Bringing the 15th Century to Life at Gathering of the North 26

Visitors to Gathering of the North 26 are in for a rare treat this year as The Ferrers Household sets up their remarkable 15th‑century living history village beneath the ancient canopy of Sherwood Forest. More than just a reenactment group, the Ferrers Household is a vibrant, skilled community dedicated to recreating the world of Sir Walter Devereux, Lord Ferrers, during the turbulent Wars of the Roses.

For over 26 years, this group has been breathing life into the past. Led by long‑standing Captain Peter Allport, the Household began with two school friends (Pete and Dave) whose shared love of history and craftsmanship sparked something extraordinary. What started as a curiosity about the everyday lives of people between battles soon grew into a full living‑history experience, rich with authentic skills, tools, and trades. Today, every member brings their own passion for history, craftsmanship, and storytelling, creating a space where the medieval world feels wonderfully alive.

A Village of Crafts, Skills, and Stories

At events, the Ferrers Household doesn’t just set up a camp, they build a working medieval village. Visitors can wander through a bustling array of crafts and demonstrations, including:

• A roaring blacksmith’s forge
• Woodworking and a traditional pole lathe
• Pewter casting, leatherworking, and rope making
• Calligraphy and ink‑making
• Cooking over an open fire
• Bow making and fletching
• Tailoring, herbalism, and medieval surgery
• Music, games, and everyday recreation

Many of these crafts are made live on site, with members, adults and young people alike; working on real projects throughout the weekend. The group loves to share their knowledge, answer questions, and, when possible, let visitors try their hand at activities. It’s not unusual to see a child learning to write with a quill while someone else tries on a piece of armour or watches sparks fly from the forge.

And yes! There’s combat too. The Household includes billmen, archers, and hand‑to‑hand fighters, along with an armoury where the public can explore the weight and feel of real armour.

People are often amazed by just how advanced 15th‑century life really was. From clever tools to sophisticated craftsmanship, the medieval world was far more innovative and far more familiar than many expect. The Ferrers Household excels at showing that history isn’t distant or dusty; it’s human, relatable, and full of ingenuity.

For them, the best part of historically inspired events is simple: all of it. Wherever they go, they bring history to life, and Gathering of the North is the ideal place to share that passion with thousands of curious visitors.

Where to Find the Ferrers Household Next

If you’re captivated by their work, or want to follow their adventures beyond Sherwood you can find them here:

• Webpage: https://theferrershousehold.weebly.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/TheFerrersHousehold
• Instagram: householdtheferrers