Athels' Town: Saxon Encampment and Reenactment

Saturday July 26th and Sunday July 27th 2025

Canbury Gardens, Lower Ham Road, KT2 5AU

Admission: FREE

Athel's Town: Saxon Encampment and Reenactment

It is the year 925 and Athelstan, alongside a parade of his most worthy warriors, dignitaries and towns people will be crossing the bridge into Kingston upon Thames at 12 noon on July 26th, to celebrate his coronation.  Join us and explore Athel’s Town in the heart of Kingston, set up to celebrate this momentous occasion! 

Athel’s Town: Saxon Encampment and Reenactment is an action packed, immersive experience for all the family on Saturday July 26th and Sunday 27th 2025. Over the weekend you can see displays, living history, music, performances, talks and storytelling all taking inspiration from the Saxon period.  

In Canbury Gardens there will be a living history encampment courtesy of Regia Anglorum, giving the public a glimpse into the way of life for Saxons living in the tenth century. With replica period tents from which you can see the people demonstrate historical crafts and displays of daily life from this era many of which the public can take part in. You can learn how the Saxons made their hand crafted items and watch as they cook their everyday meals.

“For over three decades, Regia Anglorum has been re-creating early mediaeval history for audiences around the world. We have skilled, properly equipped and highly motivated men and women of all ages who celebrate the very best of life a thousand years ago!” - Regia Anglorum

Kingston Museum’s Saxon Fayre will be back this year as part of this weekend with its community stalls, farm animals, falconry and bees.  The fayre is made up of local communities, charities and businesses, who will be exploring heritage through showcasing the skills and trades from 410 to 1066.  From mindful tapestry making, to pottery and even some good old viking chess. Some of the stalls you will see on the day are the Surbiton Community Forge who have designed and created a working Saxon inspired forge where you're invited to work the bellows. Kingston Beekeeper Association will be bringing their live hive and demonstrating how a 5th century beehive was made and you can find out more about Kingston's flax project with Paul Henry and Ariadne's Thread.  

The early mediaeval era wasn’t always peaceful, it was full of battles, skirmishes and war.  Throughout the weekend Regia Anglorum will be showcasing their skills in an arena with spears, axes, swords and even riding a horse or two!  They will bring to life the sounds of the armies and the stories that have been told in the battlefields. 

This is truly a weekend not to be missed!