When one thinks of medieval fancy dress costumes and medieval Britain, one of the first persons to come to mind is Robin Hood, the outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Who can forget the tale of his dramatic struggle with the Sheriff of Nottingham for the heart of Maid Marian (sometimes spelled Marion), also known as Lady Marian of Leaford. Many movies have been inspired by the ballads and stories about Robin Hood that are as old as the Middle Ages. But now everybody can experience a little of the romanticism of those times because they can acquire a medieval costume.
The spirit of chivalry and parties where a minstrel sings and recites heroic poems seem to be revived. More and more people find it fun and entertaining to dress up in medieval fancy dress costumes and go back in time to the romantic times of jousts. At least for a night. Who wouldn’t want to be a princess or a brave knight? Those times of myth and legend, when people lived their lives by virtue and honour have never been closer.
The variety of costumes inspired by, or reproducing the clothes of the medieval lords and ladies is practically endless. Online stores, costume stores, all have a wide array of clothes belonging to different epochs, to folkloric or historical figures from which to choose. You can have a costume of Lady Guinevere, of the above mentioned Maid Marion and Robin Hood, of a medieval henchman or of a monk, or for Halloween – a mad monk. The list can go on.
The medieval fancy dress costume can also be a starting point for the rediscovery of British history. By looking at various costumes one can also develop an interest in the people who wore them originally. A model of a costume inspired by a dress of Elizabeth of York may arouse one’s curiosity about the Queen Consort of England too. And by trying to find new models of dresses one has to “dig” into the history of the Middle Ages, thus more and more personalities of those times step into the limelight.
But the ones who can benefit the most from this trend are the children. If you have children or are a teacher, by taking them to a medieval performance, you offer them a visual stimulus from which they can relate and understand better the history lessons that they are taught at school. This in turn will make them more interested in the subject.
So, whether you want to try something new for your parties, and want to do something educational and fun for your children, or you just want to feel like a brave nobleman / beautiful princess together with your friends, go to the event in medieval fancy dress.
