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| A Guide to Castles of Europe | Visit some of the most picturesque, mysterious and notorious castles in Europe. Unravel the history, legends, and myths behind some of their celebrated and not so renowned castles in a voyage of discovery.
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| About Medieval Castles & Siege Weapons | Filled with information on Medieval Siege Weapons (including catapult and trebuchet), Medieval Castles, and Medieval Siege Warfare.
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| Archaeology On-line | a German site (English version is promised) well worth a visit. The resource guide contains more than 1000 links to archaeological and historically related sites throughout the world which are all well commented and sorted by more than 300 categories. This is not just a link site though, for the German readers there are newspaper articles related to archaeology, reviews of books and a discussion board.
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| Castles Unlimited | formed in recognition of the necessity to preserve these relics of history. They are dedicated to the promotion and study of British Castles. Their goals are educating and stimulating people to explore the castles for themselves. Castles Unlimited offers several services and information which may be of interest to you.
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| Exploring Castles with Lise Hull | Author, Researcher, Specialist in British Heritage and Co-Founder, Castles Unlimited, Lise Hull introduces visitors to Britain's medieval castles.
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| Mary Rose | was built between 1509 and 1511, she was one of the first ships able to fire a broadside, and was a firm favourite of King Henry VIII. After a long and successful career, she sank accidentally during an engagement with the French fleet in 1545. Her rediscovery and raising were seminal events in the history of nautical archaeology especially for students of the medieval longbow. This link is to the Mary Rose Trust.
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| New York Carver | is a great site dedicated to castles, abbeys, cathedrals and the work of the stone carver. Among its well laid out content are great tours of some well known castles as well as stone carving tours, a field guide to Gothic terms, virtual tours of the great Gothic cathedrals, medieval art museums, and more.
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| Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales | The Royal Commission has a national role in the management of the archaeological, built and maritime heritage of Wales as the originator, curator and supplier of authoritative information for individual, corporate and governmental decision-makers, researchers and the general public. To this end it: Surveys, Interprets and Records the man-made environment of Wales, Compiles, Maintains and Curates the National Monuments Record of Wales, Promotes an Understanding of this Information by all appropriate means.
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| The Wars of the Roses | Detailed information including battles, warfare, Richard III and other important people. Based in France the site is in English. 
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| | | Custodians |
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| Berkeley Castle | Trip steps designed to make the enemy stumble during an assault, arrow slits, rugged battlements, murder holes, enormous barred doors, slots where the portcullis once fell, and worn stones where sentries stood guard. And here you will see the cell where King Edward II was held for 18 months before his murder here in 1327, with the 30 foot deep pit of the dungeon close by. But you will also find a Castle that has been continuously inhabited by the same family.
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| CADW | is the body responsible for some of the finest properties in the UK. Wales is fortunate in having so many fine castles, full details of which are available on this site.
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| Cosmeston Medieval Village | A living history experience in a reconstructed medieval Welsh village. Step back in time for one of the special events or just visit and take a tour to meet the villagers.
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| English Heritage | are the custodians of many of the historic properties in England
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| National Trust | is engaged in the protection and preservation of places of historical significance and natural beauty. This link is to the National Trust Official Web Site.
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| Royal Armouries | Excellent national collection of arms and armour based largely in Leeds.
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| Wallace Collection | The Wallace Collection is both a national museum and the finest private collection of art ever assembled by one family. It was bequeathed to the nation by Lady Wallace, widow of Sir Richard Wallace, in 1897, and opened to the public just over three years later on 22 June 1900. Its first visitors were variously delighted, amazed and bemused. Among its treasures are one of the best collections of French 18th-century pictures, porcelain and furniture in the world, a remarkable array of 17th-century paintings and a superb armoury.
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| | | Interest and resources |
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| Battle of Tewkesbury | This site is posted by the hosts of the Tewkesbury Mediaeval Festival, featuring a mediaeval fayre and full re-enactments of the Battle of Tewkesbury
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| Gaita Medieval Music | Gaita are dedicated to providing spirited medieval music for all types of events and locations in stylish medieval dress, and on a wide variety of instruments for all occasions - louder instruments like bagpipes, shawms and drums; or softer kinds like harps, fiddles and lutes. The music ranges from 13th to 15th C. and from Scotland, France, Italy and Spain and can include everything from loud and lively dances to stately ceremonial music to gentle melodies for quieter times. We are very experienced in playing in any situation and can tailor the music from our extensive repertoire. We also conduct workshops in 15th C dance and dance music.
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| Historical Re-enactment Website | is exactly what it says. This site maintains a huge amount of information on and links to re-enactment groups over every period from pre-Roman right up to the Great War and beyond. Some groups publish their diary information on this site and full contact details are available for the groups listed. Well worth a visit if you want a group in your area or one which covers a particular period.
