From Childhood Dream to Viking Wedding
Most eight-year-old girls dream of fairy tale princes, but Imogen Allen was determined to marry a Viking. Fast forward a decade, and she met Ben – with his towering height, long hair and bushy beard, he looked like he'd stepped off a Norse longship. What's more, he actually spent his weekends doing Viking combat training and took part in re-enactments.
"When we got married, I turned around to my mum and said, 'I told you I’d marry a Viking!'' said Imogen. Today, the 34-year-old, from Nottingham, hasn't just married into the Viking life – she’s created a clan. Together with Ben, 40, and their two sons, Ethan, 16, and Gideon, eight, Imogen now travels the country bringing medieval history to life.
Weekend Warriors
By day, Imogen works as a special educational needs disability tutor, but the family spend weekends at Vikings UK's events. They put countless hours into their costumes, weapons and equipment to re-enact history in the most authentic way, some in partnership with the National Trust and English Heritage. On event days, Ben and their eldest son, Ethan, head onto the battlefield, which can range from five-a-side scraps to thousand-strong contests, while Imogen takes to the megaphone to narrate proceedings. She and Gideon also do demonstrations to show audiences what daily life was really like, from cooking to making clothes.
A Found Family
Imogen says the Viking UK community is her 'found family'. "We camp and live in living history. I spend all weekend in my tent – that is my house for the weekend – and being able to look out at the most historically significant places... There is nothing quite like it," Imogen told PA's Rachael Davis. Authenticity is incredibly important to Imogen and her community. Before the public gates open, modern life is strictly banned. You won't find a stray coffee cup, plastic water bottle or mobile phone in sight. Instead, everything from the tents and furniture to the clothing is meticulously researched and handcrafted. Members use ancient stone carvings, manuscripts and fresh archaeological discoveries – including artefacts unearthed by recent HS2 excavations and melting Icelandic fjords – to replicate clothing patterns and natural dyes.
Crafting History
"My husband makes glass beads based on historical finds, and he’ll come up and he’ll show me things, and I’m just like, how on earth did they make that in a time without electricity?" said Imogen. "It is actually quite fascinating." Alongside all the fun of crafting, designing and battling, she loves sharing her knowledge about Vikings with people. "It’s an important part of our lives in the UK and in Europe – the Viking Age changed everything – and I think re-enactment helps to make that more real."
