When I started re-enacting some 6 years ago, the last thing I ever expected to do was become a trader.
Four years ago, I bought a second-hand crossbow from a fellow re-enactor, which needed some TLC so I approached the maker, one Robin Knight and asked him to do some refurbishment. One thing lead to another and we became good friends. When Robin decided to give up “doing the markets” he asked if I’d like to take over the selling side so that he could concentrate on making and so it began!!
First find a name…..Arbalist Armoury. Ideal, I stock crossbows and at my first market that is exactly what I sold. However, as a Fletcher of some years experience I introduced arrows to my stock. Then a bowyer asked if I would like to sell his products. A potter and two other workers in wood followed. We’re not finished yet. More items will follow by the end of 2009. A woodturner has joined us, so expect to see wooden cups, bowls, platters in the near future and we are looking into producing medieval style furniture BUT flatpack style in everything from peasant to Lord of the Manor.
Surprisingly, we found our goods in demand and so it’s now been necessary to go “live on the web”.
