History Live! 2025

An epic weekend of battles, battalions and time travel for all ages.

📅 14–15 June 2025 | ⏰ 9.30am–5pm

Step back in time this summer at History Live!, a brand new family-friendly event at the stunning Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in the heart of Wells, Somerset.

Across two exciting days, visitors can explore living history camps, watch battle re-enactments and meet costumed re-enactors. With immersive demos and interactive displays, this is a perfect day out for families, history lovers and curious minds of all ages.

View the History Live! programme here.

We’ll be joined by

• The Ancient Wessex Network – Using experimental archaeology to explore ancient technologies and lifestyles their work spans Neolithic to Viking times giving you a rare chance to experience the tools, crafts and knowledge of our ancestors. From pottery and textiles to flint-knapping, metalwork and ancient cooking, they cover it all. 
• Draca Beordor Vikings – An award-winning Viking Age re-enactment group from Somerset who will be showcasing 9th and 10th Century life with crafts like linen making, cloth dyeing, silver-smithing and carpentry. We’ll also get the chance to watch their thrilling combat displays.
• Roman Ingenuity from Classroom Adventures – You’ll be on a journey of discovery of Roman life covering social history, technology and innovation in the time of the Romans.  Shows are designed to get the audience involved – including games – so you’ll really feel like part of the story!
• Tom Fool the Jester – Enjoy jester shows throughout the day featuring Tom Fool’s sharp (half) wit.  Look forward to a silly sword show that’s suitable for all; stilts, fire, flying projectiles and interactive history lessons!
• Taunton Garrison – Monmouth Rebellion – Learn about the Monmouth Rebellion with the Taunton Garrison; a historical re-enactment group that brings history to life from the late sixteenth to late seventeenth century. Expect a living history camp, weapon demonstrations and drills.
• 4th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment – World War II display of an Anderson Shelter, truck and officer’s car.
• The Sutton Household – A medieval re-enactment group portraying living history from the period of the Wars of the Roses in the 15th Century, expect living history displays.

Plus, we’ve just announced two extra historical reenactment groups!

• On Saturday 14th June, the brilliant members of No. 1 Troop, A Squadron, 43rd Reconnaissance Regiment (1944–45) will be joining us, complete with their patrol car on display.
• On both Saturday (14th) and Sunday (15th), don’t miss the Medieval Free Company (MFC)! Step into their immersive Wars of the Roses camp, featuring an arrowsmith, working forge, leatherworker, and much more. Experience what life was like as a medieval mercenary!

The event takes place throughout our beautiful 14-acre RHS partner garden site, including the South Lawn, Croquet Lawn and Well Pools.

Please note there will be loud gunpowder bangs on the day and noisy combat demonstrations which may not be suitable for dogs or people sensitive to loud noises.