Edition Two; January MMXIII

Introduction:

Welcome to edition two! We are delighted to welcome our contributors whose articles grace this issue. We have a medieval flavour this month, having been to the historic city of Leicester. Thank you to all who taken the time to write articles for us, I look forward to welcoming more… Stephen Briggs, Editor

Page 3: The search for Richards grave – was Richard the Third buried under a car park? We travelled to Leicester to have a look…

Page 6 – The Knights of Skirbeck Page 10 - Photographic archive Page 13: home brewing by Rick Pearson Page 15: Places to visit Page 16: Steven Hars Songbook Page 18 – Quiz Page 19: Codes for young spies Page 20 – Vivacity at Peterborough Page 22 Recipes from readers Page 23 Gallery as sent in by readers. Page 24 – Lincoln at night Page 26 – Groups and societies Page 29 – the charismatic Mr Halet! Page 31 – Roses Kitchen

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The Search for Richard Third

Written with the kind assistance of Professor Lyn Foxhall, Archaeologist, University of Leicester It was only when we looked at the pictures on the computer that the impact sunk in. The weather had been drizzly and unpleasant. We were not really dressed for archaeology, and worst of all my camera was playing up. Thank goodness for camera phones…

Peering through the window in what appears to a forensic tent we could see a neatly cut pit, about 6 feet across by ten feet long and just under six foot deep. Steps

at either end make the grave look like a baptism pool. The bottom is lined with a huge slab. The remains of a pillar are top right. If it wasn’t for fastidiously

watching Time Team, I would not have known what I was looking at…

Slain on Bosworth Battlefield on the 22nd August 1485, legend has it that the body of King Richard the Third was thrown into a river and lost forever. It seems this was untrue and he was discretely buried in a Friary in Leicester. In August 2012 Archaeologists cut through concrete in a Leicester car park, just a few paces from the Cathedral. The site was known to have been Greyfriars Abbey, dissolved like most others in 1536 under the orders of King Henry VIII. The land had been sold to the Mayor Of Leicester, who turned it into a garden. A monument to Richard was erected, which incredibly survived both the Tudor purges and

those of The English Civil War. It was generally assumed that the King lay under here, and a map from 1711 helped the team to locate it. Within twenty four hours the team confirmed they had found two skeletons, one male and one female. The media almost completely ignored the female one. Sadly two months after the news broke, the controversial Daily Mail blasted “hunchback King found under car park” which forced the team to impose a virtual media black out. This grossly irresponsible article was slammed by disabled charities and the Richard the third Society, who have spent over thirty years dismissing the rumours about Richard; not least he did NOT have a hunchback…

The site is geo phased, prior to being uncovered.

At the time of writing it is not definite who the male is. It is clear the team have the skeleton of a male, who died of a savage blow to the head. He was buried in clay, under a lot of Georgian rubbish. He was not under a slab. He has curvature of the Spine, and is thought to have had an arrow in his back. This we find confusing – Richard would have worn full armour. We suggest that the only way an arrow could have pierced the victim’s spine is that after having his armour removed, the body was desecrated and had arrows fired at it? Medieval weapons experts are examining the injuries. Neither body was buried in a coffin. “There were no coffin nails” Professor Foxhall has confirmed. “We are looking at a probable shroud burial”… As to the female, there is a real mystery. Richards Widow, Lady Anne Warwick is buried in Westminster Abbey, London. If this was the resting place of our missing King, who lay beside him for

hundreds of years? A wealthy female benefactor of the abbey could have been buried there in about 1250. But who is in her grave and why? My own theory is that the body could have been hidden in a convenient place, and left there. A freshly dug grave would have been ideal. It is suggested that Richards’s body was laid out for two days in Greyfriars, then buried. “This is only part of the story” we were told. “The history of the site goes back way further, and the burial is near the end of it”. The team would love to uncover more of the site, but this is not definite yet.

