As a child I was given a book about the Middle Ages which kindled a passionate interest in this area of history which has lasted throughout my life. I still have and delight in that book whose illustrations and brief but informative text opened my mind to a past way of life full of vigour and vitality:

My son, Basil, inherited my love of history and his enthusiasm was to set us on the path to re-enactment, first as part of the total Tudor experience offered at Kentwell Hall, subsequently with “Heathcliff Heroics” and now as an independent group. For me it is an ideal occupation as it gives me scope to use all my talents to the full; Basil is entirely in his element living in the past and Simon has been invaluable for his technical contributions.
Gradually we gathered our props, honed our skills and as we shared our medieval and Tudor lives with members of the public, witnessed that same kindling spark of reciprocal enthusiasm flare in both adults and children, who were able to step into the past in a way I had so often done in my imagination. Hence came the inspiration for our title: “Res Miranda”, meaning “a thing to be marvelled at”. (The phrase can be found in at least two medieval poems of the nativity.)

View the poems :

We aim to create a little magic, bringing history to life by presenting as authentic and sumptuous an encampment as possible, furnished with all manner of artifacts and inhabited by rounded, carefully presented characters.
Our style is to maintain a sense of continuity so that, even though our day may be carefully scheduled for the benefit of our audience, we move from one activity to another by a natural progression as our day unfolds. If necessary we are prepared to briefly 'step outside' our characters if by doing so we can answer questions more easily or facilitate understanding. We hope that the members of our noble family will open your eyes and minds, delight and entertain, sharing our ever growing knowledge and love of the past with people of all ages and interests.