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| Lance and Longbow Society | Our aim is to promote the military history of the high and late middle ages, through to the early renaissance. We hope to appeal to all needs, including wargamers, re-enactors, amateur historians and heralds. Now in it's 11th year, the society produces four issues of the highly praised journal "Hobilar" annually. This contains articles and comments from the membership and is enhanced by a colour section.
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| LivingHistory.co.uk | is the home for re-enactors of all ages where you will find fellow enthusiasts, historians, extroverts, fools and drinkers! This is a place to share: share your knowledge, gossips, laughs, trials and tribulations.
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| Medieval Writing | An introduction to the history of medieval writing, including the origins of our written culture, paleography and the history of scripts, and the nature of literacy and the written word in the middle ages. Manuscript books and documents, and the very process of writing itself, are part of the cultural heritage of the western world.
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| Pavane Early Music Consort | An early music group, established for over 10 years, playing mainly in and around the South Wales area. Perfoming music and song (and dance) of the Medieval, Tudor and Renaissance periods on authentic instruments (renaissance recorders, crumhorns, medieval fiddle, hurdy-gurdy, cittern, lute, theorbo, harp, viols, rebec, virginals, shawms, cornamuse, curtal, percussion of all kinds ..... in costume. Performing at places like Cosmeston Medieval Fayre, Castell Coch, St Fagans Folk Museum, at re-enactments, outdoors, indoors, in pubs, in clubs, at private functions like weddings and banquets, and workshop sessions for schools, they have recently released a second CD.
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| The Richard III Foundation, Inc | The Richard III Foundation, Inc. is an educational organization that focuses on the life and times of King Richard III. In addition to its resources, the Foundation also offers a vibrant forum at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KingRichardIII .
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| Wye Valley Archery | Wye Valley Archery is an outdoor archery range with a difference. 35 Target Field Archery course with warm up area and a Roving field ideally suited to longbow
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| | | Re-enactment societies |
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| Bonivant Household | House Bonivant, is based on the family of Richard Bonivant who was a successful mercer (cloth merchant) in London and who owned Stone castle along with its estate of some 40 acres of land (now Bluewater in Kent) in the early part of the 15th century. On purchasing the castle Richard found that, like all the other large landowners in the area, he had to contribute a number of men to fight for the then Bishop of Rochester, John Lowe.
Richard was responsible for gathering half a knight's fee, a small force of men (perhaps as few as 15 - 20) who would be either Bill-men or archers or, more likely, a mix of both. If there were no prevailing hostilities these men were used to guard Rochester castle for four weeks a year. However as they were fighting for John Lowe it is only right that we use the bishops OWN personal heraldry as our fighting colours.
As a group we strive to recreate the military and domestic life of the wars of the roses period of the fifteenth century by using authentically recreated equipment and recipes as well as demonstrating various crafts and activities.
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| British Plate Armour Society | Covering 1250-1485. Shows ranging from small tournaments to large multi-society battles and/or encampment style static display. We allow individuals to pick their preferred period, costume and role within our range rather than concentrating on any one small period. This allows us to demonstrate a wide range of troop types, armour and weapons. Perform displays of tournament style single combat as well as skirmishes and battles. Equipment includes handguns, cannon, authentic tents, archery, crossbows.
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| Buckingham's Retinue | Buckingham's Retinue is one of the
more authentic British re-enactment groups for the period 1450-1530. The
society exists to reconstruct and re-enact late medieval, and early
Tudor life, concentrating on the period known as 'The Wars of the
Roses'
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| Company Ecorcheur | was formed in 1991 by a group of experienced re-enactors from a number of existing medieval societies. The society was set up with the aim of providing both an accurate and entertaining portrayal of military and civillian life in the last half of the fifteenth century. The Company Ecorcheur specialises in portraying aspects of military life which include displays of medieval foot combat, employing a wide range of period weaponry, polearms and archery - all set within an accurate period encampment. Associated crafts such as medieval cookery, fletching, calligraphy, tailoring and even a selection of medieval games, pastimes, dances and songs can be demonstrated.
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| Company of Ordinance | whose aim is to provide a Re-Enactment and Living History group consisting of archers, crossbowmen, hand gunners, gunners craftsmen and camp followers to demonstrate the domestic and military camp life and crafts of the 15th century. This is achieved through the medium of reconstructing soldiers camps, providing narrated displays of weapons skills, the demonstration of related crafts and participating in period battles.
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| De Manney | A family based living history group portraying Sir Walter Manny and his wife Margaret Brotherton in the 14th century
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| Freemen of Gwent | The Freemen of Gwent are a medieval re-enactment group primarily based in South Wales, although we have members located far and wide across the country. We look, in the first, to portray the periods in history encompassed by the reigns of Edward I., II. and III., with especial reference to the presence of their lords within Wales and the Marches. But the group also has an avid interest in the 100 Years War with a specific focus on the battle of Agincourt.
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| Great Northwood Bowmen | A Medieval archery and re-enactment society based in London and re-enacting the 14th and 15th centuries. Members portray four members of the Plantagenet Family, Sir Edward Northwood and his retinue of Archers.
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| Knights In Battle Medieval Society | Based in Sheffield, we re-enact the early 13th century (King John's reign) and the late 15th (Wars of the Roses). We perform tournaments and living history shows, medieval murder mysteries and medieval cookery displays, and take part in battle re-enactments.
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| Livery and Maintenance | Livery and Maintenance is an umbrella organisation for a number of late 15th century historical interpretation groups - with members from across England - who depict the life of the period now known as the Wars of the Roses(1450 - 1487). Although member groups work individually, several times a year we aim to come together en masse to work together for a larger spectacle.
The diversity of the individual groups, brought together under a common goal of authentic and high-quality public displays, results in richly varied late 15th Century events.
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| Lord Burgh's Retinue 1460 - 1496 | The website of Lord Burgh's Retinue a not for profit Living History and Historical Interpretation Society based in the East Midlands
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| Medieval Combat Society | The Medieval Combat Society reenacts the foot combat tournaments of Edward III. The society provides exciting displays and shows to the public with knights in armour battling each other watched by the kings court. The Society also enjoys archery, dancing, banquets and all things medieval.
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| Neville Companye | A USA affiliate of the British Plate Armour Society based in Maine. We portray the retinue of Sir Richard Neville. Open to ages 16 and up.
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| Paladins of Chivalry | The Paladins of Chivalry is one of the few re-enactment societies to cover the period of the mid to late fourteenth century , from the beginning of the reign of Edward III to the end of the reign of Henry V (1327 - 1422).
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| The Medieval Siege Society Ltd | We are a group of re-enactors and living history enthusiasts of all ages -we even have three generation family memberships, who have combined to re-enact the conflicts & campaign life of the high medieval period which covers the Wars of the Roses and the Hundred Years War (circa 1350-1490) though currently the majority of members plump for the later end of this period. At present we form the largest medieval re-enactment group in the UK.
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| University of Birmingham Battle Re-enactment Society | A multi-period re-enactment association at the university of birmingham with sub-groups ranging from roman through to modern, including fantasy re-enactment.
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| Wars of the Roses Federation | an umbrella group comprised of approximately thirty-five mediaeval groups(each group averaging 26 members). During the season the WOTRF hosts from two to four events, the most notable being the Battle of Bosworth 1485 in August located at Bosworth Battlefield Visitors Centre near Hinckley (Leicestershire), sponsored by Leicestershire County Council and the Battle of Blore Heath 1459 in September, located at Blore Heath Farm near Loggerheads, Staffs.
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| Wolfshead Bowmen | Wolfshead Bowmen are committed to the promotion of the English Longbow the backbone of the English armies during the late medieval period and aim to show the power and effect of the longbow in battles of the day,a crossbow and ballista siege weapon are also demonstrated. Formed in 1991 Wolfshead Bowmen have performed at National Trust, English Heritage and private venues throughout the UK and are well known for television work in Ivanhoe, Time Travellers, What History Has Done For Us and Time Team, plus many more. The aim is to recreate aspects of medieval life, including an example of an encampment with tents and a controlled off the ground cooking fire, the preparation of food to authentic medieval recipes, period music, combat using various weapons and the use of horses. An integral part of the work is a one hour archery display, spiced up with lively expert commentary throughout. Talks and or demonstrations on bow making, fletching, weaving, smithery,horsemanship and weapons can further compliment performances. The group is based at Michelham Priory,near Eastbourne,East Sussex .and is non-profit making, charging only to cover costs.
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| Woodvilles | The Household of Sir Anthony Woodville
philosopher, poet, soldier, dreamer, and Renaissance man ahead of his time, Lord Scales and later Earl Rivers. The Woodvilles are a living history and battle re-enactment group covering the "Wars of the Roses" period.
Founded in Hampshire in the early nineties the group now draws members from all over the United Kingdom. The group has gone from strength to strength in recent years, becoming increasingly more 'authentic' and gaining many more members. The site is an introduction to the group, its activities and re-enactment in general. It is intended to provide information and updates to members, new starters and anyone thinking of joining a fifteenth century group.
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| Wythe Retinue | A non-profit group, providing living history for the heritage, educational and private sectors. whose historical re-enactments and educational presentations bring 15th Century domestic, military and political history to life.