The iron stake indicates where the body was found. The Victorian wall when built, had missed the skeleton by inches! (University of Leicester)

Featured group...... Thee Knights Of Skirbeck

The Sun breaks through the gruel grey clouds, as the last visitor leaves the site. Smoke drifts from the fire, as Alice Puddy stirs another concoction for the group’s consumption. Lord Bryan of Skirbeck, Earl of Witham rests in his magnificent tent. Elsewhere the squeals of young Squires pierce the air like crows, and weary feet trudge through the mud in search of a latrine. Established in 2008 The KOS, based in Lincolnshire, portrays a retinue of knights and associates during the 14th and 15th century. Mainly depicting the 100 years war, the group also attend some Wars of the Rose’s events, there being just nine months between the two campaigns. The English were flung from France, after nearly 130 years of conflict in 1452. The near bankrupt country rose against King Henry VI, a peaceful but weak ruler at St Albans in 1453.

Each group member has their own unique character. They create one, or are christened upon joining. Take Harald Baldric for example. Downtrodden, flea bitten and by far the grubbiest member of the group, he has been known to have his hair cut off, be

kicked across a court yard by his Lordship, and volunteered to be an archery target. Totally illiterate, unloved and usually banished to the furthest point of the camp, it is whispered that Harald is

actually descended from the last Saxon King of England. But then again, ale does weaken the senses…. On the other end of the social ladder is the Kings loyal servant, Lord Bryan De’Ath of Skirbeck. Tall, clad in Black and White and evil tempered, the most important member enjoys the finer things in life – i.e. flogging Harald, lusting, being granted land from the King and copious amounts of mead. And the odd war or two…

As the Keep of Tattershall Castle loomed overhead and the savage bills of The Clarence Household drew near, a small warrior crept beside his

colleagues. None knew that under the armour was a fellow of just twelve, the Squire wishing to fight. And that he did, in the next fifteen minutes, showing a ferocious ability and outstanding bravery against heavy odds. For when it was all over his foe did indeed draw breath at the young, sweat

dripping face that even in defeat laughed upon them…

Sir John Thomas of Cockermouth, a Knight Banneret, and a Knight of the order of the Dragon. Indentured retainer to Sir Brian of Skirbeck Earl of Witham, and loyal subject to his majesty King Henry IV

We meet Sir Hugo First, as the KOS are well known for combining bawdy medieval humour with serious hand to hand combat. Sir Godfrey Baldy Decrazio, the bastard son of an Italian armourer, Knight, tournament fighter and protector of king and country. Robin, a Man at Arms sports the only Byzantine flame thrower in the country, and Alias the Jester for hire, offers authentic entertainment with his tricks. There are countless characters on camp, many with background stories.

To court service of thee Knights of Skirbeck contact Dave Bedford esquire on

01205 368134

http://www.knightsofskirbeck.co.uk/

Pictures courtesy of Ian Hutson and Knights of Skirbeck members

Fiona Harrison – A voice in a Million

Britain's Finest Nostalgic Soprano, performing the hits of yesteryear!

http://www.fionaharrison.biz

Press contact Fiona Harrison - Tel: 01525 370453

Pictures from the archives

Many of us spent our pocket money on old pictures and postcards, some of which are highly collectable. Some have details on the back. Here are a few of mine…

Mosquito prototype W4050. Note she is in her later scheme, not the yellow in which she made her first flight…

A Halifax BVII lifting a jeep in Burma…

Spitfire IX’s of 611 Squadron

Stunning promotional picture of English Electric lightning XM147, 74 Squadron Royal Air force, 1961.

Home Brewing – by Rick Pearson

Mulled Wine.

Things you need: •1 bottle of red wine (bought or homebrewed)

•7 cardamom pods •5 cloves

•2 star anise •½ a cinnamon stick

•1 lemongrass stalk chopped •1 orange

•1 tablespoon of demerara sugar (brown sugar) •Preserved ginger (stem ginger in syrup)

•2 muslin cloths or bags •Cheese grater

•Funnel •Sieve

•1 large pot •Spoon

Clean and sanitize everything before you begin.

Use the cheese grater on the orange skin to create orange zest and

segment the orange once all the zest has been removed, keep both to one side.

Pour your wine into the pot and heat on a medium heat.

