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the Ryall Armouries

The Ryall Armouries

I am Fred Ryall, and have been a mediaeval re-enactor since my mid-teens. I have attended my events mainly as a member of the Sir John Savile Household of South Yorkshire. We re-enact the famous battles of Britain's Wars of the Roses from the late 15th Century. During the summer month weekends I regularly camp and "campaign" with the Saviles. You may often contact me at events in which they are involved and see what is involved in replica armour and its use in mock battle or jousts.
Fred's own armour playing a king at a re-enactment
M y interest in armour was stimulated while I was making my own kit, and grew through apprenticeships with other makers and led to formal study in three dimensional design. I have run my own forge in Birkenhead since 2006.
The Ryall Armouries was established in 2008 to furnish well-made bespoke replica armour in traditional style and design for Roman, Mediaeval, Civil War, or similar re-enactors.
Commissions are extensively researched and wherever possible are based on real historical material. My sources have included the British Royal Armoury collections in Leeds and London I am presently researching wider historical armour styles and techniques through visits to museums on the European continent.
While my background has been in mediaeval works, I have also made items for other periods and cultures (eg Japanese or Roman). I would seek to match accurately the proper style required for any wider commission, and discuss with my client where suitable historical material might be accessed.
Children love to participate in re-enactment and are important to its long term future. I have experience in making lighter armour for young people, and in adapting it for growth. Please discuss your family's needs with me. (NB child armour should never be used in simulated fighting)!

French Judge is from a 15th century manuscript in the Imperial Library of Paris Legal Disclaimer It is very important to note that reproduction steel armour is made to mediaeval pattern and provides only the level of protection of that era. In particular it may not completely stop a higher velocity, or sharpened weapon. An incomplete set of armour could allow pentration of a weapon during real or simulated fighting and you must take special care until your equipment is complete

You should wear my armour for fighting or jousting, only in the context of a properly supervised event, using appropriately moderated weapons, and preceded by careful assessment of your risk by an experienced person. Any other use is completely at your own risk.


P ortfolios of my work my be viewed in Macromedia "Flash" or as a simple XML version.

However it is more or less intrinsic to the nature of the armourer's profession that most commissions are bespoke. Please contact me to discuss your own specific requirement.




links! Address is an image to prevent spam. Will not copy/paste
Contact info Type in the address above for electronic mail, or telephone +44 (0) 779 001 2809

External links

Link to Wars of Roses Fed. Britain's Wars of the Roses Federation is an umbrella group supporting about 35 re-enactment societies across Britain. WotRF sponsor around four events each year focussing on the battle between the Royal lines of yorkshire and Lancaster for succession of the English throne. Their site is incidentally an excellent resource if you want to find your local group and get started.
Link to Saville Household I am a member of Yorkshire's Sir John Savile Household. We regularly participate in re-enactments through the English Summer.
Link to Telegraph article The UK Daily Telegraph business section penned an article on my new venture in May 2009.
Click here to read it.

Fred Ryall esquire trading as ® The Ryall Armouries - www.ryallarmouries.co.uk © Fred Ryall 2010