The Real-Life Time​ Travellers

- Jo Carlowe

During the week they work in shops, offices, clinics and schools, but at weekends they transform into Vikings, Romans and Medieval peasants. The world of re-enactment is burgeoning with more and more men and women taking up the hobby of travelling to bygone times.

Here, three living history enthusiasts reveal how it’s done:

His teeth blackened with theatrical stain, in top hat and frock coat, Brett looks every bit his Victorian alter-ego.

Already a veteran of military re-enactments, Brett joined the "Ragged Victorians" when middleage kicked in.

“I was too old to portray a soldier but I wanted to get back into the hobby and the Ragged Victorians looked the best in terms of authenticity.”

At his first event, group members gave him "loaner gear" and a year to research his character, equip himself with an outfit and essential props.

Seeking inspiration, Brett dipped into the works of Victorian journalist, Henry Mayhew, who wrote about the working people of London.

“My character is inspired by the description of a stationer in Mayhew’s London Labour and London Poor. I mixed that up with my own background in print, and local historical sources to create street stationer, Padmore, which is the name of my Victorian greatgreat grandfather.”

Padmore’s stationery box contains period and reproduction items such as pens, ink wells, and sealing wax. Brett reproduced his outfit using period patterns, the correct fabrics and sewing techniques, employing a cheese grater to create wear and tear, shoe polish for dirt, and Vaseline for grease.

“Getting into kit helps immensely and once you are in the public area you try to remain in character wherever possible.”

Events take place a few times a month. A regular haunt is SS Great Britain with the group taking over steerage cabins and lining the quayside.