Getting Started

Joining the Company of the Black Spear is more than acquiring medieval clothing and equipment—it is becoming part of a community dedicated to the authentic interpretation of an English military retinue during the years 1400–1420. Whether you are new to living history or have years of experience, we welcome individuals who share a genuine passion for history and a commitment to authenticity.
 

Attend an Event First

Before purchasing any clothing or equipment, we strongly recommend attending one of our events. This gives prospective members the opportunity to meet the company, experience our interpretation firsthand, and decide whether our group and chosen period are the right fit for them.

This approach also helps avoid the common mistake of purchasing equipment that may not meet our standards or that may not be appropriate for the impression we portray.
 

Our Standards

The Company of the Black Spear strives for a high level of historical authenticity. All members are expected to follow the Company's Standards of Authenticity guide, which outlines the clothing, equipment, and material culture appropriate to an English military retinue between 1400 and 1420.

Our goal is not perfection on day one, but continual improvement through careful research and thoughtful acquisition of historically accurate equipment.
 

Building Your Impression

When a new member joins the company, the first objective is to assemble the minimum Soft Kit of a common person. This provides a solid historical foundation and allows members to fully participate in camps, demonstrations, and living history events while they continue to build their impression.

Remember, acquiring a quality impression is a marathon, not a sprint. Most members build their kit gradually over time, replacing temporary items with better documented and higher-quality pieces as their knowledge and experience grow.

To help new members get started, the Company maintains a selection of loaner clothing and equipment. This allows newcomers to participate in events while assembling their own historically appropriate kit at a comfortable pace.

Base "Soft Kit"
Below is the basic soft kit for men and women. Soft kit refers to one's clothing and equipment that is not used for martial activities, like armor. These are the basic items one would need to acquire to attend events with the Company. 
 

Minimum Soft Kit Requirements for all Common Men

All items should be documentable to 1400–1420.

• Braes and natural linen shirt ("St. Louis" style or shorter shirt)

• Linen or wool chausses (solid colors only; no parti-color)

• Wool split hose or joined hose (solid colors only; no parti-color)

• Wool, linen, or leather garters

• Linen or wool tunic (cotte) appropriate to 1400–1420

• Leather belt with a period buckle

• Wool or leather pouch of a documented period pattern

• Wool or linen hood and/or appropriate hat

• Period-style leather shoes (turnshoe construction preferred)

• Wool cloak of a documented period design

• Period-style knife

• Linen storage bag (optional)

• Period spoon (bone or wood)

• Period bowl (wood or pottery)

• Period drinking vessel

Common Women

All items should be documentable to 1400–1420.

• Natural linen smock

• Wool, linen, or leather garters

• Leather belt with a period buckle

• Wool or leather pouch of a documented period pattern

• Linen or wool kirtle appropriate to 1400–1420 (solid colors only; no parti-color)

• Appropriate head covering (linen veil, wool hood, or straw hat)

• Period-style leather shoes (turnshoe construction preferred)

• Wool cloak of a documented period design

• Period-style knife

• Linen storage bag (optional)

• Period spoon (bone or wood)

• Period bowl (wood or pottery)

• Period drinking vessel
   

We understand that everyone begins somewhere. With guidance from experienced members, access to loaner equipment, and a shared commitment to historical accuracy, you'll have everything you need to begin your journey into early fifteenth-century living history.