History Of Sheffield
Escafeld is the pre-Norman name for Sheffield.
Centuries ago many people could not read or write, so it was only through spoken work that things were recorded.
The name didn’t change from Escafeld as much as evolve. The Saxon word Esc is pronounced “esh”, for a Anglo-Saxon person saying Escafeld lots of times over years and years it eventually became Sheffield as we pronounce it today.
Records show The City of Sheffield has been occupied by humans since at least the last ice age, but the settlements that grew to form Sheffield today date from the Early Middle Ages around 410-1066AD. of Anglo-Saxon and Danish origin.
In Anglo-Saxon times the Sheffield area straddled the border between the kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle reports that King Eanred of Northumbria submitted to King Egbert of Wessex at the hamlet of Dore (now a suburb of Sheffield) in 829AD. This event made Egbert the first Saxon to claim to be king of all of England. After the Norman conquest, Sheffield Castle was built to control the local settlements, and a small town developed that is the nucleus of the modern city of sheffield.
Our Partners
Our Society
The Escafeld Medieval Society was formed 50 years ago by a group of Sheffield Police Officers in 1971 as the entertainment for the annual Police Gala with a Wild West Theme.
This was so popular they were asked to return the following year as medieval knights. This was even more popular than the first show and decided to turn this into a great hobby. Sure enough, the Escafeld Medieval Society was formed in 1973 and so far has enjoyed 50 years of displays in Yorkshire and across the country.
Escafeld has performed for many different occasions and has had the pleasure of performing for English Heritage, CADW and Various council events at such breathtaking sites as Conisborough, Castle Rising, Knearsbrough castle and Caernarfon. We also do lots of garlers and town center medieval theme days.
Our people and desplays
The Escafeld Medieval Society exists to portray events as they may have occurred at a medieval “foot” tournament and other associated displays during the 13th century.
Whilst this might sound a very narrow and specialized period it offers great flexibility both to participants and our clients. The Society boasts knights, sergeants-at-arms, archers, ladies and squires. The Society is family friendly and we have members of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Our members are encouraged to develop their own individual interest in the period and apply it to our displays. Even if you have seen our show before you’ll find different characters bringing their unique take on it meaning you’ll see something different every time.