Vikings of Middle England (also known as Tÿrslið) is a UK (Leicester) based, non-commercial, non-political organisation founded in 1991 with the aim of reenacting, with live steel combat (including special effects) and living history, the 'Dark Age' period between 793 AD and 1100 AD. The organisation once owned a scale replica Longship called Ratatosk, but it was sold to a member society of Regia Anglorum who are based nearer the coast so she could be sailed more often. Tÿrslið's aim is to entertain and educate an audience using a mix of drama, historical context, demonstration and audience participation.
Contents
Vikings of Middle England perform at events throughout the UK, including at places of historical interest such as Rockingham Castle, carnivals, festivals and local events, and also at other visitor attractions such as Conkers.
Vikings of Middle England also provide displays and resources for education, at schools and for seminars. The organisation has lent expertise and kit to researchers for books, websites and conferences while also publishing articles on their website suitable for UK Key Stage 2 pupils.
Organisation
Vikings of Middle England's membership is mostly based in the city of Leicester. However, some members hail from the surrounding East Midlands and further afield.
The group is led by the Jarl and the Thegns' who make up the executive committee. Due to the number of members and the wide range of Viking Age personas portrayed, the group is split into several administrative sections called Houses. Each house represents a facet of Viking Age Great Britain. For example, House Norvegre Haseti portrays just the Norse Gaels, where House Conroi Du Faucon portrays Normans, amongst others.
In addition to administrative organisation, there is a rank and reward system. New members start in the group as a Thrall or Slave and work their way up to Landsman, a wealthy landowner, through time served in the group, attitude to activities and gathering of authentic kit.
For the combat element, there is an appointed Training Officer called the Stallari who manages the live, un-choreographed fight system for safety, competitiveness and showmanship. Combat is thoroughly trained with members practising in a variety of Viking Age weapons such as Seax, Spear, Axe and Sword.