The Sealed Knot - Sealed Knot Members Site

The Sealed Knot 

Review

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FROM THE PRODUCTION TEAM 

This is our first 'Sealed Knot Review', which carries on from the 

previous Yearbooks, and is not very different in aim. It is intended 

to be available to others outside the Knot to help publicise and 

promote what we do. The main focus is on events which have 

taken place during the preceding season, especially smaller 

regimental events; reports on these show how varied and successful 

the Sealed Knot is at putting on a wide range of events both for 

the enjoyment of the public and the members. 

The second aim of the Review is to provide an opportunity for 

individual members to describe their own experiences within 'The 

Knot' - how else could so many of us learn to recognise a "gunner's 

grin" when we see it, or get a feel for what it must be like riding 

with the cavalry for the first time? 

The Review is also an opportunity to print many more 

photographs of events throughout the year, to remind us of past 

occasions and of what an amazing hobby we enjoy. We are 

fortunate indeed in having so many excellent photographers on 

the Photographic Team, but because of problems in recent months 

with the server we have not been able to include as many as we 

would have liked from all Team members. 

We would like to thank all those who have contributed to this 

Review. 

Sandra Costello 

Steve Howard 

Tessa Davies 

Unfortunately Steve Howard will not be able to continue collating 

all the reports of events for 'Musters and What Knot' for the next 

Review. He has done this extremely well for three years now, but 

pressures of a new job mean that he will have to step aside. So we 

are looking for someone else to take on this essential role. 

We need someone who has probably been a member for a few 

years and who knows people in a number of regiments. They 

would ideally have 'an ear to the ground' as to what regimental 

events were being held (though the NEC is a great help here), and 

would start at an early stage in the season seeking reports on events 

as they occurred - and, of course, photographs. 

Front cover - Cheriton - Mike Lindsay 

Inside Front 

1. Chiltern - Rusty Lodge 

2. Cheriton (Easter) - Steve Dury 

3. Roundway Down - Rusty Lodge 

4. Cheriton (Easter) - Steve Dury 

5. Cheriton - Rusty Lodge 

6. Great Barford - Card Pedley 

7. Wicksteed - Steve Dury 

8. Wicksteed - Rusty Lodge 

Centre Pages 

9. Stratton - Steve Dury 

10. Alresford - Steve Dury 

11. Roundway - Steve Dury 

12. Cheriton - Mike Lindsay 

13. Castle Fraser - Rusty Lodge 

14. Norton St Philip - Steve Dury 

15. Roundway Down - Steve Dury 

16. Caldicot - Mike Lindsay 

17. Cheriton LH - Rusty Lodge 

18. Marston Moor - Janet Richardson 

19. Basing - Rusty Lodge 


21. Castle Fraser - Clare Finegan 


23. Castle Fraser - Clare Finegan 

24. Caldicot - Mike Lindsay 

25. Westonzoyland - Steve Dury 



28. Cheriton - Steve Dury 



31. Sedgemoor - Mike Lindsay 


33. Basing - Steve Dury 

THE SEALED KNOT 

REVIEW 2005 

2 Musters and What Knot 2005 

10 Knot Kidding 

Elias Clayton-Gibbons 

15 Two Rookies with Rupert's 

Dianne Godfrey 

16 Firedragon 

Kathy Gammon 

17 The Siege of Grolle 

Michael Jameson 

17 Moggerhanger 2005 

John Gregory 

18 Cheriton 2005 

Richard Pearce 

19 Sir William Waller's Lifeguard of Horse 

Rob Hill 

20 Three Years of the First Foot Guards 

Barrie Upton 

21 Tales of Two Battles 

22 The Living History Group 

Pat Taylor 

23 3000 Miles - A Knotter's Journey 

Tom & Rusty Aldwinckle 

24 Living History at Castle Fraser 

Jude Coles 

This is the sort of project which would keep you in touch with 

what was going on, give you a reason to contact people, and a real 

feeling of achievement. It is also a job which could be shared, so 

perhaps you know someone you could work with! If you are 

interested, please contact Sandra Costello. 

INDEX OF COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS 

Printed by JPM Design & Print Ltd Tel: 01296 422575 

CONTENTS 

34. Roundway - Mike Lindsay 




Inside Back 

38. Bath - Steve Dury 


40. Bosworth - Geoff Buxton 


42. Cheriton - Paul Chant 


Back Page 

44. Ripley - Carl Pedley 

45. Bosworth - Geoff Buxton 

46. Cheriton LH - Rusty Lodge 


48. Cheriton - Mike Lindsay 

SEALED KNOT REVIEW 1 

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2004/5

In any year the Sealed Knot organises and takes part in over 200 

events. These range from small visits to schools, lectures and drill 

displays organised by individual regiments through a scale of mini 

musters, involving hundreds of participants, to spectacular Major 

events open to the whole society where up to three thousand 

members can be taking part. 

Most of our events take place between Easter and October when 

the historic venues to which we are often invited are open and the 

weather is kinder to audiences and participants alike. However 

during the winter months the activities do not cease. 

Commemorative and smaller indoor re-enactments, educational 

and social events increasingly provide opportunities for members 

to enjoy their hobby throughout the year. 

Stackpole Elidor - 5th December 

Parliament of course 'cancelled' Christmas. In West Wales however 

it still appears to be practised, as one Puritan reports: 

"The ancient church of St James at Stackpole Elidor, south of 

Pembroke, was crowded with parishioners and Knot members for the 

annual Sealed Knot Christmas service. The theme this year was a 

Civil War Christmas service: all the readings were taken from writings 

of the period, and to add authenticity, half way through a troop of 

Parliamentarian Musketeers entered the Church and arrested the 

vicar and various members of the congregation for ignoring the laws 

against idolatrous worship. Music was provided, as in previous years, 

by La Volta, a well-known local group specialising in music of the 

time. Over £100 was raised for the church funds." 

Perhaps fines or coercion by armed soldiers added to the 

collection... 

Nantwich - 22ndJanuary 

Rusty Lodge 

MUSTERS AND WHAT KNOT - 

The first large-scale event in every year since 1972 has been the 

Holly Holy Day commemoration of the Battle of Nantwich in 

Cheshire, which draws members from all over the country. Many 

sleep over in a school sports hall in the town; others bed and 

breakfast locally; still more commute for the day. 

