Sewerby Hall, Yorkshire. 30/31 August

[John Conyard]

The north of Britain’s most popular Roman event is almost upon us once again.

The Legio Praesidiensis once again is set to visit Sewerby Hall, overlooking Bridlington in east Yorkshire. The presumed site of Praesidium, Comitatus is literally coming home, with it’s artillery and the cavalry of Equites Taifali. Hopefully between 4,000 – 5,500 people will be coming to see the shows.

[attachment=0:1ny1nl6e]<!-- ia0 Sewerby.JPG<!-- ia0 [/attachment:1ny1nl6e]

Photos of last years event can be viewed at:

http://www.comitatus.net/gallerysewerby8.html

It’s a beautiful location set within the grounds of a stately house, on a cliff side location.

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Come along and share the fun.

[John Conyard]

It was a weekend to remember. Close to 5,500 visitors came to see the shows. Hopefully we'll have some photos on our website soon, but in the meantime some photos are appearing on flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21711359@N ... 080198049/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21711359@N ... 204174716/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21711359@N ... 203818928/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21711359@N ... 203753522/

[John Conyard]

And some more,

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21711359@N08/

[Robert Vermaat]

Who's that beardless young man wearing your armour? :wink:

[fasta]

Who's that beardless young man wearing your armour? :wink:

We don't know,but he slept in John's tent during the weekend :wink:

[John Conyard]

Yes, I do look young don't I?

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[Robert Vermaat]

Yes, I do look young don't I?

Absolutely, it takes at least 10 years away. But, somehow, also a lot of your 'face of command'.
Why the change of image? Did you lose a bet?

[John Conyard]

Funny you should say that. Lots of people I've met say it's taken 10 years off me. Which I suppose is not a bad thing.

And others have said I don't look as scary. Which also isn't a bad thing.

[attachment=1:2d50ru4r]<!-- ia1 3876969485_8b27f9aa5f_m.jpg<!-- ia1 [/attachment:2d50ru4r]

I know what you mean. Age certainly gives a sense of experience and command. But, and you may not believe this, I don't care that much for personal grooming After six weeks of solid re-enactment I felt like a change. The house is being decorated, and I felt like a change too. It only takes seven days to grow it back. Appearance shouldn’t matter to a stoic late Roman.

[attachment=0:2d50ru4r]<!-- ia0 3877197921_669e0c17bd_m.jpg<!-- ia0 [/attachment:2d50ru4r]

Never fear the command and the professionalism is still there. Sewerby Hall is the most popular Roman event in the north of Britain, and I suspect the UK as a whole. It's four times as big as any Roman English Heritage event for example. The shows showed continous improvement on previous years, and the new ideas worked really well. For example during the cavalry shows I carry a microphone to allow people to experience what it is like in the arena. It's hard to describe, but during the shows you can literally hear hundreds of people all draw a breath together, and expel it at the same time. The atmosphere is electric. We feed off the audience re-action, and they feed off what we're doing. It's symbiotic. And by the end of the day thousands of people understand a little more about 4th century Roman Britain. It's a magical experience.

And without a beard I get lots more kisses

[Robert Vermaat]

And without a beard I get lots more kisses

That's exactly what my 12-year old daughter said. And why I can't grow a beard.

[Catherine aka Flavia]

Sewerby Hall was an excellent weekend. But there are too many pictures of John on this thread - so ....... [attachment=0:3h5zd6bc]<!-- ia0 3880898812_200dc96bb3_m.jpg<!-- ia0 [/attachment:3h5zd6bc]

I am on Videmir, an ex-racehorse, representing the Hunnic or Germanic style of horse.

[Marina]

It was a great show. Even with the erm interuptions on the field.
The lack of beard was a bit of a shock but I must admit it took years off you John.
I was horrified to see all the pictures of the Marius vs Ursus sparing session. I have to admit I was trying to figure out the expression on Fasta's face as he was helping with my shield though.
Maybe we should have a caption comp?

[fasta]

I was horrified to see all the pictures of the Marius vs Ursus sparing session. I have to admit I was trying to figure out the expression on Fasta's face as he was helping with my shield though.
Maybe we should have a caption comp?

Sometimes it's best not to ask the training officer what he really thinks :wink:

[Cheyenne]

John looks like Robson green minus the beard.... Scary

(Joke)

[John Conyard]

Er, thank you........


http://www.flickr.com/photos/21711359@N08/sets/ has an incredible 709 photos of the event. Some are better than others

Enough of this, on to Hardwick Hall!

[Marina]

I don't need to ask. I know you were simply amazed by my brilliance.