HISTORY
For several years Hereford Vikings was the sole Black Crow group, started by Jarl Heimdall / Aaron Houghton on Remembrance Sunday 2013 and training under his guidance until 2021 when his move to North Wales sparked the expansion of what would become Black Crow Historical Society.

On Aaron's departure Magnus Gunnarson / Danny Jones was promoted to Hersir or Thegn of Hereford and at the same time new premises on Coningsby Street were found as a base which we still use today following several years in a variety of less suitable venues. With Magnus in charge we increased our public profile, attending a growing number of events to provide entertainment and education both locally and further afield.

As the Black Crow Historical Society grew to include groups in North Wales our opportunities grew too, Hereford Vikings regularly travel to support our fellow Black Crows at public shows and meet for private gatherings to train and socialise.

More recently the partial recovery of the Hereford Horde has led to a wealth of new information on the Scandinavian influence in and around modern day Herefordshire, as well as growing local interest in Viking history. Our visit to the find site with local teacher and historian Joe Emmett was featured in Joe's 2025 book 'New Roots, Ancient Lands'.

ACTIVITIES
Focussing mainly on Viking period re-enactment and combat in particular has been a trait of the Hereford group throughout it's existence and our main aim has been to better understand the use of historical weapons and armour through experimental archaeology.

While combat practice is often intense and challenging we don't fight as competition but rather to grow our skills and understanding. We used a structured approach, learning to fight with a wide variety of weapons and tactics which is gives us a good balance of fitness, skill and fun through training.

In recent years we have expanded our crafting and living history capabilities with the addition of Skógrammr / Richard, and Hrothgar / George as metal worker and wood worker respectively who bring their skills as both fighters and craftsmen.

All members of the group enjoy making and maintaining as much of our historical kit and equipment as possible, this has proved to be a great way to deepen our understanding of Viking age life.

We have been extremely fortunate to develop strong relationships with a number of local organisations and individuals which has led to our involvement in some fantastic public events.

Highlights of these include a multitude of collaborations with Herefordshire Museum Services focussing on the Herefordshire Hoard, several weekends supporting Clive Nolan's 'Music At The Mead Hall', and regular appearances at Knucklas Village Fete.

Our priority as a group is to enjoy learning, socialising, and fighting together in order to better understand and appreciate the history of the Viking and Anglo Saxon age in Britain.

Remember to check out our Facebook page and give us a message if you’re in the Herefordshire area and want to give re-enactment a try!