The UK has one of the oldest and strongest reenactment communities in the world. Here is a tour of the main groups.
Quick answer. The main UK reenactment groups by era: Roman (Legio II Augusta, Ermine Street Guard), Viking (The Vikings, Regia Anglorum), medieval (The Medieval Siege Society, The Company of Chivalry), Tudor and Stuart (The Lion Rampant), English Civil War (The Sealed Knot, English Civil War Society), 18th century (The 42nd Regiment of Foot, La Garde), Napoleonic (The Napoleonic Association, various regiments), American Civil War (Southern Skirmish Association), Victorian (various), World War I (Great War Society), World War II (various reenactment societies).
English Civil War
The Sealed Knot (founded 1968) is the largest reenactment society in Europe, with thousands of members across more than 50 regiments. The English Civil War Society (founded 1980) is slightly smaller and specialises in battle reenactments. Both groups cover the Royalist and Parliamentarian armies, and events include large battle recreations at Edgehill, Marston Moor, Naseby and other famous sites. New members are welcomed in both societies and training is provided.
Napoleonic
The Napoleonic Association is the umbrella body for British Napoleonic reenactment, with member groups covering both the British and French armies. Member regiments include the 95th Rifles, the 42nd Highlanders, the Light Dragoons, the French line infantry, and various Imperial Guard units. Events are held across Britain and sometimes on the continent, including the Waterloo bicentenary and smaller tactical events. New members can join through any member regiment.
Roman
The Ermine Street Guard, founded 1972 and one of the oldest Roman reenactment groups in the world, focuses on the 1st and 2nd century Roman army. Legio II Augusta covers the same period with high accuracy standards. The Antonine Guard specialises in the 2nd century. Various smaller groups cover other periods. Events include Hadrian's Wall displays, Fishbourne Roman Palace events and major Roman festivals in continental Europe.
Viking and medieval
The Vikings (founded 1971) is Britain's main Viking reenactment society, covering roughly 790 to 1066 AD. Regia Anglorum does similar work with slightly different focus. Medieval groups include the Medieval Siege Society (specialising in 1250 to 1450), The Company of Chivalry (14th century knights), and various smaller societies by period and region. All welcome new members and have strong training programmes.
World War I and II
The Great War Society specialises in World War I British Army impressions. World War II has multiple groups covering British, American, German and other national units. The World War Two Living History Group covers general British Army impression. The 101st Airborne Living History Group focuses on American paratroopers. German impression groups exist but should be carefully chosen; several are reputable (focused on history and research), while a very few have problematic associations and should be avoided.
How to find and join a group
Most UK reenactment groups have websites and Facebook pages. The Reenactors Reunited website lists most active groups. Attend one of their public events as a visitor and talk to the officers. Groups usually have a probationary period for new members, during which lending kit is provided and training given. Membership fees are usually modest (30 to 80 pounds a year for most groups) plus event costs. Insurance is often provided by the group.
Common questions
What is the biggest UK reenactment group?
The Sealed Knot, with thousands of members across more than 50 regiments covering the English Civil War.
How do I join a group?
Attend a public event, talk to the officers, express interest. Most groups have a probationary period with lending kit.
What are membership fees?
Typically 30 to 80 pounds per year plus event costs. Many groups include insurance in the membership.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Most groups welcome families and have specific civilian impressions for spouses and children.
Are there WWII German groups to avoid?
Yes. A few groups have problematic associations. Choose any German impression group carefully, prefer those focused on general Wehrmacht or specific regular army units with clear historical interest rather than SS units.