Bios

Dan Shadrake

Dan Shadrake is the founder of Britannia, one of the countries finest re-enactment groups, specialising in the Gladiatorial combat and 5th century, end of the Roman empire re-enactment. He has appeared in many films, including Gladiator, Robin Hood, First Knight, Centurion and Faintheart and has been historical advisor on many Film and TV projects, including: Gladiator, Centurion, Horrible Histories, Time Team and Gladiators Back from the Dead.
He is the co-author of Barbarian Warriors (Brasseys 1997) and also illustrates historical reference books, including Apicius (Sally Grainger & Chris Grocock, Prospect Books 2006) and The World of the Gladiator (Written by his wife Susanna Shadrake, 2006 Tempus/History Press).

Ian Weston

Ian Weston is a member of Britannia and Wulfheodenas. He is passionate about archaeology and history and is at present learning to speak Old English. He has appeared in many TV documentaries and films over the last few years. Ian has been involved in several archaeological digs and conducts research into the early medieval period in particular. He is one of the founder members of Portals to the Past.

Mark Halls

Mark Halls is a member of Britannia, and is an amateur archaeologist and historian. One of his hobbies is metal detecting around the area he lives, and he has found many beautiful artefacts.

Richard and Beverley Bowring

Richard and Beverley Bowring are 1940’s enthusiasts and spend most weekends portraying this fascinating period at events around Britain. They have both worked in education, Richard as a lecturer in Graphic design and Beverly as a teaching assistant.

Stuart Davies

Stuart Davies has been participating in re-enactment for several years. He is a member of Britannia and of Wulfheodenas. He works regularly for Birmingham Museum, and Stoke Potteries Museum. Stuart was recently featured on Channel 4's documentary "Saxon Gold: Finding the hoard" about the discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard.

Steve Pollington

Steve Pollington is well known author, broadcaster and lecturer on many aspects of early English culture and language. He regularly gives lectures for eductional institutions such as Dr Sam Newton's Wuffing Education (www.wuffings.co.uk), museums, historical societies and the Sutton Hoo Society.

Paul Mortimer

Paul Mortimer has been portraying Raedwald for many years and appears Sutton Hoo and other heritage sites regularly, in the UK and Europe. He also lectures for Wuffing Education (www.wuffings.co.uk). Pauls first book on Anglo-Saxon warrior culture is due to be published early in the new year. Paul, until recently was deputy head at a large comprehensive school in Essex. He is a member of Wulfheodenas. Paul and Steve Pollington regularly appear together to give lectures to history societies.