Flintshire Memories: The Age of The Princes, a Welsh re-enactment service is taking the Flintshire history scene by storm

By Flintshire Chronicle on Nov 22, 09 09:04 AM in Before 1500

A FORMER Chronicle employee is taking the Flintshire history world by storm.

Mike Roberts of Gwernymynydd, has taken his passion for history and turned it into a lucrative career move, writes Francesca Elliott.

His new business, Age of the Princes, sees him perform re-enactments of Medieval Welsh history across North Wales, focusing on Owain Glyndwr, Prince Llywelyn Ap Gruffydd and their contemporaries.

Mike gives presentations to schools and historical and archeological societies, as well as various other groups.

"I'm extremely passionate about Welsh history," said Mike. "I want to bring it alive for people."

He first got into re-enactment 15 years ago when he took part in the longbow archery sessions at Caergwrle History Festival.

"I love making history fun and exciting for people. For me the most important thing is to light a spark of interest in our past.

"If a tourist looks at a castle and can see more than a crumbling ruin or a schoolboy more than knights in shining armour, then I've done my job.

"I talk to them about life in Medieval Wales, show them the weapons, tools and clothes people used to wear.

"If I'm playing one type of character, I'll often bring a friend to play someone in a different social role, such as a king and a woodsman, so people can see the difference between lifestyles."

"Showing people how to use Medieval weapons is always popular, especially with the grown ups, what man doesn't want to play with swords!"

He added: "I've only been doing this for a year, so I'm hoping it will continue to grow and grow.

"In the future I would like to employ a few people, and be recognised nationally as the person to go to for Welsh history re-enactment.

If you would like a demonstration of Medieval life in Wales between 1100 - 1415, brought to your schools, historical society or corporate event, visit www.ageoftheprinces.co.uk or call 07956 408341.

The picture shows Mike Roberts teacheing Medieval history to schoolchildren.