The Companie di Bjornstad - Medieval Re-enactment

... is an itinerant band of archers, men-at-arms, knights errant, ladies-in-waiting, tinkers and fools. We are a living history, entertainment and educational group concentrating on the Middle Ages, associated with The Vikings of Bjornstad.

We are available for choreographed or unscripted combat using the weapons associated with the Middle Ages: spear, shield, sword, axe (one-handed and two-handed), bow and sling. We can also provide a limited number of mounted combatants. We maintain contact with a wide variety of other similarly-minded groups and can coordinate re-enacting other periods as needed. Photos of our combat work for the History Channel are at Command Decisions and Conquerors.

Companie di Bjornstad attempts to provide a balanced view of medieval culture; we can provide material associated with a temporary early Medieval encampment, including tents, cookware, tables, chests, benches, stools, textiles, jewelry, coinage and more. Photos of our encampments and gear are at Bjornstad Photos and Arts & Crafts.

Most of our members live in the extended San Francisco Bay Area, currently north to Santa Rosa and Fort Bragg, east to Stockton and south to San Jose. Some of our members are even farther away. We welcome everyone and ask only that those under 16 be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We strive for authentic Medieval clothing, crafts and gear, but we know that's a goal to work toward and we all have to start somewhere.

Some of the events we've been a part of:

We provide medieval games and instruction each year at the Midsummer Medieval Festival at the Castello di Amorosa winery in Calistoga, California
Each year we provide a 5-hour course on the Early Middle Ages for Saint Mary's College in Moraga, CA
We have provided models for several photographic shoots at the Castello di Amorosa winery in Calistoga, California
We've joined with the Highlander Warriors to present "The Wedding of Somerled", a short play we wrote, at the Pleasanton, California, Highland Games on three occasions
On June 30th, 2006, we attended the San Francisco premier of Beowulf and Grendel - in gear.
On December 3rd, 2005 we provided a non-historic barbarian horde for an Academy of Art University student film, The Epic of Wayhelm.
In January 2005 we filmed the host segments for an episode of The Conquerors about William the Conqueror, with actor and military advisor Dale Dye, also for the History Channel
In July 2004 we provided the actors for the Battle of Hastings (fought in 1066) segment of Command Decisions, for the History Channel
In 2002 we went as a group to see the "Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga" exhibit at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles.

We meet about once a month in the extended San Francisco Bay Area or provide a living history display at one of the many events we attend. To see what we'll be up to next, see our Calendar. Join us!

Jack Garrett and Companie di Bjornstad maintain this website for your personal interest in historical re-enactment, education and research. We do not warrant or represent that the content is completely current, accurate, error proof, nor all of the linked websites to be truthful and reliable at all times. The contents of this website, unless otherwise stated, are exclusively the property of Jack Garrett and are protected under United States and International Copyright laws. The content and images within this website may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Jack Garrett or the photographers who have granted permission for their photographs to be displayed herein. Use of any image as the basis for another photographic concept or illustration (digital, artist rendering or the like) is a violation of United States and International Copyright laws. All images and written materials are copyrighted © by their respective copyright holders unless otherwise stated. We make no claim to your happiness, contentment or future well being upon reading the information contained within this website, including this paragraph.