The Tudor Group has obtained its reputation from it's high standards so we do insist upon members conforming to them. Any new member is not expected to turn up completely attired and to the highest possible standard with no help from the group ( although some have done so ! ).

We have a stock of livery and servant clothing to lend to new members, however it is expected that all members obtain a set of clothes within the first year.

As a rule we expect the first set of clothing you aquire to be lower class. This is principally because it is easier to put this together and also because you will then fit in with all the events we organise. Once you and the group are happy with your first set of clothes then you can, if you have such aims, move onto garments of a finer sort.

All clothing must be hand-stitched and constructed in a similar way to surviving examples. Materials need to be appropriate to the period ( linen, wool, hemp, silk & veg-tan  leather ), no made-made fibres are acceptable (the exception being synthetic whale bone for stiffening ).
The style must based upon a style appropriate to the event  - if you wish to cover most eventualities with one set of clothing then you need to be lower class with an early fashion ( ie early 1580s ).

If you wish to purchase equipment most items are obtainable via the membership; if you wish to make your own the members will happily give you guidance and support.

Equipment

As with clothing, the group has a large amount of domestic equipment for use by its members. New members usually begin as either domestic household staff; trayned bandes or apprentice/assitant to an artisan. As and when members find their own interest which is appropriate for the group they move into it. Members interested in expanding the groups' diversity are encouraged and helped where appropriate for example, the group has purchased a pinners toolset to help one of our teenage members move into the realms of pin & needle making.

All of the equipment used within our events needs to be as accurate to the originals as practicably possible. Where compromises have to be made ( ie for legal or safety reasons ) the members are expected to be fully aware of such and be prepared to explain this to members of the public if required.

Knowledge

Many members of the group spend significant time researching detailed aspects of the period. They will gladly share their knowledge and encourage others, producing summary details on various topics of general interest which appear in our newsletter. The group will encourage research and understanding, we have a significant number of books on the era, detailing a wide range of topics.

Members are expected to know as much detail about their own station as is needed to provide an interesting and informative display for the public. The knowledge must be backed up where appropriate with primary sources. The group does not expect this level of knowledge to be obtained overnight, newer members can learn "on the job" by taking roles such as kitchen maid or trayned bandes recruit, while being encouraged to find their own interest which will expand the group's range.

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