Out and About
Brendan the Bold
Ask people to summarise what they know about the Vikings in a few words and you can almost guarantee that rape and pillage will be mentioned. Whilst it’s true that they did have a rather forceful way of introducing themselves to new shores, there’s more to the Vikings than that caricature image. They were settlers, farmers, craftsmen and did, with time, raise families and become integrated within society.
Bearing this in mind, I was happy to see some familiar faces get together at a local venue one Saturday, along with their impressive Viking boat. The Stronghold Mariners are a sub-group of the Stronghold re-enactment group who I’d had the pleasure of meeting at some previous events. They weren’t there to push the story of mighty warriors slapping oars into dark waters en route to bloody battle, they were pitched by a lake with a different tale to tell. Camped in a small cluster of tents for a couple of nights they wanted to give people the chance to find out about their gentler side: family values and crafting. One of the group had even taught herself how to tan the skin of salmon and sewn together a beautiful coin purse from this attractive fabric, to create an authentic accessory.
Their boat, Brendan the Bold, is a replica of a Viking vessel, circa thirteenth century. After acquiring it, the Mariners had put a lot of time and effort into making it ‘seaworthy’. Mind you, fresh pitch, paint and new riggings are only half the story. Because this sailing vessel is stored on dry land, the timbers shrink and gaps appear between the planks, letting in water. Not copious amounts but enough to require the bilge water to be emptied out by bucket on returning to the shore. Never mind - a shrug suggested - it was all part and parcel of the experience.
The opportunities to sail this lovingly restored vessel are limited so a place like Park in the Past, with its keen interest in living history and an accessible lake is a boon for the Mariners. A flooded quarry, set in gently rolling hills, the park provides a beautiful natural setting and thankfully - from a photography perspective - a largely neutral backdrop for shots.
Unfortunately for the Mariners, the weekend chosen for the event was a wet one and, more often than not, the heavens seemed to open as they launched Brendan for another row around the lake. Apart from worrying that my camera would get too wet I was OK in my modern gear that included chest high waders so I could get a little closer to the action. The crew looked well kitted out though, in their long woollen shawls, which I was assured can be as warm as many a modern fabric and quite capable of shrugging off the raindrops, for a while. However, there are limits I was told. The wet wool was fine whilst they were exerting themselves rowing but when they stopped - and the absorbed moisture cooled down - it was a different matter. The things you do for love eh?
I had hoped to get more shots on the Sunday but by the time I could get back to the lake the weather had forced a change of plan: they were hauling Brendan out of the water for the long journey home. I know I can be over enthusiastic at times and want to get too close to the action, but these guys were accommodating, for which I thank them.
Re-enactment isn’t just about getting together several weekends a year, it’s a huge commitment and a way of life. Nothing said this more than how some of the group brought their children along to share in the experience. In a world where so many rely on technical gadgets for entertainment, it was refreshing to see.
