About John Nesfield's Retinue

John Nesfield's Retinue is a small group re-enacting the military and civilian life of John Nesfield's Household from 1450 until 1487; John Nesfield being a retainer under Richard Duke of Gloucester.   Members participate in battle reenactments from the Wars of the Roses, using longbows, polearms, swords and firearms.   We also support the Battlefields Trust, regularly taking part in battlefield walks.

The group includes keen horsemen and women who can demonstrate period riding technique, skill at arms and jousting. The arms, armour and clothing of both horses and riders are carefully researched to be authentic to the period depicted.

John Nesfield's Retinue portray several different social classes from commoners to artisans and lower nobility.  We camp and eat authentically.  Food is prepared on camp from medieval recipes and cooked over the camp fire.

Crafts such as spinning and weaving, basket making, rush hat making, candle making, leatherwork and making riveted mail from rings can be shown.   

The group are based in the East Midlands, United Kingdom, but participate in events both in the UK and in Europe. We belong to both Livery & Maintenance and the Wars of the Roses Federation, whose events we often attend.  As John Nesfield's Retinue we also organise our own events - popular venues have been Bromham Mill in Bedfordshire and Archeon historical park in the Netherlands.

New members are welcome, including families, and a limited starter kit can be made available. Please contact us if you would like to know more.