The above event took place at Kirby Hall, in Northamptonshire, on 14th and 15th August 1999 and was hosted by English Heritage. I have to admit that, when my mate Ian suggested going to this event, I was a bit lukewarm. My previous experience of full-scale re-enactment groups was that, while some are very good, others are, well, a bit silly. History in Action blasted my skepticism completely out of the water; clearly English Heritage had only invited the top flight of re-enactment groups and living history societies, not only from the UK, but from abroad as well. Many different periods are represented, from ancient Romans and Celts to post-WWII, with lots in between. The grounds of Kirby Hall seem tailor made for this type of event. In front of the hall itself is a large grassed area big enough for 'battles' to take place, with a sloping field opposite, which allowed all the spectators a view of events. Adjoining fields held historical encampments and a smaller arena, together with trade stands, refreshments, etc. There was even some wargaming, in the hall itself. Amongst the larger events in the main arena I would have to single out the Roman army display, which included groups from as far away as Austria (or should that be Pannonia?). I counted about fifty legionaries, together with various auxiliaries and a couple of cavalrymen, who demonstrated Roman training techniques and ended by shooting various Roman artillery pieces. The ACW display was particularly large and impressive, overflowing on to adjoining fields. I can only describe the WWII display as spectacular, including as it did a German motorcycle combination and Kubelwagens, M3 half-tracks and no less than three 25pdr guns, (Which are VERY noisy!) topped off by a Spitfire fly-past. The most interesting part of History in Action for me, however, was the living history encampments. There were many smaller presentations taking place here, on subjects ranging from the armour and kit of a Macedonian pikeman to Victorian surgery, ACW courts martial to Tudor cooking. Quite apart from these timed presentations, the place was crowded with costumed re-enactors, many of whom are obsessive about their particular period and eager to tell you all about it. I soon waylaid a member of one group which (wonder of wonders!) concentrates on that sadly neglected period, Elizabethan Ireland; he told me a great deal about the field rations of a Tudor soldier, including showing me actual examples of the food the English troops would have eaten. His colleagues were actually baking the bread on the site as we spoke. Elsewhere, a chap in a lorica segmentata was happy to demonstrate the workings of a Roman bolt shooter as soon as I showed an interest. Nearby, other Roman groups had a working crane and were grinding grain in a rotary quern. At the top of the hill, groups concerned with the two World Wars were dug in. There was even a WWI 18pdr with limber and six-horse team! All in all, if, like me, you are interested in several different periods of history, there is far too much to take in in one day. Ian and his wife had been to this event before, and so stayed for both days, watching the arena displays on the Saturday and visiting the encampments on Sunday. The whole thing was very well organised by English Heritage and, apart from a short monsoon around teatime, the weather was perfect, but that is the British summer for you. I can honestly say that I highly recommend History in Action. There really is something for everyone. Even Herself, who is not normally excited by historical displays, loved it and is already talking about going next year, and little Boudicca had the time of her life, despite almost being trampled by a peloton of grey coated 18th century French infantry. History in Action 2000 is planned for 12th and 13th August. If you can get there, it really is worth the effort. Kirby Hall is near Corby, in Northants, and is handy for both M1 and A1. I would advise taking a picnic, folding chairs and binoculars, to make the most of the arena displays. And get there early, so as not to miss anything! Back to Table of Contents -- Lone Warrior #130 Back to Lone Warrior List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 2000 by Solo Wargamers Association. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com