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LIVING HISTORY

Our living history enthusiasts and historical re-enactors have over one thousand years combined experience in the Western scene. Each of our members have a passion for bringing history to life and educating others about the truth of really living in the American Old West. Here at ‘Spirit of the Wild West’ our re-enactment and living history branch began in August 2023; the debut performance was at a fundraising event for the Last Chance Rescue Group in Coventry. It started to snowball from there, with multiple attendees at the Coventry event requesting contact on numerous fronts for both small and larger scale events. We decided that we must follow up on these requests and quickly found ourselves with multiple events that required a living history and re-enactment presence. ‘Wow’ for us, this was the start of something new for the group and we now actively look for events. We’ll quickly respond to requests for participation and our booking form is a great way to make contact.

 

The living history branch can portray multiple depictions of the Old West. From a small town of citizens all trying to make their way through the American dream, to Lawmen and Outlaws who both tried to stay one step ahead of each other in this lawless time. We even have a section dedicated to highlighting the First Nation Americans, they make history come to life in there displays and routines, we have so much more. All of the fore-mentioned have equipment and kit that you would have seen from the 1860’s to the 1900’s Old West: Camps, Tents, Log Cabins, Tepees, Full Historical Clothing. They can complete many different living history events and re-enactments to suit your requirements. Most of our team perform as a specific persona from the time of the Wild West. From our very own newspaper man to Sheriff’s, Marshalls, bar tenders, barbers, outlaws (always seem to be more of them than anyone else!). Meet them, the doc and the undertaker, who always seems to be needed in one way or another. All our towns’ people have their own story about how they came to be in the State of Texas. As with all small towns, there will always be plenty of opportunities for new citizens to move in and join them in building a life for themselves. We welcome it and their knowledge.


What makes us unique? Well, our numbers vastly make us the biggest western re-enactment group in the UK. We have multiple sections to this group, Living History, Re-enactment, Fast Draw and our Country Music events, which means we offer everything. We work with a talented writer named 'Rich Baker', who runs a news paper called the Frontier Citizen and this looks at all Western events and historical individuals from the Old West, and supports SoToW, producing the Frontier Citizen digitally for all to read, and in paper at events.
 
If you think you’d be an ideal new citizen click ‘join us’, and complete the form attached. 

No costumes or kit necessary to join, our members will help you source what you need.

Check out our highlights reel below to see a snapshot of our fabulous re-enactors. You can also view our help sheets and templates by clicking the map to our 'Townsfolk Tales'. You'll meet some of our existing characters, and find our page about becoming a new citizen to the town. It's got all the inspiration a budding re-enactor could need. Alternatively, you can email us any re-enactement queries using the chat button in the bottom right hand corner of your screen. 

A sepia toned image of a man and woman attending a ball. They are standing in front of a crowd. The man wears a red shirt, check trousers, and a tall brown hat. He has a beard and curly hair. The woman is slightly shorter, she wears a poofy check dress with white embellishments on the neck creating the illusion of a sweetheart neck line. Her hair is tied back in a bun. Both are showing a neutral expression on their face.
A sepia toned image of Wyoming (a rancher) in her day dress. The dress is a dainty floral pattern, with full sleeves to the wrist and a high neck line. She wears a matching bonnet covering her short brown hair. A white apron covers the dress. She is standing in front of a saloon in a Western town. She has a slight smile, someone had either just said something funny, or given her a compliment to brighten her day.
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A sepia toned photo of where a warrior is posing for the image. He is central and the background features teepees. The warrior is wearing eagle wings, and is dressed in traditional costume. Their head is adorned with feathers.
A sepia toned image. Central is a man on horseback. The man is wearing a cowboy outfit, and the horse has essential items such as a lasso. The horse is wearing reins and is looking to the right hand side of the image.
A sepia toned image of a soldier. He is standing in an action stance and facing to the right side of the image. He has just fired a gun as a thick smoke is surrounding the eager crowd of spectators watching the re-enactment. On the floor are actors playing bodies of fallen soldiers.
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