Once again it began with a march through the town, a parade and 

a memorial service. The troops then marched to the riverside 

2005 

battlefield where a hard-fought but highly enjoyable engagement 

left many members muddy but enthused for another year with the 

Knot. 

"This year the opportunity was taken to make a special presentation to 

one of the longest-serving members of the Knot. Andrew Gillitt joined 

the Sealed Knot in 1969 and was present at the first muster at Basing 

House. He became the face of the Sealed Knot in Cheshire and the 

Northwest. In 1972 he organised the very first Nantwich and 

continued to organise the event every January until 1994 when he 

passed that role to Colin Bissett. Now aged 90, the irrepressible Mr 

Gillitt retains his enthusiasm and still insists in being involved with 

the events, taking the role of commentator for the annual parade and 

memorial service conducted in the town centre and helping with the 

commentary of the battle close by. Three years ago he was awarded the 

King's Gold Medal in recognition of his significant contribution to the 

Sealed Knot. This year the Royalist Lord General presented a special 

award to him recognising his long service and involvement with 

Nantwich." 

A feature of Nantwich is the drill competition. The regiments 

competing were put through their paces in front of the judging 

panel before joining the march. This year the Earl of Manchester's 

regiment, having trained hard and fought well, won the coveted 

Rose Bowl against stiff opposition. The competition had been so 

close that the matter was finally resolved on the field and rumour 

has it that it came down to one pike push. 

Caldicot Castle - 25th-28th March 

Mike Lindsay 

This event was set in the ground of Caldicot Castle, and for many 

it was the first event of the main season. Living history 

demonstrations and drill sessions provided interest to the visitors 

and a welcome opportunity for the Sealed Knot to train for the 

coming 'campaign season'. There was a small battle in the grounds 

outside of the castle walls, with added interest because some of the 

defending Parliamentarian musketeers had positioned themselves 

on the top of the castle tower and were shooting down towards the 

attackers. However, this did not affect the outcome and the 

defenders were forced to retreat back into the castle walls for safety. 

Shortly after, the gates were over-run and once inside, the Royalist 

attackers quickly put paid to any and all (including children) 

found inside. The younger members of The Knot loved this 

chance to be involved in the action for the finale of each day's 

activities. 

SEALED KNOT YEARBOOK 2 


High Wycombe Museum - 23rd April 

The Earl of Northampton's Regiment of Foote built upon their 

previous visit to High Wycombe museum with a one-day 

regimental event. This was a depiction of a regiment which had 

garrisoned itself upon the land of a local gentleman and were 

causing trouble in the neighbourhood - disrupting local St 

George's Day festivities being funded by the local landowner and 

demanding food and money for their keep in the name of the 

King.... 

"During our day at the museum members of the regiment took the 

opportunity to talk about their various interests in the period. There 

was food, leather-working, spinning, an apothecary and his wares 

and, not least, the soldiery. Northampton's have a double-barrelled 

cannon and this too was on display. 

The children were able to collect a worksheet to guide them through 

the camp, with questions which could be answered by talking to 

members of the regiment. They were also able to learn basic pike and 

musket drill using specially made small pike and 'dummy' muskets. 

They were then entertained by a wonderful "George and the Dragon" 

puppet show. They seemed to have a great time and I think the 

Commanding Officer would have been proud to see them in his ranks. 

What really surprised us was how keen the museum staff were to get 

involved. Several of the staff even borrowed our spare kit and dressed 

up for the day." 

Denbigh Castle - 30th April-1st May 

Philippe Le Pinnet 

For May Bank Holiday and at very short notice Colonel Owen's 

Company put on a small event in Denbigh Castle on behalf of 

CADW. A Captain Lieutenant took time off his duties to send the 

following dispatch: 

"Set in the heart of the Denbighshire hills, this was a special location 

and event as many men who joined Col Owen's original regiment 

were from the surrounding area and Sir John Owen was held a 

prisoner in the castle, after his capture in 1648. The event was a 

living history and drill followed by a skirmish within the castle's walls. 

The Castle Custodian said the event was phenomenal. "The 

atmosphere was brilliant and the feedback we got from people is that 

it was a great event and something totally different." 

Devizes - 30th April - 2nd May 

During the build up to the Roundway Down Battlefield Festival 

Lord Saye and Sele's Blewe Regiment of Foote undertook a 

number of promotional events, ably assisted by friends from the 

Earl of Northampton's and Newcastle's regiments. The aim was to 

promote the forthcoming Festival in July and raise awareness 

around Devizes of its English Civil War heritage. 

"Over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend we camped at 

Netherstreet Farm as guests of the Chairman of the Roundway Down 

Battlefield Festival Committee. On Saturday we provided a living 

history display at Devizes Museum. The museum is situated in 

Longstreet, scene of some bitter street fighting on the day before the 

1643 battle on Roundway Down. The walls of nearby St Mary's 

Church still bear the scars of grapeshot. The "Roundway Roundheads" 

set up in the museum grounds and provided a range of arms and drill 

displays interspersed with opportunities for younger members of the 

audience to enlist and join as trainee pikemen. The museum supplied 

us with enough local produce and wood for the fire to produce a 

potage. During the day several patrols were sent out into the town. 

Proclamations were read, drawing more visitors to the museum and 

setting the scene for the events to follow later that weekend and during 

the Festival in July. 

The Museum Chairman was delighted with the show which had 

brought far more visitors than expected. The day concluded with a 

meal in The Oliver Cromwell public house, a short distance from 

Roundway Down, where Cromwell is said to have stayed during his 

campaigns in the area. 

Sunday found the Knotters exploring Roundway Down. Publicity 

photographs were taken on the Down and the regiment was 

familiarised with the layout of the site and the plans for July. The day 

concluded with a campfire and barbecue to which the promoters of the 

Festival were invited. They seemed to be impressed with the way we 

'let our hair down', despite the dubious singing that ended the 

evening! 

