A historian from Armagh says taking part in the city’s Georgian Day made her fall “in love with history.”
The day is a key part of Armagh’s Georgian Festival, which features historical reenactments, festive markets and immersive 18th century experiences.
The city is considered to host some of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK and Ireland.
Aoife Cleland (27) has been involved with the festival since childhood and says it has been the “highlight” of her year ever since.
She now works as a living history interpreter at the festival.
“It’s a positive thing for Armagh because lots of visitors who wouldn’t normally think of coming to here are getting to experience a place bursting with history,” she said.
Aoife’s role in Georgian Day this year will be portraying and dressing up as a woman called Annaritta Cust from the 1780s.
Annaritta’s father was a sovereign in Armagh, which meant he collected taxes for the King and was important in high society.
Aoife says her character is unusual as she doesn’t fit the stereotype of other women in the Georgian period.
“She goes to the infirmary to watch surgery taking place, which was unheard of for women of that era, because it was seen as too grotesque.”
Aoife is also leading a “Gorgeous Georgians” event at the festival, which involves showing how Georgian women got ready each morning.
The key thing in order to portray a character in a historically accurate fashion is background research, according to Aoife.
Characters at Armagh’s Georgian Day
“It’s important to find out what your character did in their spare time, what their hobbies were and to understand who you’re trying to become.
“It’s about creating a world for visitors. It can be challenging because obviously you have to use the first person when speaking and 21st century views on things are very different.
“Women in those days were seen as property and if they wanted to have freedom to do as they pleased, they had to be widowed.
“You also have to think about practices like animal fighting, which were common in the Georgian era, but would be seen as inhumane now. Historical details like which currency was being used (and) who the Royal family were are important to know if people ask questions.”
She also said language is an important part of playing the role.
“You can’t just walk around saying ‘how are you?’ to people; you have to use flowery language for the time period.”
Aoife says that getting ready on the day is no small challenge either.
“I get up early to prep hair and makeup. The costume has so many layers to it — there’s a corset, petticoats, pockets and then the main dress on top of all that.
“You can understand why rich ladies had maids to help them get ready. They would also have had three to four outfit changes throughout the day depending on what they were doing.
“It’s the highlight of my year and it’s an accessible and easy way to get involved with history.”
This year’s festival takes place November 26-29 and further information can be found at https://visitarmagh.com