WARGAMING

What is Wargaming?

To the uninitiated, wargaming might look like a group of adults playing with toy soldiers. But if you lean in closer, you will see that you are looking at something much more profound.

Wargaming is the point where history, strategy, and art come together. It is an intellectual pursuit that turns the abstract events of the past into a tactile, living and fun experience!

Wargaming is a timeless craft that knows no age; it is a shared language spoken from the youngest recruit to the most seasoned veteran, all united at the table by the thrill of the dice, the wisdom of strategy, and the unpredictable dance of luck. All marching under the banner of everlasting tabletop glory!

A Game of Midgard Heroic Battles - disputed at FieldHead Fortress.

Gerard Exploits the Situation Sending Forth His Elite Huscarls.

History

Reading a history book can be seen as a passive act; wargaming is an active one. When we recreate the Battle of Hastings, we aren't just memorising dates or outcomes—we are exploring the possibilities.

By setting up a 1-to-1 scale battlefield, we gain a unique perspective on the challenges Harold and William faced.
We learn why the terrain mattered and how the Shield Wall functioned under pressure.

No History, No Wargaming.

Friction and Uncertainty

Wargaming is often described as "Chess with Chaos."
Unlike a board game where every piece moves perfectly according to your will, wargaming introduces friction.

Whether it is the roll of a die representing a sudden gust of wind, a misjudged distance, or the hesitation of a unit at a critical moment, the game forces you to make decisions under pressure. You don't just plan for success—you learn how to manage failure.

James Pointing Out Who's Going to Be Attacked Soon!

The Fearless Saxon Fyrd that Fought at Fulford, Stamford Bridge, and Hastings.

Miniatures and Miniatures!

Every figure on our table is an act of creation. Our "snippers" and wargamers don't just build an army; they curate in our case a 2D/3D gallery.

When you look at a unit of Huscarls or Norman knights, you are looking at hours of dedication, craftsmanship, and artistic expression. A wargaming table is a living diorama that captures the color, the chaos, and the gravity of the 11th century.

Passion and Friendship

Ultimately, wargaming is a social endeavour. It brings together people from different countries, backgrounds, and professions, all united by a shared curiosity about the past.

Our project, Hastings960, is a testament to these 28 people from across the globe contributing their time and skill to build a monument to a single day in 1066.

We use dice (lots of them), we cheer, and we debate rules, but the underlying spirit is one of reverence and respect of life. We play to honour the gravity of the events we depict.

We play to challenge our minds. And we play because, in a world that is increasingly digital and distant, there is something deeply grounding about standing over a table, surrounded by a community of friends with biscuits and tea in hand, watching history unfold before your eyes.

Left to Right: Gerard, Andy, Alex, Peter, James, and Mirko

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