On Bank Holiday Monday the Sealed Knot was back in town taking 

part in Devizes' traditional May Day celebrations. The Lions Club 

had organised a series of events at locations around the town. Saye's 

and friends provided arena displays and cameos at key locations, 

marching with drums and colours between sites. We also took the 

opportunity to distribute promotional fliers for the Festival amongst 

those watching our passage. 

All in all it was a very successful weekend - great fun for the members 

and adding interest to the Bank Holiday weekend in Devizes. It was 

a marvellous opportunity to publicise the events planned for July and 

the excellent press coverage helped to spread the message to a wider 

audience." 

Stratton - 14th-15th May 

For 29 years the Sealed Knot has worked with the community of 

Stratton near Bude to commemorate the battle of 16th May 1643 

that took place nearby where the forces of the Parliamentarian Earl 

of Stamford and Lord Chudleigh were driven from Cornwall by 

Ralph Hopton and 

Sir Bevill Grenvile. 

The Sealed Knot has 

also helped the local 

council to buy a 

large piece of the 

battlefield so that it 

is in public hands 

and cannot be built 

on. The muster is 

important for Bude 

and Stratton, for 

retaining interest in 

local history and the 

Civil War in general. Steve Dury 



Once again this year the Sealed Knot gathered to remember the 

battle and the skirmish one day prior to it at the river crossing at 

Bude. A wreath-laying ceremony took place on the original 

battlefield and two battles were fought bringing Knotters together 

for a good deal of pleasure and providing a focus of activity for 

members who live in the West Country and often have to travel 

large distances to support other events. 

Our 29-year involvement with Stratton and Bude was instigated 

and has been led through the very hard work of two long serving 

and hard working members of Hopton's Tertio Staff. Their 

achievements and contribution were recognised in this their final 

year as muster organisers: 

"A presentation of a sword made by 'Armour Class' and a crystal 

candelabra were made as tokens of our thanks to Derek and 

Madeleine Carter - not from the Sealed Knot, not from any one Tertio 

or Association or Regiment, but from the members who have enjoyed 

Stratton so much over the last 29 years". 

The torch has now been passed on and the Sealed Knot will 

continue to commemorate the Civil War events of Stratton and 

Bude. 

Manfield - 4th-5th June 

Supplied by Nick Appleyard 

The organiser of one of Col Thomas Laghtnan's Regiment of 

Foote regimental events provide the following report of a much 

enjoyed weekend: 

"With the support of members from Sir Thomas Glemham's, Sir 

Thomas Fairfax's, Hawkins' and Hamilton's Regiments, we put on a 

small skirmish event in the village of Manfield near Darlington. The 

skirmish was based upon actual events that took place just two miles 

away from where we were. Our host and sponsor for the weekend was 

the landlord of the local pub The Crown Inn who even renamed one 

of his guest beers for the weekend. 

A small living history camp was set up on the battlefield and our 

regimental living history team provided lunchtime fare of bread, 

cheese and a splendid Dutch pudding. The small crowd gathered 

around and battle commenced. An artillery barrage from our four 

guns (provided by Fairfax's and Glemham's) opened the proceedings 

and continued throughout the skirmish. 

The musketeers then joined the fray as the small pike block advanced 

across the field. After one or two forays across the imaginary bridge 

(logistics said we couldn't have a real one) the pike were pushed back 

towards the living history area. Most of the pike managed to reach the 

safety of the living history camp but the pike officer was captured. All 

the artillery pieces came together and the guns and musket commenced 

to fire upon the camp. In a last ditch attempt to free our officer two 

heroic pikemen drew swords and rushed the gun line, only to be shot 

down within yards of the camp. The skirmish ended with the 

Parliamentarian pike officer being tried and executed in fine SK 

tradition. Afterwards the crowd were invited to look round the camp 

and interact with the troops. 

Day Two was different again as we were entertained in the pub beer 

garden by two teams of American Morris dancers and the local Morris 

team who just happened to be in the area. We even delayed the start 

of the battle to allow the Americans to have their lunch! The weather 

was damper than on the Saturday, but to ensure a good show our 

commentator found himself not just giving an outline to the audience, 

but also manning the guns! 

Although the event was small, both re-enactors and the crowd enjoyed 

themselves. My thanks go to all the members of the SK who helped 

with this event." 

Dinefwr Castle Park - 11th-12th June 

Jeff Vincent 

Charles Gerard's Regiment of Foote and the National Trust 

combined forces to enable the Sealed Knot to re-enact one of the 

opening events of the second Civil War in a "small but perfectly 

formed" muster in West Wales. With BBC Wales in attendance, 

Gerard's organised an impressive series of displays and certainly 

caught one gun captain when the simulated misfire on their gun 

turned into a real 'hang fire'. The crew of Fire Dragon adlibbed 

brilliantly as one of their number was swiftly and soundly dealt 

with for his alleged incompetence. Fortunately Fire Dragon was 

soon back into effective action, albeit with a chastened crew, as 

Royalist forces moved to drive the Parliamentarians from their 

encampment and to secure the river crossing. One of the King's 

soldiers recounted: 

"Set in the grounds of Dinefwr Castle, with a fantastic view across a 

wooded valley to the gothic ruin of the castle, we depicted a skirmish 

from the area, close to the nearby town of Llandeilo. A strategic river 

crossing was in the balance, and the Royalist forces were trying to take 

it. However local Parliamentarian forces detailed to hold the crossing 

were in revolt against their commanders. This led to a short sharp 

fight with ground charges adding to the effect. When it became clear 

that Parliament were going to lose and their powder store had blown 

up, the soldiers mutinied and their commander was killed. History 

does not record exactly what happened to him, but in our version he 

was shot in the back by one of his own men." 



Boscobel House - 18th-25th June 

Set in the grounds of Boscobel House, overlooked by the 

descendant of the Royal Oak where the young Charles II is said to 

have hidden from Parliament's troops, Colonel Richard Bagot's 

Regiment have for over two decades organised week-long living 

history camps taking visitors and school parties back to the 1640's. 

One of those who sustained the garrison writes: 

"The camp is 'staffed' by some 30-40 members of the regiment and 

friends. It acts as a giant open-air classroom for the week. Groups of 

schoolchildren come to learn a little of the history of the time, both 

military and social, and gain an insight into how life may have been 

in the seventeenth century. 

