Theschooleofdefence

18/09/2026

Looking forward to this…

Mike Loades investigates the Bayeux Tapestry’s climactic battle sequence in a quest to unpick what this iconic embroidery tells us about the Battle of Hastings. Working alongside a small band of expert practitioners and re-enactors, in a hands-on investigation, Mike examines fresh interpretation.....

03/09/2026

I must have explained the process of making medieval turn shoes to several thousand people at the busy Oak Fair at Stock Gaylard at the weekend.
Explaining the fashion for long pointy ties, social status, colour sumptuary laws and the process for sewing the shoes from a single piece of leather and then turning them.
Thoughts were mixed on what colour the next pair should be.
What do you think ? Put your answer in the comments.
I am experimenting with the toe length and seeing how long I can make them and still turn the shoe keeping all the stitches internal.
With the Medieval Free Company.

21/08/2026

Could be controversial I know - but I saw The Odyssey last night and I really enjoyed it 😁
Watching the film in an antique cinema in my little town was a joy. A one screen cinema replete with gold curtains, red velvet chairs that have an oddly familiar and comforting smell of old sneezes.
Yes the costumes and armour were pretty shocking - so much obviously plastic and what looked like rucksacks straps as shoulder armour plus terrible leather work, but I rather liked the way the story was told and the struggle to return home balanced with introspection.
Obviously I didn’t take my bronze sword with me to watch the film and I’m pleased to say no one clapped at the end, simply sat and watched the credits in silence - it’s that sort of town - where we watch films not movies😉

15/08/2026

I thought this video deserved a second posting as lots of new followers may not have had the pleasure of seeing this proud owner of one of my medieval style dog collars.
Skye was very pleased.
I’ve got a couple still in stock if you want one for your favourite four legged friend or you can commission a special tooled one if you want to be particularly stylish!

11/08/2026

I’ve made another couple of blunts for my warbow.
These wooden blunted arrows are based on the images in the Luttrell Psalter were designed to be used for practice at the earthen butts. The archery targets every town and village in England had in the Middle Ages and where the men and women would practice after church on Sundays.
You wouldn’t want to use forged iron heads as they are expensive and would get buried into the target damaging it. Keeping the butts in good condition was a serious expense for the parishes. I’ve made a few different sizes as I’m not sure what is going to work the best on my bow. Results to follow.
Thanks to for hosting a course where my son and I learnt some basic skills.
# medieval

30/07/2026

We should all be aware of this and do what we can to stop it

In its attempt to boost AI’s power, Silicon Valley is buying millions of rare editions, scanning them and then shredding the originals

23/07/2026

Better than any video I might have made about making an arrow!

14/07/2026

This will be good…