Swords and shields of the waikato
History without the plague and pox: an insight into Hamilton’s Medieval enthusiasts.
When most people think of knights, swords and shields they would tell you they are a relic of old times and fantasy movies. But Kirikiriroa Hamilton has its very own group of sword swinging, shield wielding fighters.
Down by Hamilton Lake every Wednesday evening you’ll find The Canton of Cluain, a welcoming group of lively characters who are all part of Hamilton’s sect of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).
The group is focused on all the best parts of things medieval, or ‘History as it should have been’. Canton member Chloe Lee-Win explained “Now that COVID’s gone, take away all the nasty plagues and the misogyny and all of that, and it’s just pure history.”
Chloe, who has been a part of The Canton of Cluain for 13 years explained “we do everything pre-16th century, whether that’s fighting, camping, cooking or textile sewing. We’ve got people who do carpentry, pottery, blacksmiths and forging, even making pewter buttons.”
The Clauin fighters meet for their weekly training at Innes Common, with swords in hand and armour donned. The common transforms into a makeshift dueling ground for all of those interested in medieval combat or for people who simply want to join a unique sport.
Canton member Arden jokes that “It’s a great way to meet up each week and ‘kill’ our friends”
“If it happened before the 16th century, we’ve probably got someone doing it.”
chloe lee-win
The Cluain fighters season picks up in the summer months around the Waikato and surrounding areas with a tournament in November followed by the SCA championship and summer event in December, both held in the Barony of Ildhafn also known as Auckland.
In the Waikato the Cluain fighters hold combat demonstrations for the public at SCA events and events like, the Hamilton Gardens Medieval faire and the Waldorf School Medieval Faire.
Chloe said The Faries are great opportunities to go have a look and get involved, “Just come along and meet the people, say hi, introduce yourself, and if you want to start armoured combat, come down to a practice”.
Armoured combat is a big and interesting part of the Society for Creative Anachronism. While getting hit with a sword or training with a great axe and rapier isn’t for everyone. the SCA is made up of many parts. It has something to offer everyone from someone learning a new skill, families wanting time away from screens and young people exploring interests. Chole added “You’ve got such a vast diversity of people involved that you will find ‘your people’. You’ll find someone who’s doing something that you like, and it’s just a really great place to hang out and spend a weekend.”