This year, having passed the poacher and ne'er-do-wells outside the 

encampment and survived the challenge of the musketeers on guard, 

they could be enrolled in the King's army as pikemen or novice 

gunners. Then they could visit the horses and learn of the cavalry, view 

the musketeers drilling and firing, listen to the village wise woman tell 

of her herbs and remedies, visit the tavern for a game or a story, handle 

the wares of the armourer, view the luxurious accommodations of the 

Colonel, see carts bringing fuel and supplies for the kitchen and, 

perhaps most importantly for those providing the experience, see how 

their food was being prepared. 

Manning a large pit cooking fire is hot work, especially in full kit and 

on one of the hottest weeks of the year. Add to that the necessity to turn 

out meals for 30 (to period recipes) and to keep children happy, 

interested and safe, and you have a full-time job on your hands. Wet 

days bring relief from the heat, but add new problems of their own - 

cold damp children and eye watering smoke from the fire. Doing 

something like this, you need to be able to think on your feet and 

quickly find (or re-invent) suitable methods for coping with problems. 

Large pans placed over the fire in the rain keep the water off the 

burning logs. Fill those pans with water and not only do you have a 

protected fire, you also have hot dishwater... 

I was struck by the things which the children didn't know. Simple 

things that I had taken for granted, like when fruits were in season, 

and several of them had clearly never seen a real horse before. Many 

of them couldn't quite grasp that we were really living in the tents for 

the week, and I was asked more than once whether we were really 

going to eat the food. At that point I could have cried - the thought of 

all that hard work going to the pigs was just too much! 

It's not all hard work though. In the evening once the site was closed, 

supper eaten and the dishes cleaned, the camp would show its other 

face. We played games, took evening walks to the atmospheric ruins of 

White Ladies Priory where seventeenth century attire really spooked 

the local youths (or was it the sight of a mounted and armoured 

curassier that really caused a stir?). In the grounds of the Hall we tried 

our own hands at archery and generally 'let our hair down'. The 

evenings were seen out around the fire accompanied by music, 

laughter and friendship." 

St Mary's Church, Devizes - 25th June 

A small contingent of Knotters from Saye's, Northampton's and 

Newcastle's supported the annual Patronal Festival of St Mary's 

Church, braving a blustery day to provide a static 'show and tell' 

display of equipment, clothing and artefacts at the church fete. In 

addition to contributing to the success of a local event, it proved 

to be a useful opportunity to make new contacts in the local 

community and media, promoting interest in the Roundway 

Down event planned for July. 

"Attack!" Devizes - 9th-10th July 

Saye's returned to Devizes in July to take part in the Devizes 

Wargames Show "Attack!" . The local wargames group had 

themed a demonstration game around the fighting in Longstreet 

in Devizes on 12 July 1643, one day before the battle of 

Roundway Down when Hopton's men had been able to beat off 

Waller's Parliamentarians. Saye's provided demonstrations of pike, 

musket and artillery to visitors to the show and around the Market 

Square in the town, helping to set the scene for "Attack!" and the 

events of the coming week. 

"Local members of Newcastle's were present at the show in kit. On 

Sunday we were challenged to have a go at the "Battle of Longstreet" 

game, competing against our old adversaries. History was not 

repeated. Though Waller's Dragoons were held back by strong Royalist 

opposition his foote were able to secure the street and annihilate the 

remnants of Hopton's forces - a great victory. Morale was high and 

only slightly dampened when it was pointed out that the opposing 

commander was in fact 10 years old!" 

Parliamentarian bullies! 

Roundway Down Battlefield Festival - 13th-17th July 

The grand finale of the season's Sealed Knot promotional and 

educational work in and around Devizes was its participation in 

the Roundway Down Battlefield Festival. Saye's report that: 

"Lord Saye and Sele's Blewe Regiment of Foote moved onto the superb 

setting of Roundway Down on Sunday 10 Julywhere they were able to 

enjoy the stunning views across Wiltshire and from a distance view 

firework displays across the horizon. Hot summer days and clear nights 

with beautiful skies were going to be the setting for an action-packed 

week. Reinforcements from many regiments began to arrive over the 

next few days. Their assistance and forbearance as the site set-up 

continued and throughout the week's activities were greatly 

appreciated. 

Wednesday 13 July - Rowdeford School 

Today we undertook something a little bit different. A large party of 

Knotters visited a school for some very special children just outside 

Devizes. All the children had some special need and so we had to focus 

on stimulating the whole range of their senses. Displays of costume, 

textiles, musket, artillery and pike, sensitive to the needs of each group 

of children were very successful. Foxy's cannon, fitted with a CO2 fire 

extinguisher so that the children could see the loading and 'firing' of 

artillery without the loud bangs that could have frightened them, and 

skins and furs that the students could touch, courtesy of "Gannet the 

Poacher", proved very popular. 

Thursday 14 July - "Market Day with a Difference" 

The Knot were back in Devizes. Troops marched through the shopping 

streets, proclaiming the imminent attack of Waller's army and 

encouraging the townsfolk to prepare for war. Arms and equipment 

were demonstrated and apprentices were drilled. A pay parade was 

held, though in view of the breaches of discipline fines levied and the 

fact that there would be fewer to pay in a day or two it was wisely 

decided by the officers commanding the rag-tag local levies that none 

should receive pay. Traders were ordered to hand over cord for match 

and supplies were siezed. Local churches were involved as a lay 

minister exhorted the Devizes militia to do their duty and look to 

their God for support. His rousing sermon was interrupted by a 

Puritan man of God who challenged the good Reverend's theology and 

agitated for the troops and townspeople to turn against their King and 

to declare for Parliament. A local minister was discovered to have 

wronged a lady of the parish after his efforts to blame the 



abomination growing in her belly upon the soldiery failed. He was 

beaten through the streets from the town. 

The cameos added a great atmosphere to market day. The local Tourist 

Office commented that as a result of our several hours' effort "We've 

doubled the number of tickets sold for the weekend!". 

On that day a silence was observed for the victims of the bombings in 

London. We joined in this observance standing on parade with bowed 

head in the Brittox. Shoppers and storekeepers alike in the shopping 

centre joined with us for this act of commemoration. It was a strange 

honour to find that though guests in their town, local people took their 

cues from our behaviour. 

14-15 July - The Bombardment 

In 1643 Waller's forces had bombarded Devizes from Roundway 

Down. We marked this by establishing a battery close to Oliver's 

Castle. During the early evenings for two days before the 'battle' local 

people were treated to "walk through, talk through" demonstrations of 

the use of artillery and the gun guards' muskets before Devizes came 

under bombardment for 45 minuutes. The ground had been chosen 

carefully to provide views of both St James' and St Mary's churches 

that still bear the scars of Civil War artillery fire. As the guns fired 

from the Down the sound echoed back and forth across the steep gullies 

that cut into the ridge line. The sound effect was terrific. If Devizes 

hadn't known the Knot were coming, they certainly did now! 

Friday 15 July - School Visits to Roundway Down 

Friday saw us playing host on the Down to approaching 500 

schoolchildren. Most of them were bussed to the Down, but some 

braved the steep hike up from the villages by foot. Resources had been 

supplied to the schools and many had really entered into the spirit of 

it. Many children had made their own colours to follow; others 

marched onto the Down in costumes they had made, wearing 

cardboard armour and armed with broomstick pikes. Superb! 

The children had the opportunity to view and try out a wide range of 

activities from calligraphy to candlemaking, archery to armourers 

within the Living History camp that had been laid out following the 

street pattern of a section of Devizes. Throughout the course of the day 

arena displays of foot soldiers and artillery gave the children a taste of 

what was to come over the next two days. Each student who visited 

with their school received free tickets to view one of the battles. It 

proved an effective way to bring families to visit the re-enactments 

over the weekend. 

16-17 July - The Battle 

A local Royalist officer who visited one evening during the week, 

having viewed the scene, stated, "This is going to be a peach!". He was 

right. It was a superb site on the 

original battlefield close to the 

infamous "Bloody Ditch". The 

weather stayed fine, although the 

chalk soon conducted the heat 

through to the newly-buried water 

pipes. Hot water at a muster? Not 

quite how you'd expect it anyway! 

The beer tent and discos proved 

very popular. 

The pre-battle displays were 

enjoyed by both the participants 

and the crowd. The battles looked 

spectacular. A wounded Hopton 

led his troops back from 

Steve Dury 

Landsdown to Devizes, hotly pursued by Waller's men who besieged 

the town of Devizes before Hopton's cavalry escaped and summoned a 

relief force from Oxford whose appearance on the Down led to the 

battle that crushed Waller's forces. Over 500 foot, 23 horses and 13 

guns took to the field to entertain 7000 visitors, recreating the three 

days of the siege and battle. Excellent commentaries with the unique 

input of Professor Ron Hutton captivated those watching. The cavalry 

displays worked very well despite the heat. The Parliamentarians were 

hard pressed and outnumbered two to one at the start - it seemed the 

Royalists had come in force to Roundway to celebrate one of their most 

overwhelming victories during the Civil War. 

The landowner who chaired the Festival Committee commented, 

"The Sealed Knot were impressive". This was praise indeed from a 

man that Ann Thomas and Saye's worked with for 12 months to plan 

this event. The spontaneous applause from the crowd spoke volumes. 

The Festival proved to be a great success - from the gradual build up 

of small events to promote the festival and encourage interest in Civil 

War history, through the programme of the Festival week to the battle 

re-enactments. The project is not over yet. The event has already led to 

improved access to Roundway Down, and the money raised is being 

directed towards resources to encourage greater interest, recreational 

amenities and educational use of the site. Work continues to maximise 

the benefits to the local community from the project. We hope to 

maintain and develop our working relationships in the area to provide 

whatever support is necessary to ensure its continuing success." 

Roundway Down provides yet another example of the Sealed Knot 

working with volunteers and organisations from the public and 

private sectors to make a real difference to individuals and 

communities across the country. 

Stockwood Park, Luton - 16th-17th July 

The Earl of Northampton's Regiment were invited back to Luton 

Museum to repeat the success enjoyed at last year's event. They 

decided to try something different... 

"The combination of factors - two consecutive days to perform and no 

competition from other attractions on site, gave us the chance to think 

through what we could achieve. Most of our events had the same 

elements as other regiments - some Living History ongoing displays, 

mixed with a military drill display and finished with a skirmish. 

With limited numbers, skirmishes in particular are unconvincing as 

usually a small force of turncoats attack larger numbers in a betterdefended 

camp. 

To improve the credibility of the skirmish, in 2004 we created a 

scenario in which the main body of soldiers would be 'on patrol' while 

the thinly defended camp was attacked by rebels, taking civilian 

hostages and capturing cannon. 

The returning patrol now had to 

attack their own camp! This 

storyline gave the civilians - 

especially the women - an 

opportunity to make a bigger 

contribution. In 2005 we 

developed the plot further by 

giving all the civilians a reason to 

be camped close to the military, 

but not there to support the 

soldiers. Then it was a small 

creative step, but a giant leap in 

self-confidence, to interweave all 

civilian and military threads 



Linda Thomas 

together to create an ongoing storyline that ran through the day. The 

civilians had chosen to make a temporary camp close to the protection 

of the military camp, to hold a wedding there because the church 

which had been used as a gunpowder store by the army had somehow 

been blown up. The wedding provided a reason for people coming and 

going (notably the travelling puppet show), and for erecting tents, 

preparing and cooking food (and of course a posh meal to have), 

preparing garlands and posies and even gave the military a chance to 

perform drill and recruit. It did mean some of our usual displays were 

inappropriate but did provide a lengthy build up to the wedding as a 

highlight with the feast and dancing to follow. To ensure it wasn't too 

bland, we deliberately created moments of tension and dispute - were 

the puppeteers up to no good? Was the priest a Papist? Would the rebels 

attack? Would the bridegroom be killed in the skirmish? 

It was a fantastic success for participants and public. Now we are 

asked back for 2006 and the question is - how do you follow that?" 

Answers on a postcard to... 