Place the cardamom pods, cloves, star anise, cinnamon stick and

lemongrass into your muslin cloth or bag (if cloth tie to form a bag) place your “teabag” of ingredients into the pot, add the zest and segments of

orange to the liquid, add your sugar and 2 pieces of ginger and 2 tablespoons of the syrup from the ginger.

Heat gently for 4-5 minutes stirring every now and then to mix the

flavours but do not allow to boil.

After 5 minutes remove the muslin and allow the mixture to cool, if your serving straight away then ladle the wine into glasses and serve, if your

bottling it, take the funnel, sieve and spare muslin, place the funnel in the bottle, the sieve into the funnel and the muslin into the sieve, pour your

wine back into the bottle and cork and label if you wish.

If you bottled the wine and wish to serve, pour wine into a pot and heat the wine for 3-4 minutes and serve.

Mead

honey 1.5kg (3lb) water 4litre (roughly 7 pints)

yeast 1 small pack or 1teaspoon fermentation tank (5litre)

airlock and bung

For the purpose of this tutorial i will be using a 5litre demijohn/fermentation tank.

My first mead was actually brewed in a 2litre coke bottle which i will tell you how to do also.

Although i have given the weights and measurements of each ingredient, the general rule for mead is 2 parts water

to every 1 part honey, the yeast is the same amount.

Method for home brewers

Start by bringing a large pot of water to the boil (please note not all the water has to be boiled) pour in all your honey and stir until all your honey is dissolved, once the honey is dissolved, pour your honey water into your fermentation tank/demijohn and allow to cool, once the liquid has cooled down add your yeast, and slightly agitate the water to mix the yeast, fit your airlock and store in a warm place out of direct sunlight. Once the fermentation is complete (when the airlock stops bubbling) syphon off into bottles or other means of storage. Leave to mature for a month and then sit back and enjoy a glass.

Method for non home brewers

2litre coke bottle

3-4 straws tape

and all the ingredients above Start by bringing a large pot of water to the boil (please note not all the water has to be boiled) pour in all your honey and stir until all your honey is dissolved, once dissolved leave to cool, Pour water mix into your bottle, add the yeast and agitate the bottle, drill/punch a hole in the coke lid just a bit smaller than the straw, insert straw about 5mm into the bottle lid and tape in place, attach a few straws together and place the other end into a glass of water, once the water stops bubbling (after about 2-3 weeks) Syphon liquid into container and leave to mature for at least a month and enjoy

Places to Visit: Crich Tramway Village

Located in stunning countryside, Crich is a hidden gem that will take a whole day to see everything. For nearly 40 years, visitors have

driven through cobbled streets, past shops and tram stations, and through the woods. Eat in an authentic tea room, sip a pint in the pub

and take home a piece of your childhood from the vintage sweet shop. And with acres of

woodland walk overlooking Derbyshire you will need walking shoes…

Established in a former Quarry the museum opened in 1974.

Over the years many buildings have been relocated here, including the façade of the Derby assembly rooms. Crich is a

wonderful working museum and very highly recommended. It is a treat for photographers. I had fun playing with my vintage

camera, as you can see…

The National Tramway Museum Crich Tramway Village, nr Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP tramway.co.uk Telephone: 01773 854 321

The British Grenadiers (First printed 1750) Some tell of Alexander, and some of Hercules Of hector and Lysander, and such great names as these But of all the worlds’ brave heroes, there’s none that can compare With a two row row row To The British grenadiers Now none of these ancient heroes ever saw a cannon ball Or knew the force of powder to slay their foes with a;; But our brave boys do know them and banish all their fears With a two row row row To The British grenadiers Whenever we’re commanded to storm the palisades Our leaders with fusils and we with hand grenades We hurl them from the glacis, about our enemies ears With a two row row row To The British grenadiers The God of War was pleased and great Bellona smiles To see these noble heroes of our British isles And all the Gods celestial descending from their spheres Beheld with adoration The British Grenadiers Now let us crown a bumper and drink a health to those Who carry caps and pouches and wear the looped clothes May they and their commanders live happy all their years With a two row row row To The British grenadiers The girl I left behind me I’m lonesome since I crossed the Hill And o’er the moor and Valley Such heavy thoughts my heart do fill Since parting from my Sally I seek no more the fine and gay For each doth but remind me How swiftly the hours away With the girl I left behind me Oh ne’er shall I forget that night The Stars were bright above me And gently lent the silvery light When first she vowed to love me

