Experience the Past: Living History Weekend at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome

The multi-period Living History event on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 and covered nearly a thousand years of British history.

Expert living historians from across the country set up authentic camps around the museum, inviting the public to discover secrets of the past.

900 years of history came to life at Stow Maries (Image: Martin Johnson) The Chanz Des Reis Medieval Society showcased a detailed reproduction of a High Medieval tent, complete with period-specific furnishings.

They also demonstrated historical skills such as basket weaving and finger braiding.

At the opposite end of the timeline, the 10th Essex Living History Group guided people through a reproduction of a World War I trench, complete with the sounds of shell fire.

Visitor Jude Pretoria volunteers to be dressed as a medieval fighting man (Image: Martin Johnson) A highlight in the main arena was a dramatic cutlass drill by The BlueJackets, who depict the Royal Navy through the ages.

Representing elements of the crew of HMS Warrior from the 1860s, the group entertainment younger visitors with their swordplay.

Visitor Jude Pretoria also had the chance to don a full set of medieval armour.

Ian Flint, chief executive of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, said: “We enjoyed a fascinating weekend of living history, with demonstrations of both warfare and life on the home front across 900 years.

Young visitors Tom Hardy and Henry Jones at cutlass drill with The Bluejackets (Image: Martin Johnson) “Despite the overcast skies, it was a rare opportunity to see so many experts in their field all in one place, and our grade II* listed WW1 Aerodrome provided the perfect backdrop.”

Events at the aerodrome continue with an immersive experience for children aged six to 11 titled “Evacuees!” on Saturday, July 26.

Participants will engage in air raid drills, make a gas mask box, and pack a suitcase in preparation for evacuation.

Future events include “Back to the WW2 Farm” on Saturday and Sunday, August 30 and 31, which will explain the Aerodrome’s role as a working farm during the Second World War.

The weekend is set to feature historic vehicles, vintage tractors, and, weather permitting, a Spitfire flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.