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COMITATVS

Late Roman, Germanic and Romano-British Re-enactment

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Germanic/Arthurian Period

Late Roman Period

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If you are interested in joining Comitatus, you can contact the group by email or by post using the our on-line membership form in Word or PDF format and we will be happy to provide further info and answers to any questions you may have. Print it, fill it, and post it!

If you are interested in trying your hand at an event, we are happy to lend out clothing and equipment to new members and will ensure that all the equipment you need for that event will be provided. We can then provide you with patterns and have a wealth of information to get you started on your own kit. All we ask is that you contact us first. Check out the events section to see if you can meet up with us at a show. Then e-mail us in advance. We can arrange clothing, weaponry and perhaps even somewhere to sleep. Just bring an open mind and some enthusiasm!

Read about our guidelines, kit suggestions and types of suitable clothing in the Beginners Kit Guide

Don't worry too much about period knowledge. Some of us are Saxon experts, some prefer the Romans, some are strictly pagans, others Christians. Most members have a good knowledge of all Comitatus' time periods. As a new member you don't need any particular historical knowledge. Here are the most asked questions of new members:

Do I have to attend all the events?	You are encouraged to try and attend all of the events and support the group
Do I have to camp?	Yes, I'm afraid so! We camp at every event, some in authentic tents, others in modern 'plastic' tents. You can do either, or just turn up for a single day! However, a camper-van is not beyond the pale ...
Does it cost me anything?	Yes, it does, most definitely. First you must pay your membership (which will cover access to all the amazing places we go, PLUS your insurance), and then you begin to assemble your kit. What you buy is up to you. The minimum is just a set of civillian clothing.
I'm shy. Do I have to talk to the public?	No, not at all. Some of us are better at talking to the public than others. No-one is forced to talk to the public. However, the public may well 'collar you', and the best response is to hand-them over to a more experienced member of Comitatus.
I don't want to try any fighting.	OK! Only those members who want to fight in front of the public and who have had some training do so.
Do we allow women to dress as men and fight?	Under Equal Opportunities Legistlation women should be allowed to enjoy all aspects of a hobby as much as men. Women do portray legionaries within Comitatus, and work hard to look the part. An article on combat within the group can be read HERE.
I don't have a relevant re-enactment skill.	No problem. A skill, such as leather-working, bone-working, weaving or dyeing is a bonus. Just being there, in the arena, or talking to the public is an asset in itself. Members are all willing to share their knowledge, however.
I like Romans, but not Germanics (or vice-versa)	That’s not a problem. Attend the events you have the kit for (Roman or Germanic!).
What's the point of re-enactment?	Ask each re-enactor, you will get lots of answers. The chance to talk to the public about your passion - history; a chance to use replica historical weapons in combat; the chance to eat, sleep and drink historically away from the concerns of the 21st century; the chance to create objects from history with your own hands; the chance to sleep within the ruins of a Roman fort; or feast inside a replica Saxon hall. Believe me, there are many (and varied!) reasons to re-enact.

There are lots of opportunities to experience a whole range of activities connected to each period and members are positively encouraged to learn new skills such as archery or leatherwork, but you will not be forced into portraying any particular role or social type as this is a hobby and we do it for fun!

The cost of joining Comitatus gives our members access to various historic venues and free camping at events we attend and public liability insurance cover at our events. In addition the group actively aims to research the period, and develop the knowledge of both members and the public. Members also receive contributions towards expenses incurred in attending events, which contributes significantly to the cost of membership. Full Member ship runs for 12 Months from January of each year. Weekend Membership is available for the cautious and children under 18 can come along for free!

Full Membership: £10.00 Weekend Membership: £5.00

Simply click on Word or PDF for your application form. Fill it in and send it to the address contained therein.

Remember that advice, information and answers to any of your queries can be found by e-mailing

the webmaster of Comitatus.