But now I’m bound for Brighton camp Kind heaven then pray guide me And send me safely back again To the girl I left behind me But now I’m bound for Brighton camp Kind heaven then pray guide me And send me safely back again To the girl I left behind me Her golden hair in Ringlets fair Her eyes like diamonds shining Her slender waist with carriage chaste May leave the swain repining Ye gods above! Oh hear my prayer ! Thy beauteous fair to bind me And send me safely back gain to the girl I left behind me I’m lonesome since I crossed the Hill And o’er the moor and Valley Such heavy thoughts my heart do fill Since parting from my Sally I seek no more the fine and gay For each doth but remind me How swiftly the hours away With the girl I left behind me

“Napoleonic songbook” Songs from the 18th and 19th Century by

Steven Hars http://44theast-essex.com/Merchandise.htm

A Quiz for round the fire, or in your lunch break

1. The odd one out is – a) Wessex Tales, b) The Canterbury Tales, c) The Millers Tale?

2. If a Castle has three square towers and one round, why is this? 3. What were the Witan? 4. Lindum Colonia is the Roman name of which city? 5. Which year did Winston Churchill first win a general election and

become Prime Minister? 6. Which British King ordered the bible to be re-written in the 17th

century? 7. Name all Four of Henry VIII’s grandparents? 8. A Torque is… 9. Who had unwelcome visitors on January sixth 793 off the NE coast of

England? 10. Flint and Green coats, longbows, the 100 years war... Which troops are

we talking about? 11. William Caxton invented what…? 12. The Ancient Egyptian deity with a Jackals’ head. Who is he? 13. Henry VI founded which famous school which still exists today? 14. If an inverted cross is found in a Viking grave what does it mean? 15. What is a Falchion used for? 16. What is the Commonwealth Boomerang? A) a hunting weapon b) fighter

aircraft c) an ex servicemen’s society 17. In the 15th century, who brought up Richard Duke of Gloucester? 18. Who was slain at the Battle of Tewksbury in 1471? A)Prince Edward b)

The Duke of Warwick c) King Henry VI 19. The first female ruler of England was… 20. Which regiment are known as Death or Glory boys?

Answers

Code breaking for young spies! The following message has been found by the resistance. Take each letter and use the previous one of the alphabet. B NNMUNW VHKK FN HMSN SGD VCRS DMC RHW N BKNBJ

2: “We have got the following message by Morse code Sir. Using a Morse chart I think I can translate it…”

-- .. … … .. --- -. .- -.-. -.-. --- -- .--. .-.. .. … …. . -..

3) And now, the really tough one.

The following message has been intercepted. To crack the code, some words are back to front, others need the letters rearranging – and some words are just to

confuse the enemy! Good luck!

DESN SETARC OF DFOO DNA AVENR DCMLACI LIESPPUS TO OT OPDR EZON SA RANFCE NSOO ELBISSPO

ANSWERS ON BACK PAGE

Peterborough Vivacity 24/25th November 2012

Every year, re-enactment groups bring the former infirmary at Peterborough, in Cambridgeshire to life. The city museum is housed in an elegant Georgian mansion, later used as the City Hospital. With some stunning exhibits including remarkably well preserved Bronze Age swords, and one of only two surviving Victorian operating theatres, it is well worth a visit. And of course, the groups add that bit of magic…

This year’s event included a wonderful exhibition about the Crimean War, Table top games courtesy of Stoke Military society, a fantastic Roman exhibition (courtesy of Briga and friends), a great model aircraft display, Crusaders and Vikings, all indoors in the warm, and for free! A sole chap from the 15th century sat alone – a few more knights and foot solders would be good…

Tab weaving, with the Re-enacting ancient times society Ancienttimes.webs.com

Roman cookery display…

Up and at ‘em history

A recipe From our friends at 44th East Essex Regiment; By Mr Sable Cornell Crow;

Brown up some chunks of venison with chopped onions, simmer

in broth, add a little stout beer or red wine, whichever you have at hand, a generous bit of grated orange peel, some grated nutmeg, a pinch of ginger, a few cloves and cracked allspice, bay leaf, and a splash of Worcester sauce. Let it simmer till the broth is reduced

and thickened and meat starts falling apart.

