The Military Camp

The Trayn'd Bande can not practice its martial activities or play its games in the middle of the busy streets of Bristol. Instead we set up a camp to serve the our needs. This is where you can find the military when our other duties do not call us away.

The Armour Tent, is set up as a display for different armour of the Elizabethan period. We also allow people to try on our armour. From cabasetts to targets, you can experience the protection of a soldier!

The Weapons Tent, is set up as a display for different weapons of the Elizabethan period. We have swords, axes, maces, flails, hammers and more for you to see, touch and hold. One of our favorite pieces we have to show new recruits is a Walloon Cavalry Sword from between 1620-1660. It is in beautiful shape and we invite you to touch a piece of history when you come see us!

The Cock and Weasel Tavern is a special area. This building has been conscripted to serve as a powder store for the Trayn'd Bandes. As such it is required to be free of tobacco products (No Smoking!). From our muskets and calivers to Retribution, our 5 lb saker, this is where the shott of the camp can be found. Along with the personal firearms of the shott, our camp is lucky to have Retribution, a 5lb cannon style piece on a recreated topdeck naval carriage and Henry Sidney, a culverin style bronze swivel gun dated to approx. 1560. This piece was renamed Henry Sidney in honor of a fallen brother Ray Benzel, by the its owner Thomas Frank Jr.

Across the camp is the physical remnats of a landed ship, the Kestrel. It has been since turned into the office of the Bandes captain, Sir Robert Carey. Besides our good Captain, you can also find our surgeon's tools. If you want to know what it is like to have a bleeding performed, or balance out your biles stop by! While you're at it place your name in the Captain's book, so we can send a missive to you when we muster next!