Kay Rouse

HIGGLER [hi'gler], n.

a purveyer of unnecessary trifles or dealer in gaudy and fantastical goods...

The traditional tales I tell come  principally from Northern Europe (especially in the earlier periods) and are always told in modern voice:

I particularly enjoy tying my Storytelling to a venue by researching and developing local legends and happenings or focusing on particular pieces from a museum collection or property. 

Presentations can also be specially themed, perhaps to the season; tailored to special interest groups, whether by occupation or gender - and made suitable for all ages.

In later periods, as well as the fictional and fantastical, I also give several presentations based on real lives and circumstances - and sensational reports of the day!

Please click on the Storytelling bar on the right to see a selection of sample presentations arranged in chronological order. 

If you similarly go to Demonstrations you will see examples of craft interpretations:

Some occupations like Cordwainer and Paternosterer are more period specific to the earlier end of my range, while others do cover a much broader period.  Within each section text and pictures on the page also roughly follow in chronological order.

Together with my partner I show many aspects of Wax Chandlery from straining and dipping to uses in polishes, cosmetics and preservatives (though not yet the practical aspects of embalming…) We offer a safe child-friendly sealing wax activity, focused for each period offered, that provides a take away souvenir. 

We also demonstrate all sorts of Games: counting systems, gambling, puzzles and games of skill - or simple amusement - across all of our periods by using replica and real boards, tokens and pieces.  There is always the opportunity for hands-on participation by both children and adults - as well as some games and toy making workshops.

The Timespan bar will take you to my curriculum linked early Tudor project for schools (This is currently designed primarily for Key Stage 2 students)

The FAQs bar directs you to matters of tentage, insurance, fees and costs, references and accreditation.  Hopefully many basic logistics queries are answered here.  

And, lastly, to the Calendar: On either side of the month and year in the darker green title bar are arrows to scroll backwards and forwards through the year; a green blocked date indicates an engagement at a public event.  You will thus be able to see when and where I am and to be welcome to come to see me working.    

As I add bookings and fixtures you will be able to see on which dates I am definitely already busy but please do check as I do not publish details of school visits, workshops, private lecture bookings or community events.    

I  am continually making additions - whether with calendar updates, by posting new photographs, detailing extensions to existing packages or offering whole new presentations.     

I do hope you enjoy the site and will visit again.