Skirlie – or Scots stuffinge Much as we hate ye Scottish barbarians, they make goode food. Ye will need; two chooped onions, three ounces of dripping, five ounces of oat meal, grated lemon zest, a spoone of pepper and thyme When fat is hot, add ye chpped onion, and brown it. Mix in oat meal. Add lemon, thyme, salt, and pepper, keep stirringe for ten minutes, then stuff up rear passage of ye chicken and serve!

Pancakes, Tudor style!

You neede; two egges, a cup of flour, a cup of cream, a pinch of salt

and two table spoones of sugar…

For ye Batter;

Beat ye egges in a bowle; When beat, pour in milk

Add sugar and salt Stir till nice and creamy, not too thicke

To make ye pancake;

Heat a spoon of oil or fat in ye pan or skillet – will taste great over

an open fire! Mind your pinkies! Ise a glove!

Pour a speck of batter into thee fat, if it bubbles fat is hot enoughe. Layer bottom of pan with batter, makeinge sure edges do not sticke , make sure pancake is moving from side to side.

When golden, flippe it over! Fry other side, againe tille golde.

Pour cream or honey over, ande serve

This Months gallery

This picture was saved from a bonfire; here we see the sadly extinct woolly pig. It is believed that a distant relative has been found and the breed may live yet!

Any information would be appreciated

One of the luckiest men alive, Kermit Weeks, entrepreneur and Aviation fanatic flies the Royal Air Force Museums Albatross against the RE8. The rest of us

have to stick to kits! Picture by kind permission of Kermit Weeks

Volunteers fitted out their Georgian farmhouse for Halloween – the results were stunning… churchfarmvillage.org.uk

Kindly printed with permission of Gaz West, Spitfire LF16e TE311 is being test flown from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, after 11 years of restoration. She is

in the good care of the Battle of Britain Memorial flight

Lincoln Cathedral at Night

A less well known part of Lincoln Christmas Market is the medieval area. As well as the medieval market in the ruined Bishops palace, there is the

chance to walk inside The Cathedral at night…

Jim the Pot. Very nice chap and very well priced pottery…

And what are you doing? Maria, our pin up girl, gets her collar felt by a Victorian policeman…

Groups, artistes and societies

Tempus experientia – a unique pair. Leon and Kevin morph into outrageous characters, never compromising their staggering know how. From soldiers, to

sailors, thieves, priest’s, beggars and Spivs, these two are guaranteed to liven up your event…

http://www.tempus-experientia.co.uk/

Spearfish Creek – Wild West Group

Spearfishcreek.co.uk Supporting help for heroes

http://www.homefronthistory.co.uk/

www.littlewoodham.org.uk/

The Living History Village of Little Woodham or The Seventeenth Century Village is a living museum dedicated to recreating life in a rural village in the mid-17th century…

Grange Farm House, Howe Road, Gosport, Hampshire PO13

History with Hallett By Mr. Michael Hallett

Hello there! Welcome to History with Hallett! In this article I shall take you on what I hope will be not only an interesting journey but an introduction to myself and my business. So strap yourself in and prepare for a story of a lifetime, or not for that matter... Normally the best place to start a story is from the beginning, so this is where I shall start. I recently graduated university with a 2.1 degree in Ancient History and from being shown the door after the graduation ceremony I went into the big wide world. Being faced with the current tough economic climate, especially for graduates. Facing this I took my life into my own hands. Returning to Boston (UK) where I am currently based.

It was on a train journey where I had my 'eureka' moment, I would marry my passion for all things historical, and my willingness to become actively involved in teaching to put myself into business. There are businesses which promote science for schools through making it fun and interactive, History with Hallett will and shall do the same thing. By delivering what I call 'practical history workshops' I will go into schools/museums/heritage areas and other places with the use of artefacts, props, costumes and fun interactive activities I will make history truly memorable for all.

I do not aim to overthrow the hard work and education style of the teachers themselves but rather to compliment and enhance their work. Bringing tailor made lesson plans which are recognised by teachers and educational resources. All of my workshops are linked to the National Curriculum to make sure what I teach is relevant. My other unique selling point is that I intend to focus on local history as well, tying it into the overall picture. As there are some cases where teachers will not have the local knowledge, I aim to be of assistance. Using local artefacts such as the archaeological finds found by the Wolds Historical Research Society. Currently I am to deliver three main historical eras, Ancient Rome, the Middle-Ages, and World War Two, however I may be able to do more eras as I expand and develop as a business. I have gotten to know those connected with local history including the heritage sites of Boston Guildhall and Fydell House.

As of present the business has not launched, but it is supported by the Prince's Trust charity which have been instrumental in providing me with the relevant information and confidence to keep going forward. There are of course others which I would like to thank personally, a couple of groups springs to mind and they are the 79th Cameron Highland Regiment, a Napoleonic re-enactment group, who I met down at the Military Odyssey Show in Kent last summer, and the Knights of Skirbeck a local medieval re-enactment group. Both groups warmly provided me with a taster of what life was like in their respective eras.

History with Hallett is set to launch early this year, it is moments away! If you wish to contact me for any reason at all, including bookings, assistance and advice, or even just to have a chat then drop me an email on historywithhallett@gmail.com. Thank you for reading! Toodles!

Roses Kitchen

A selection of gossip, ideas and things to make, courtesy of Rose, parlour maid and historian, at the Church Farm House, The Village, Lincolnshire.

Lemon wash balls

We came across this recipe from The Victorian pharmacy. Mix 6lb of soap and boil it in water, add 3lbs of powdered starch and lemon essence. Knead into a paste and shape it into a block. When set, use to wash clothes.

Rose tries to untangle a right mess!

Time to get the duster out I think… Well t’other day when some soldiers passed through our village, I made ‘em tea and had a dew fags off them. They told me they eat Poo on a shingle! Thankfully the poo is actually corn beef. Heat two table spoons of butter and stir in 2 cups of milk. Make sure you keep stirring. Add slices of corned beef and cook for five minutes. Drop in a pinch of salt and pepper, and serve on toast or hard tack. To be really authentic, use evaporated milk.

My sweetheart suffers from a terrible cough so he mixes peppermint leaves in boiling water with honey. It’s what the Vikings used, and it’s lovely.

I know it’s easy to buy ketchup but we just found a recipe to make it! You need 6 large tomatoes, pinch of ground mace, half oz of salt, 1 oz sugar a couple of cloves, cayenne, 2 shallots and 5 oz vinegar. Cut the tomatoes up small, and soak in vinegar. Beat it to a paste, and drain through a sieve. Pit it into a pan and bring to the boil, then jar or bottle it.

Try washing floors, blacking the range, fending off the lustful men and feeding

the army of children. We sing this while working;

Weston Wynde when will thou blow? The small rayne downe can rayne? Cryst if my love were in my armes

And in my bed againe!

English Translation:

Western Wind when will you blow? The small rain down can rain?

Cursed, if my love were in my arms And in my bed again!

You can meet Rose at special events at

The Village, Church Road South, Skegness PE25 2AT 01754 766658

churchfarmvillage.org.uk

Quiz Answers:

1. A convoy will go through the west end six 0 clock 2. mission accomplished 3. send crates of food and medical supplies to drop zone as soon as

possible (RAVEN an extra TO & FRANCE were put there to confuse the enemy)

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Modern Classics

14 the Straight Lincoln, LN2 1JD

60s Themed Café with traditional home cooked food. Very good service 01522 524149