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| | | Suppliers |
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| Calligraphy and Heraldry | The fine art of medieval illumination and heraldry, produced on vellum using gold leaf, by artist Neil Bromley. An extensive gallery of artwork, ranging from illuminated manuscript pages, heraldic artwork, calligraphy, and Honorary scrolls. Every commission is suited to the individual
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| Dexter Seal Engraving | Based in the UK this excellent company produces hand engraved seals and signet rings. I have one of their rings which was deeply engraved on white gold and produces an excellent impression. A highly recommended company offering personal and friendly service.
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| Egyptian Dreams | Supplier of many items but listed here as a supplier of excellent Egyptian papyrus.
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| Errant Knight Jewellery | Hand made authentic artefact replicas including court belts and jewellery. All items are researched to ensure historical accuracy.
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| Fibrecrafts | Suppliers of mordants, natural ingredients and other items for dyes, dyeing, weaving and, of course, ink making. I have personal experience of the friendly and excellent service with rapid delivery of goods from this company.
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| Gaita Medieval Music | Books of transcriptions from medieval sources suitable for instrumentalists and singers. Also books and CDs with dance music and choreographies for medieval/Early Renaissance dance.
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| Gerard Naprous and The Devil's Horsemen | With more than 30 years in the film and showbusiness industries Gerard's reputation for taking on the most difficult jobs and performing them with apparent ease, has won him respect as one of Europs's leading Horse masters, Stuntmen and Stunt Co-ordinators
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| Green Man and Gatekeeper | A new workshop in Tintern of interest to this site as Clive makes some pretty awesome mediaeval belt bags. He can produce your own design on the leather if you wish and his work is always researched.
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| Historic Supplies | An Emporium of medieval costume, pewter and historic jewellery, writing equipment, leather goods and many other items for reenactor, collector and museum. Visit us at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire
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| Inden witten Hasewint | This is the site of Henk de Groot. Henk is a parchment maker of some knowledge having learned the methods which were in use during mediaeval times. Not only are various kinds of parchment available the knowledge of the processes is given freely on this great site. Based in the Netherlands but in English.
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| JM Instruments | Here you will find a wide range of quality instruments at affordable prices for both beginners and more advanced players. Based in Reading Berkshire JM Instruments is within easy reach of many cities by train, London is only 30 minutes express train from Paddington. Customers are very welcome to try out instruments such as the 11crs Student Baroque Lute or alternatively you can hear and see it being played on videos on this website, enjoy!
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| Mediaeval Arts | Silver and gold jewellery of authentic mediaeval design, including Celtic, Viking, Visigoth, high mediaeval, Saxon, Balt and Lombard items. 45 of the 200 stock items are included in the website and custom work is accepted. Also makes mediaeval board games based on documented examples.
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| Medieval and Tudor Pewter Replicas | The worlds widest range of accurate historical pewter replicas. This new site features fully secure e-commerce, a currency converter and an onboard search engine.
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| Medieval Weaponry | Reproduction reenactor medieval and historical weaponry
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| Medievaldesign | Historical advisers and manufacturers of medieval items, supplying quality, well researched items for museums and for the best re-enactors groups in the world.
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| Plantagenet Events | has been set up to fulfill a need in a growing market. We feel that as historical events become more popular, a professional outlook is required to co-ordinate all the various factors into one smooth running operation, to ensure your event is the success you want it to be. No matter what the challenge is, let Plantagenet Events advise you. From Village Fete to a Major Corporate Event, we are happy to help.
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| Richard Head Longbows | has over 20 years experience in making and selling English longbows and arrows. Richard is a founder member of the Craft Guild of Traditional Bowyers and Fletchers and, together with his son Philip, has built up a world-wide reputation for providing quality equipment. In the UK Richard and Philip count among their customers members of the Royal Toxophilite Society and the Royal Company of Archers. Your commission will receive the same care and attention to ensure that the finest bow or arrow possible is crafted from the best materials available whether they be for Victorian style target, clout or field shooting or Dark age/Medieval re-enactment.
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| Sculptured Crafts | Hand made armourial items. Sculptured Crafts still believes in originality and continues to make things in the old traditional way, mainly by hand. Of course we make use of technology and machinery; wood lathes, drills, presses and so on. But it is the skill of the craftsman and eye of the artist that ultimately decides the result of the finished product. All of our merchandise is custom made to order, skilled craftsmen individually produce each piece and, where applicable, talented artists hand paint them in superb detail. 
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| Swan and Lion Sutlery | Very high quality mediaeval and renaissance re-enactment goods
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| Tod's Stuff | Tod makes a range of goods from needle cases to swords, but specialises in replica knives of the medieval and early renaissance periods. All items are characterised by the use of the highest quality materials and techniques combined with accurate research to produce a piece that is made to be used.
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