Castle Fraser - 30th-31st July 

The Scots Brigade 

organised a superb event 

inviting other re-enactors 

from the Continent to join 

with the Sealed Knot to 

provide a spectacular 

display to enthusiastic 

crowds in a beautiful part 

of Scotland. A pikeman in 

Manus O'Cahan's 

Regiment of Foot reports: 

"I met for the first time with 

members of the Memmingen 

Musketerie, our special guests 

Rusty Lodge 

who had come from Bavaria 

to support the events. For some time the Sealed Knot, and especially 

the Scots Brigades, had been taking part in a show in Memmingen 

every four years. I knew how much the Scots respected and appreciated 

our Bavarian cousins. 

On Saturday morning we did a drill display and were then invited to 

talk to the public, who had the opportunity to ask about our weapons, 

pikes, drums and muskets, and the battle that we were to re-enact 

later on that day. As we marched away, the Germans arrived to do 

their own display. Their uniforms looked extremely impressive, with 

their bright coloured trews and plumed hats, which made them look 

more 'cavalier' than the English Royalists! After an hour of rest it was 

time to go to war. As 

this was a Scottish 

battle, Manus 

O'Cahan's were now 

fighting under their 

own banner, with 

other regiments of the 

Knot adopting 

identities as either 

Montrose's rebel 

forces or Covenant 

Scots. 

After the battle we 

were back on a 

Clare Finegan 

parade, marching to 

the castle itself where a presentation took place to show our 

appreciation for the Germans who had travelled so far and fought 

alongside us all day. A commemorative plaque was presented to them 

and they presented gifts of their own to the Commanding Officers of 

the 

Scottish regiments. Formalities over, the regiments were invited to 

enter the castle itself for an informal whisky and shortbread reception 

at the end of which our German comrades were piped back to the 

campsite." 

On Sunday hostilities resumed as the Montrose's Royalist rebels 

again engaged the Covenanter forces. A rebel foot soldier reports: 

"Our first move was a charge against the enemy with drums and 

colours leading from the front, which startled the enemy - a dramatic 

Highland charge, slaughtering everyone in its path, even the camp 

followers. Now the battle began in earnest. Pike engagements were at 

close quarter and as intense as on the day before. The battle raged 

until our final charge took down the enemy completely, giving the look 

of a massacre. The battle was over - we had only to march off to 

tremendous audience appreciation." 

Colby Moor - 1st August 

One of the many acts of 

commemoration that the 

Sealed Knot regularly 

observes takes place at the 

site of the Battle of Colby 

Moor. The organiser reports 

on this year's event: 

"Lord Saye and Sele's Blew 

Regiment of Foote and friends 

from regiments throughout 

West Wales gathered with local 

people to commemorate the 

battle. The vicar of Llawhaden 

led the service, wreaths were laid at the site of the battle and later at 

the memorial stone in nearby Wiston Churchyard" 

Pembroke Castle - 13th-14th August 

Once Again Saye's returned to Pembroke Castle. A stalwart of the 

pike block reports: 

"On a typical wet West Wales day members of Lord Saye & Sele's Blew 

Regiment of Foote and friends took up residency at Pembroke Castle 

in the belief that it would be a wet but quiet day. We were very much 

surprised by the number of visitors that braved the wind and the rain 

to watch as the musket, pike and artillery were put through their drill. 



"I' m looking for volunteers!" cried "Pressganger" Preece as he cajoled 

some child or parent to enlist, to be put through the postures of the pike 

and then to be marched away on patrol. The rain had gone by Sunday 

and the sun shone down upon us. Once again the castle was invaded 

by the public. Once again "Pressganger" Preece fell upon the unwary. 

Mums and Dads hardly wept as their offspring were conscripted, 

drilled and marched, before returning to collect a certificate of 

competency, and signing up to the one true cause. 

A spy was routed out amongst the garrison. He was arrested, 

questioned and sentenced to death. He was placed against a wall and 

the newly-trained musketeers were given the task of executing the 

prisoner. Their marksmanship left much to be desired. It is an awful 

waste of good pikemen to be shot by their own side. A campaign to 

issue pikemen with barn doors is being considered! 

The custodians of Pembroke Castle were delighted by the show and 

Major's Company extend a great thanks you to all who helped make 

the weekend such a success." 

Cheriton - 28th-29th August 

Following years of 

preparation, Tillier's 

brought together friends 

new and old from across 

Europe to make the 

August Bank Holiday 

muster something very 

special. Innovative use of 

the land on which the 

battle had been fought to 

provide a sand-table view 

to the audience and the 

training and deployment 

of large formations of 

horsemen made this one 

to remember for the 

spectators and those Mike Lindsay 

taking part. 

A Scots pikeman taking the role of a member of the Royalist Sir 

Francis Cooke's Regiment of Foote recalled that having drilled 

hard each day they marched onto the field under a hot August sky.... 

"The cannons fired. A lone Royalist division was trying to retreat for 

a tree line, only to be cut down by the formidable Parliamentarian 

cavalry. Only a few of these foot soldiers would make the safety of the 

tree line. Now the Czechoslovakian musketeers opened vengeful fire, 

taking a classic Gustavus Adolphus firing formation with three rows 

of men. The front rank knelt; the middle rank crouched over them 

and the rear rank stood tall as they fired in unison. As they fired they 

marched closer to the enemy who were closing the gap. We marched in 

line with the musketeers, who paused every now and then to fire 

again. Each time they stopped to fire, we stopped too, until we drew 

close to the enemy just past the middle of the field. 

We were up against a Parliament pike division taking the role of 

William Waller's Regiment of Foote. We engaged them quickly now. 

The fighting was fast, furious and enthusiastic, despite the heat. We 

reformed more rapidly due to our training, and with help from the 

terrain, we were clearly gaining the upper hand, though our opponents 

did very well against us too. We fought at push and point of pike, and 

win or lose, as Royalists we had to then retreat a little way. The enemy 

would move up to engage us again, as we drew the battle back up the 

field, closer to the spectators." 

Sealed Knot regiments adopted the identities, colours and field signs of 

the regiments present at the battle in 1643. Our Scottish soldier was 

unable to wear his coveted Scots bonnet on the field in the interest of 

authenticity. However he continued: 

"We all took our Scots bonnets with us, to wear as soon as we came out 

of the public view. Somehow we would all feel undressed without our 

most treasured apparel." 

