Combrogi

Combrogi

The Romans invaded Britain in 43 AD and stayed for almost four hundred years. By the start of the Fifth Century, Roman culture, technology and fortunes had steeped into every aspect of British life.

The long gone Roman era has been resurrected in the Twenty First Century by living history group Combrogi. Gary Waidson, founder, said: "We decided to recreate Roman life as it would have been in 400 AD, just before the decline of the Empire in Britain. Combrogi is a working Roman community that can set up camp anywhere."

This period was a time of stability and for most British people the imminent fall of the Empire was an alien concept. Romano-British society was an established order with skilled traders providing the food and furnishings of a progressive civilisation. Among the Combrogi team there is a weaver, a scribe, a medicine woman, a silversmith, a leather worker, a cook and a stonemason.

Gary said: "We are as authentic as possible. Everything we eat, drink and wear has been produced by the traditional methods employed by our Roman ancestors. We all know the basics of life, such as what is safe to eat, simple cookery and fire know-how. But we also have our own specialised interests. I researched the role of the kitchen slave. It would have been a hard existence. The cooking process makes a lot of smoke, which causes damage to the lungs, and the average kitchen slave would have been lucky to live to my age of 38."

Gary continued: "The food available to the Roman cook was a healthy fare. Fruit, such as apples and grapes, and vegetables, such as mushrooms, were used fresh and dried. Eggs and meat were also on the menu. Celtic staples, such as pottage, were widely eaten by most British Romans. We do not go hungry when we are camped out."

During the summer months, the Combrogi team display their skills to the public at historic locations around the UK. Gary said: "We spend several weekends a year at Chedworth Roman Villa in Gloucestershire. We set up our stalls next to the Roman ruins. Visitors can see our representation of Roman life and ask questions about our crafts."

Gary continued: "We try to explain that Combrogi is about living history not dying history. We work at our crafts or relax by the fire, we do not fight on a battlefield. The chances of getting involved in a war were very small, as they are for most of us today. The biggest battle was the fight to put food on the table and survive everyday life."

Combrogi also recreate Saxon and Viking society covering the period leading up to the Norman invasion. The group has close links with the Danelaw Viking Village, near York. The village, which has more than a dozen Viking-style dwellings, is open for school visits all year round. Combrogi regularly join the Danelaw team.

Gary said: "It is wonderful to get away from modern life and I think that is why many people are interested in this type of re-enactment. It offers a form of camaraderie not readily available in our pre-packed world. The name Combrogi comes from Arthurian legend and it translates roughly as "fellow countryman". We treat all people as our fellows and we welcome newcomers to join us, all we ask is they are willing to commit time to being part of the group. We already have people from all walks of life in Combrogi, from IT specialists and aeroplane designers to civil servants."

Gary, however, lives in the past for both business and leisure. He said: "I work as a Living History Interpreter. Re-enactment is an excellent teaching tool, especially for children. I set up an educational resource called Lore and Saga for organisations to book a visit from a Roman or Viking. I can be hired to go along to schools museums or heritage sites and demonstrate ancient crafts. It is great fun for all concerned."

Details of where Combrogi will be setting up camp this summer can be found on their web site.

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www.combrogi.org
www.lore-and-saga.co.uk

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