The pair’s passion for Vikings (the era not the television show) has lead them to become “experimental archaeologists”. 

They not only make replica items from the Dark Ages – like jewellery, weapons and clothing in a “traditional manner” – but also use them in the real world to test their authenticity.

“We wanted to be the first people in Viking kit [authentic costume of the time] to get to top of Mount Kosciusko,” Mrs Pooley said.

“We did it in summer as a test run, and then did it in winter … Rowan got down on one knee and he had a Viking-age ring for me.

“It was going to be a long walk back if I said ‘no’.”

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Hiking and camping in traditional attire is a favourite pastime of the couple – including dressing their toddler Gillian in appropriate items also.

Mr Pooley has had an interest in historical reenactment since being a teenager and has travelled overseas to take part in specific festivals and medieval combat tournaments.

Now that he has a young daughter and is “a bit older” he only fights for fun and fitness rather than competitive combat. Regardless, he still gets kitted up in full armour with a de-sharpened sword as his weapon.

Mr and Mrs Pooley – who sell their surplus wares through their Long Branch Reenactment website – are co-ordinating the Dark Ages Village at the St Ives Medieval Faire on September 22 and 23.

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For some the festival is a chance to explore history and be entertained, while for other more serious history buffs the gathering becomes a trade fair for items such as skins, clothing and even cookbooks.

“For the Viking Combat show we’ll probably have about 60 people on the ground fighting,” Mr Pooley said. These are non-scripted fights, but men fighting in a sport just as boxers do in a ring.

“It’s a great hobby to be involved in and really social, with people all over Australia [who take part].”

At St Ives Showground on September 22 and 23.

www.stivesmedievalfaire.com.au