Fighting Breaks Out at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome!

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Visitors to Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome witnessed gangs of women shouting and yelling, knights getting dressed for battle, archers fine-tuning their aim and youngsters learning to wield a cutlass – all in the name of history.

The popular Multi-Period Living History Weekend on 4-5 July saw the World War One Aerodrome and Accredited Museum transformed into a smorgasbord of history, with visitors able to wander between camps representing Saxon, Medieval and modern historical periods.

In the arena, one of the highlights was a tough battle of words between the enraged, law-breaking Suffragettes (from Deeds Not Words living history group) and the peaceful, law-abiding Suffragists (museum volunteers). Meanwhile, The Royal Navy BlueJackets, presenting as the officers and crew of HMS Active in 1869, put young visitors through their paces for Cutlass Drill, The Company of 1415 dressed willing volunteers as 15th century knights and Chanz Des Reis recreated The Assize of Arms, when King Henry II introduced an early form of National Service. With demonstrations throughout the weekend, talks by local historian Stephen Nunn and even a World War Two church service by Past History's Neil Bond in his role as a Forces Padre, visitors were treated to a whistlestop tour of the past millennium.

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: "It's always a treat to see this atmospheric site filled with living historians through the ages – there's no better way to learn about the past than to see it brought to life in this way."

The next major event at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome will be The Stow Maries Air Show on Sunday 16 August. Tickets are selling fast for the show, which includes (weather and operational reasons permitting) an amazing programme of flying, including a 1943 Mk9 Spitfire; the Tiger Nine display team of nine Tiger Moths; a Fokker triplane painted in the colours of the Red Baron; and much more. Tickets must be booked in advance. Adults £25, children 6-15 £12 and 0-5 free (booking fees apply).

Details and tickets for all upcoming events are at www.stowmaries.org.uk/events