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How to Join the Baggage, Living History or Drum

The Baggage

The baggage plays an important part on the field as well as during cameos or pre-battle displays.  Members of the baggage follow the pike and musket blocks and administer water and support services to the regiment before, during and after a battle.  During major musters the baggage from the whole army is often amalgamated to take part in the opening scenes, which could include being attacked by infantry or cavalry.

Cameos If you are interested in playing a character there is plenty of scope for taking part in cameos on the crowd line at musters or at smaller regimental events.  It helps to be an extrovert and have an outgoing personality as you will be interacting with the crowd.

Living History Encampments

If you don't want to take part in the battles, or even if you do but also want to interact with the public then taking part in a living history encampment is for you.

We have a thriving living history section within the regiment, most of who also take a role on the battlefield, (drummer, musket or pike).

The living history camp is separate from the 21st century camping and usually forms a backdrop to the battlefield.  Most members spend the entire weekend in the camp as it is often the only place allowed to have camp fires.  You will be expected to have the correct equipment and dress, as the public can walk the camp before, during and after the battle.  It also helps to research and take on a role within the camp (soldier, scribe, cobbler).  These roles are often developed over a period of time.

Although you are in the public gaze for most of the day it can be very rewarding especially if like to communicate.

Drummers

The drummers are the eyes and ears of the officers.  They are used to relay messages to the regiment.  Each drummer owns his/her own instrument, although there are some spare within the regiment if you would like to try your luck.  You will also need a sword for defence as drummers are in the thick of the action on the battlefield and often come under attack.

What Kids Can Do

Because we are using black powder in our battles, children under the age of 16 cannot take part in the actual battle.  However there are many things they can do.

The Apprentices

You can become an apprentice from the age of 12.  The apprentices learn how to use pikes, muskets, swords and cannon as well as drum and at major musters often go onto the field prior to the main battle and perform infront of the crowd. The experience you gain with the apprentices enables you to go straight onto the battlefield at 16 years of age.

Living History & Cameos (also see above)

	If you are under 16 you can still take part in the baggage train cameos at the start of the battle or if your equipment is good enough in the living history.

Would you like to know more? You can contact Keith Allmark for more information.