper crop of events of all kinds. We are dedicated to highlighting that there is 'often something on at Stow' with a series of 'Added Value' events - where admission fees are the same as regular entry, but you can enjoy our brilliant museum with just a little bit 'extra'. All at no extra cost.

Remember, for these Added Value events, young people under 11 years in age are Admission Free, and for this particular event, your ticket covers both days! Yup - if you come on the Saturday, you can come in on the Sunday, with no extra cost!

THIS EVENT: The Stow Maries Multi-Period Living History Show

VISITORS:

A return to Stow for this popular event. Not sure which historical period you prefer? A fan of the Vikings? Perhaps the Medieval? Maybe you like WW2?

This is the event for you.

With camps scattered across the site illustrating periods of history from across the ages, you'll get a chance to explore all of them. The clang of steel swords, the thud of arrows...its all here!

Please note: this is NOT an air event.

For just your standard admission fee, you get to enjoy all our historians have to show and tell, as well as our range of exciting exhibitions and tours. Tickets will be available on the door if they are any remaining.

• There are no Mess-Only admissions at this event.
• Well-behaved dogs on short leads at all times are welcome.
• Any remaining Admission tickets will be available on the day.
• Propeller Club Members can enjoy this event without any admission charge.

So....as you wander through the mists of time at this event, where might you linger...?

We look forward to having Aelfnoth demonstrating Fletching (making arrows) in the Anglo-Saxon and Viking Period. This is Aelfnoths first visit to our museum, and we're dead excitied about it. Especially as it ties in so well with our speaker, Stephen Nunn!

At 2pm on both days, local historian Stephen Nunn will be giving a talk on The Battle of Maldon. Most of what we know about this Dark Age encounter is based on the famous poem of the same name, telling how Earl Byrhtnoth allowed the Viking raiders to cross a Causeway so that they might form up on the mainland. Unfortunately, things did not go entirely to plan and the Danish raiders inflicted a heavy defeat on the English forces. In this talk, Stephen will attempt to separate fact from fiction surrounding this heroic failure from over 1000 years ago. Interestingly, the generally accepted site of the battle, marked today by a National Trust plaque, may not be the clear-cut choice after all.

We're looking forward to welcoming our popular Medieval chums Chanz Des Reis to the event. This year, they will take us to year 1181, when King Henry II first implemented his 'Assize of Arms', and all Freemen of the country had to arm themselves as per the size of land they owned. They had to carry out 40 days of military service each year - basically, the very beginning of National Service in England!

We're very excited to see Sericum et Gladium back on site. This group of historical interpreters aims to bring the 13th century back to life in a tangible and educational way.

Through a varied mix of displays, they aim to recreate every facet of 13th century life and culture faithfully and accurately. Its public a full hands-on sensory experience of the high middle ages, experiencing the sights, sounds, aromas and stories of the 13th century.

15th Century veterans The Company of 1415 will be bringing their own brand of humour and knowledge as they help you understand the lives of the fighting man and their family in the war-torn landscape of medieval england. Expert a few laughs, some crashing, some bashing and demonstrations of sword, axe and - of most important - the mighty longbow and arrow!

Fresh from the decks of the fighting ships of the Royal Navy in 1860, the famous RN BlueJackets will be on hand to tell all they know about the all-powerful, international Royal Navy in the early Victorian period - complete with sea shantys, maggoty Hard Tack and Cutlass drill! (Please note: Any recruits pressed into service for Cutlass Drill will be returned to their own crews once training has been completed! )

Tastes Through Time will be joining us to explore two different periods. The first is the 18th Century & the chance to meet the wonderful Lady Dixie, one of the most remarkable and unconventional women of the Victorian era.

Explorer, author, feminist, political commentator and Britain's first female war correspondent, Florence refused to accept the limitations society placed upon women. Known to both royalty and politicians, she counted Queen Victoria among her acquaintances and became a prominent voice in public life through her writings for the Morning Post and Vanity Fair.

Florence reported on the Anglo-Zulu War, using her influence and writing to campaign for justice for King Cetshwayo kaMpande. Her efforts helped shape public opinion and contributed to King Cetshwayo's restoration to the Zulu throne in 1883.

A true breaker of convention, Florence travelled extensively across the world, wore practical clothing, cut her hair short in defiance of fashion, championed women's rights, and helped establish one of Britain's first women's football teams. At a time when women were expected to remain silent and obedient, Florence spoke boldly on politics, social reform and equality.

Discover the extraordinary life of a woman who challenged Victorian society at every turn, and whose courage, determination, and independence made her one of the most fascinating—yet largely forgotten—figures of the late nineteenth century.

Another newcomer to Stow Maries - Deeds not Words are joining us! Highlighting the battle for Womens Suffrage, these powerhouses will be easy to spot, as they march for their right to vote!!

Great friends of Stow Maries, The Lufberys RFC Group, will be on hand exploring the exciting - and deadly - life of an Royal Flying Corps crew member. Naturally, we're biased about this one - we have to be, being an RFC Camp! - but you can expect crisp uniforms, tales of derring do and bravery from these highly thought of interpreters.

Long-term time traveller Neil Bond of Past History will be joining the event to tell the story of the courageous and intrepid stories of the British Army Chaplaincy of WW1 and WW2.

Padre Bond will also be giving a service on site on Sunday morning, before lunch. All are welcome!

Sticking with WW2, Tastes through Time will also be having great fun in the 1917 Pilot's Ready Rooms. They will be returning it to its 1940s role of a family home! Do pop in and ask about the Home Front and making it work in those dark days.