Hunter's Hall - 9th-11th September 

Despite our best planning and preparation for events, one thing 

which no one can count on is the weather. However the Sealed 

Knot is a match for the worst that the British climate can throw at 

it. Blazing sun and 100 degree heat? Not a problem. Snow? Been 

there, done that! Torrential rain? Well - "The show must go on!" 

The Friday was filled with crash of cannon and rattle of musketry 

as school parties descended upon Hunters Hall in Norfolk. A 

range of activities and demonstrations introduced them to life 

during the Civil War. The weather had been fine, but as the main 

body of members arrived that evening, things were about to 

change. A Royalist gunner reports: 

"The event at Hunters Hall looked set to be a memorable one and it 

was - mainly due to the weather. It had been damp and overcast right 

up until the moment when the two armies were formed up and ready 

to march into battle on Saturday afternoon. Then the heavens really 

opened and the musketeers and cannon crew were frantically trying to 

keep their match and powder dry. The pike however were rather better 

off, being grateful for their morion helmets, armour and leather 

jerkins, acting as effective weatherproofing! 

Undeterred by the weather, we took to the field anyway - the public 

were braving the elements and deserved to see the battle that they had 

come for. The battlefield was by now sporting not one but two water 

hazards (a pre-existing pond and an impromptu river), which proved 

a challenge to getting some of the soldiery and heavier artillery onto 

the field. However with teamwork this was overcome with only the loss 

of the odd piece of footwear. 

The pervasive damp caused more than a few of the musketeers to suffer 

misfires (wet gunpowder just will not fire) and at least one artillery 

crew needed to use five separate pieces of match. A line of three cannon 

was even seen firing in turn, passing the only remaining lit piece of 

match along the line to do so! There were also quite a lot of whistles 

and whizzes too, caused by the hot charges coming out of cold gun 

barrels. The damp air kept the powder smoke close to the ground, 

forming a knee-high fog across the field. These added an extra 

Sarah Paveley 



excitement and sense of eeriness to the day. Despite the 

conditions most of the gunpowder allocated for the battle 

was used and there were plenty of bangs and the pikemen 

fought it out with their usual determination. 

The rain couldn't dampen our spirits. The atmosphere in 

the "Beer Barn" rounded off a great weekend. So, be 

warned - it will take more than a bit of weather to see us 

off, although it may be time to think of raising a naval 

contingent if we're to face much more weather like that!" 

Bosworth - 17th-18th September 

Lord Saye and Sele's Blew Regiment of Foote 

continued to develop its relationship with 

Leicestershire County Council and the Bosworth 

Battlefield Visitor Centre by hosting the largest Sealed 

Knot event yet seen on the site of the famous battle of 

1485 and the less well-known skirmish of 1644. 

Comparative arms displays linked the two periods and 

a superb Living History encampment with over thirty 

tents formed the backdrop for some film work. Drawing upon 

local legends surrounding the struggle to control this part of the 

Midlands and particularly the activities of the "Rob Carriers" from 

nearby Ashby de la Zouch provided a "Thieves and Vagabonds" 

theme to cameos and battles. The rough treatment of the captured 

Irish women by Parliament's troops provided a suitably gory and 

entertaining finale. 

Chirk Castle - 24th & 25th September 

Philippe Le Pinnet 

Colonel Owen's Company returned to Chirk Castle for an annual 

regimental event. They report: 

Supplied by Rob Hill 

"This was an anniversary event to mark the 360th anniversary of the 

King's stay at Chirk before the siege of Chester. Owen's took on the 

identity of the Queen's Lifeguard as they had originally been 

garrisoned in the area 360 years ago. The event featured displays of 

foote drill and demonstrated the work of camp followers living 

amongst the garrison and working in the kitchens. King Charles 

himself, together with his advisors and generals, was present! The 

weekend was full of interaction, with the public and children 

encouraged to participate with the soldiers and drill alongside them." 

Malvern - 8th October 

History lessons with a difference! Members of Sir William Waller's 

Lifeguard of Horse took the war and their horses (almost) into the 

classroom, providing a very special learning resource to one group 

of students.... 

"The usually peaceful area below the main building of Malvern 

College was transformed into a battlefield. Waller's Horse, a 

Parliamentarian unit from the Sealed Knot, the Civil War reenactment 

society, visited the school and provided a wonderful display 

of 17th Century weapons, uniforms and tactics to the Foundation 

Year (Year 9) who are currently studying the Civil War in their 

History lessons. Captain Rob Hill held the pupils and staff in rapt 

attention with a lively and blood-curdling talk and demonstrations. 

Two cavalry troopers first of all put their equipment on with an 

explanation of how they used their carbines whilst mounted and the 

design and purpose of their protective wear, including the famous 

lobster-pot helmet. Captain Hill then demonstrated the complex drill 

involved in loading a 17th Century musket and made an impressive 

bang when he fired off some (blank!) shots. The pupils were then 

entertained with a skirmish involving dragoons and infantry on one 

side and cavalry on the other. Other pupils emerging from classrooms 

for their mid-morning break looked somewhat surprised to behold 

horsemen cantering about the triangle, attempting to run down 

fleeing musketeers." 

Waller's Horse explained why they were fighting for Parliament, 

rather than the King, and the role they would play the following 

day in the re-enactment of the Battle of Ripple (1643) - where, 

unfortunately, they would end on the losing side! 

Edinburgh Castle - 8th & 9th October 

Sealed Knot members have the opportunity to educate and 

entertain in some amazing places, including some of the bestknown 

historic attractions in the country where even sentry duty 

can seem just that little bit special.... 

"Col. Hugh Fraser's Regiment of Dragoones' return to Edinburgh 

Castle was hailed a success by all - the regiment, invited guests and the 

Historic Sscotland Events team. You just knew it was going to be 

special, from the moment we took up gate guard positions on the main 

gate (the modern army no longer provide a gate guard), to the last 

march back out onto the esplanade. Unlike our previous action here 

taking part in a multi-period event, we had the castle and the 

thousands of tourists who come with it each day to ourselves. 

