Come and have a go!
If you are interested in joining Comitatus, you can contact the group by email or by post using the our membership form 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 would like to try 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.
If you want a one-volume introduction to life in the Late Roman Army, you couldn't do better than investing in The Last Legionary, by Paul Elliott, 2007, Tempus written by a member of Comitatus, using photo's of the group and covering everything a recruit needs to know!
But 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 develop a good knowledge of all Comitatus' time periods. As a new member you don't need any particular historical knowledge.
Our aims are to:
- Better understand historical daily life by experiencing it in as authentic a way as possible.
- Bring an evidence-based approach to re-enactment inspired by experimental archaeology.
- Conduct research and inform the public about the often overlooked period of British history of the 4th-5th centuries at the transition of Roman to Post-Roman Britain and on into the Early Medieval period.
- Enjoy fun, relaxing weekends away from the high-tech presseures of modern life in some of the most beautiful Roman sites in the country.
Basic kit can be provided to get you started.
Here are the most frequently asked questions from new members:
Do I have to attend all the events?
You are encouraged to try to attend all of the events and support the group, but it isn't the real army!
Do I have to camp?
We camp at every event, some in authentic tents, others in modern 'plastic' tents. You can do either, or just turn up for the day! However, a camper-van is not unkown and some occasionally stay locally in comfortable inns...
Does it cost me anything?
Yes, it does. First you must pay your £10 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, which you can make yourself.
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. If the public 'collar you' then you can hand-them over to a more experienced member of Comitatus.
I don't want to try any fighting. Is that a problem?
Fine! Only those members who want to fight in front of the public and who have had the required training do so. An article on combat within the group can be read here.
Do we allow women to dress as men and fight?
Yes! We believe everyone should be able to enjoy our hobby to the full.
Women do portray legionaries within Comitatus, and work hard to look the part.
Do I need a relevant re-enactment skill.
Nope. A skill, such as leather-working, bone-working, weaving or dyeing is a bonus. Just being there, helping out in the arena or around camp, or talking to the public is an asset in itself. Members are all willing to share their knowledge, however and you can pick up a craft quickly with our help.
Does it matter that I like Romans, but not Germanics (or vice-versa)?
That’s not a problem. You can still attend events and highlight the changes in clothing and equipment.
Plus the Roman army had large numbers of Germans in the ranks!
What's the point of re-enactment?
Ask each re-enactor and 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 as people did 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 us, there are many (and varied!) reasons to re-enact.
We practise period crafts including cookery, dyeing, weaving, basketry, bone & antler work, woodwork & blacksmithing. 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 copper or leatherworking, 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 Membership 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!
Weekend Membership: £5.00
Simply click here for your application form.
Fill it in and send it to the address contained therein.
The views of individual members expressed on this website do not necessarily reflect the view of the group as a whole. Photos/Images: These are normally copyright of an individual Comitatus member. Use of an image for educational or research purposes will be happily granted, if permission is sought first, and we can secure an acknowledgement, and higher resolution images can often be arranged for publication or display! Please e-mail first.