Raphael Historic Falconry

Periods covered: Roman, Saxon/Norman, Medieval, Tudor, Victorian, Edwardian, WWII Contact:  Emma and Mike Raphael www.raphaelhistoricfalconry.com info@raphaelhistoricfalconry.com 01986 873928 / 07711 369805

Who are we and what do we do?

We are Emma and Mike Raphael the only professional historical falconers in the UK. We are not based at or affiliated to a public bird of prey centre; we are a privately based specialist mobile falconry business. We specialise in the recreation, performance and interpretation of period falconry in authentic, live action style and can present English falconry from all relevant periods during the last millennia.

With passion and imagination we reveal the social importance of hunting with birds in history and show how falconry has shaped our national heritage and the countryside in which we all live. We are proudly reputed for our beautiful birds, fabulous quality costumes, captivating commentary and a serious professional shine that you would expect from seasoned performers. Our work includes:-

• Stunning arena displays and period exhibition tents for historical events.
• Lively indoor presentations and workshops for museums and academic institutions.
• Live scenes for Historical TV documentaries and recreations for still media.
• School visits, lectures and consultancy.
• Corporate entertainment days and group training sessions.

 MORE DETAILS ABOUT EACH & ALL OF OUR SERVICES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

So what’s special about 1940s wartime Falconry?

All falconry practised for leisure purposes had to cease during the Second World War. Most falconers were called away for military service and either had to leave their birds behind or release them into the wild. Huge areas of countryside traditionally used by falconers were sequestered for military use, barbed wire prevented access and legislation to protect allied carrier pigeons spelled danger for any free flying falcon in British skies. However, the Air Ministry later found a use for falconry when the experimental Falcon Unit was formed to use trained peregrines to intercept enemy carrier pigeons conveying messages.
		Our WWII theme is jam-packed with amazing stories of bird and animal bravery and of men going to extraordinary lengths to keep their birds, we reveal how 2 important wartime aircraft were designed after birds of prey and their performance in the skies, we demonstrate the use of dogs in war and we even run an experimental para-pigeon exercise!
This period has not only been well received at large WWII events (often to the amazement of some of the most hardened and long-established re-enactment groups who are always the harshest of critics!) but we have had success with this period in schools too for the children love our talented dog, all our birds and especially having a go at launching a para-pigeon!

PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TALK 1940s!