Mercia

 

Welcome to the Kingdom of Mercia

Forged in fire, in adventure and learning we thrive

Long ago, in the heart of ancient England, where mighty rivers carved through dark forests and mists clung to the hills, rose the proud Kingdom of Mercia. A land of warriors, wisdom, and some even say……..wild magic.

Mercia means “border people,” and it stood as a fierce and fearless realm between kingdoms, guarding its borders like a lion watching its den. The House of Mercia was founded by the legendary warrior-king Penda the Bold (7th-century king of Mercia), a fierce ruler said to have been born with a raven’s feather in his hand……..a sign of great destiny.

Mercia was more than just swords and shields. Its people were clever builders, powerful storytellers, and the bringers of adventure……..

Today across the ancient fields of Windsor, the elders of Mercia (our adult volunteers) will be crafting mighty realms filled with adventure, challenge, and wonder. Each realm will offer a world of discovery: daring quests to test your courage, crafts to awaken your creativity, and skills to sharpen your wits.

From the youngest scout to the boldest ranger, everyone will find their place in the saga – learning, laughing, and forging memories in the spirit of unity, bravery, and full hearted fun.

10 fun facts about Mercia

Covers parts of modern: Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Leicester, Nottingham, and
the West Midlands

  1. Birmingham, once part of Mercia, is now one of the biggest cities in the UK, though it started as a little Saxon village!
  2. You can still walk along Offa’s Dyke, a giant earth wall built to defend Mercia from the Welsh.
  3. Mercia had a big influence on the English language, lots of local words and accents come from this kingdom.
  4. Tamworth, now a quiet town, was once the capital of Mercia and home to mighty kings and queens.
  5. The River Trent was Mercia’s lifeline. Today it’s still great for boat rides and spotting wildlife.
  6. King Penda of Mercia ruled with such fire that his name means “bright” or “shining.”
  7. The Midlands is still famous for metalworking and crafts, just like in Mercian times.
  8. The Staffordshire Hoard, found in a field in 2009, is a real treasure trove of Mercian gold!
  9. Mercia loved storytelling……..and the Midlands is still full of theatres, authors, and legends.
  10. Fancy a trip back in time? Visit Sarehole Mill in Birmingham, it inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth!