The Company Ecorcheur Medieval Society

The Company Ecorcheur was formed in 1991 by a group of experienced re-enactors from a number of existing medieval societies. Now in our 14th year, the society continues to grow from strength to strength. The society was set up with the aim of providing both an accurate and entertaining portrayal of military and civillian life in the last half of the fifteenth century.

The Company Ecorcheur's main activity is the portrayal of the liveried and maintained troops of Richard Plantagenet Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III, the unjustifiably much-maligned monarch so slandered by a certain Mr William Shakespeare. Contrary to popular belief, Richard was an heroic and successful politician and monarch, and England enjoyed a brief period of peace and prosperity under his reign. Killed in combat during a battle near the town of Bosworth in 1485, Richard still evokes a passion in some people as the last 'true' king of England, before we became governed by Welshmen and Europeans.

ichard was born on the 2nd of October 1452 at Fotheringay, and was killed in battle at Redemore Plain, near Bosworth, on August 22nd 1485. His personal motto was 'Loyaulte me lie' (Loyalty binds me) and his record of honour and loyalty toward his brother, Edward IV, is well documented. He was well liked and respected by his followers and contemporaries. He knew how to command, how to reward, and how to inspire. He was a fine military commander, and a fair and honest politician. He also had a more spiritual side, and one of the prayers he wrote himself survives to this day, and it has been said that only a man of dignity and honour could have written such verse.

ichard had three older brothers: Edward, later Edward IV (10 years his senior); Edmund (9 years) and George (4 years). Clarence was later to become famous for supposedly drowning in a vat of malmsey wine.

Richard held many titles by the time he became King. The list reads somewhat like the index of Debrett's Peerage: King of England; King of France; Lord of Ireland; Duke of Gloucester; Duke of Lancaster; Earl of Ulster; Earl of Richmond; Knight of the Garter and Knight if the Bath to name but a few.

We are proud to be able to represent Richard, and are fiercely Yorkist when we wear the Royal colours of Murray & Azure into battle. A pox on Lancaster!

Another major role played by the Company Ecorcheur is to garrison Englands finest Medieval Castle, Warwick. This is one of Englands most spectacular remaining castles, most of the others having been left in a sorry state by Oliver Cromwell and his somewhat enthusiastic use of black powder (Although there are some great examples throughout the castle of the minimal damage caused during the Civil War - pockmarks caused by grapeshot, gouges left by cannon wheels and the like).

Right in the 'interesting' heart of Historic Warwick town, you are only minutes away from superb examples of medieval architecture (including Lord Leycesters Hospital), pubs, hotels, restaurants and local antique shops.

ur presence at Warwick Castle can range from guard duty at the finely preserved barbican, to a full blown living history encampment. Some weekends, like the Warwick Medieval Festival, see a host of other craftsmen and artisans displaying their skills and produce for the visiting public.

It is usual for the Garrison to display skill at arms, and demonstrate medieval polearm drill with the traditional weapon of the English footsoldier, the bill, or bill-hook. It is also common to see the very backbone of an English army of the period - Archery! There are regular demonstrations of the archer's skill at Warwick.