The programme consisted of a march from the esplanade into the castle 

to take command, several musket and pike displays around the castle, 

as well as more formal introductions to the troops and camp followers 

in the Great Hall. A skirmish broke out within the castle as Royalist 



troops tried to take it back from the Covenanters, providing a chance 

to fire from the battlements over Edinburgh. The event concluded 

with a final march back onto the esplanade. The weather held for the 

most part with sunshine on Saturday and with some rain and a lot of 

wind on the Sunday, but this is Scotland in autumn, so maybe our 

luck held out." 

Ripple - 9th October 

Each year the Sealed Knot gathers at Ripple in Worcestershire for 

a one-day act of commemoration to recall our founder Brigadier 

Peter Young. The Yeomen of the Knot organised a March through 

the village to the parish church for the service where Peter Young 

is remembered and the colours of the regiments taking part are 

blessed. 

After the service this year, members were treated to a buffet lunch 

provided by the villagers of Ripple before taking part in a reenactment 

on the site of the battle fought just to the north of 

village between the forces Sir William Waller and Prince Maurice. 

It proved be a wonderful way to round off the campaign season 

and meet with old friends before 'retiring to winter quarters'. 

Norton Priory 

It's not just battles and outdoor events. Owen's have found other 

ways to commemorate our heritage.... 

I Love the Sealed KNOT! 

I'm 10 years old I've been in the Knot since 1999. I've been all over the 

country from Stratton, Cornwall in 1999 to Castle Fraser, 

Aberdeenshire in 2005. Taunton, 2004 was my favourite battle. 

It is really good making friends all over the country. Especially one 

friend who lives in Nottingham called jack who's in western 

association. But friends don't have to be in your regiment or even on 

your side it could be royalist and parliament friends together, because 

at castle Fraser i was the only boy in Skippon's regiment there but I still 

made loads of friends. And at castle Fraser me and my army attacked 

the regiments as they walked past I'm not sure if it was annoying or not 

but it was fun for us! 

When I'm older I might do cavalry or musket or pike because my dad 

was a musketeer then he turned to pike. 

When you join the sealed knot you get sent a membership card and 

when you get your card you can visit www.sealedknot.org and if you're 

under 14 years of age you can go on the apprentices site only and over 

14 years of age you can go on the adult side and talk and ask advice if 

it is your first time to other knotters. 

When the battles are on I encourage the kids from the crowd to fight 

battles behind the crowdline, 

and sometimes my mum gets into pretend arguments with the enemy. 

It's more fun than playing on the playstation! 

By Elias Clayton-Gibbons, 

Skippon's regt. 

"An officer of Colonel Owen's Company who is by trade a scientific 

glassblower makes in his spare time period glassware from late 1500's 

through to the late 1700's. He was asked this year by Norton Priory 

in Cheshire to produce some 16th-18th century glassware based on the 

archaeological glass found on the site of the priory. Colonel Henry 

Brooke owned the priory and many skirmishes occurred during the 

Civil War around the surrounding area and at nearby Halton Castle. 

The glassware is now on permanent display in the Priory museum." 

There you have it. Just a taste of the range of events and activities 

that the Sealed Knot is able to organise and its members enjoy, 

compiled through the efforts of its members: Colin Bissett of the 

King's Guard, Nicholas (Cheffie) Appleyard of Colonel Thomas 

Laghtnan's Regiment of Foote, Mark Stockdale of Fraser's 

Dragoons, Nigel Price of Laugharne's Company of Wardlaw's 

Dragoons, Phillipe Le Pinnet of Sir John Owen's Company, 

Arthur Chappell of Manus O'Cahan's Regiment of Foote, Ray 

Costello and Kat Westby of The Earl of Northampton's Regiment 

of Foote, Terry John, Gareth Pratt and Steve Howard of Lord Saye 

and Sele's Blew Regiment of Foote, Rob Hill of William Waller's 

Lifeguard of Horse. and Paul Reid of Sir Nicholas Slanning's 

Regiment. 

This account was compiled by Steve Howard. 



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37

TWO ROOKIES WITH RUPERT'S 

I had spent many years running a horse 

business, which kept me busy Bank 

Holidays and weekends, so I couldn't join 

the Knot until I gave that up. I have now 

had six enjoyable years musketeering with 

Rawdon's great regiment, to which I am 

very proud to belong. I still get plenty of 

riding at home and it is quite a holiday to 

battle on my own two feet. 

However one of the horses at my present 

place of work looked as if he would be 

suitable for a cavalry horse. Let me 

introduce William, a black cob. His owner, 

Liz, is a nurse who suffers from multiple 

sclerosis and finds riding him good 

therapy. He is a busy fellow: on Mondays 

he practices dressage with a teenager who 

cannot hear; on Tuesdays he trots round 

and round for the disabled 'vaulters' to do 

their gymnastics on his back; on 

Wednesdays his owner has a lesson doing 

dressage and jumping. On Thursdays he 

carries a lady with cerebral palsy and on 

Fridays he gives a ride to a young man 

whose thirst for adventure led to a skiing 

accident a couple of years ago and a broken 

back. All these people are convinced that 

riding is therapeutic to them. However 

when able-bodied people take William out 

for a spin he can get exuberant and leap 

about - he seems to know what sort of ride 

his partner likes. 

I showed William's owner the Muster List, 

and she said how nice it would be to see 

him at the event at Blenheim. This is why 

I set about organising all this. Firstly I 

attended a training day with Rupert's 

Horse at the riding school which usually 

supplies SK horses. I have been riding for 

over 40 years so was quite happy with 

'Lucky', the four-year-old I was allotted. 

The filly was rather new to the game and I 

coaxed and encouraged her to feel safe in 

lines of horses with others charging 

straight at her. Throughout the morning 

her courage grew and she began to feel 

more cooperative; at the same time I 

learned what some of the commands 

meant. When lunchtime came I thought 

that two hours' hard work had been 

enough for my young, unfit pony and I 

asked for another for the afternoon. 

The only other pony free had the habit of 

bucking, but I was keen to try him. I was 

glad, because he thoroughly enjoyed 

himself. He was an old hand at the game 

and wheeled and 'turned on a sixpence' 

when appropriate. The bucks were just a 

bit of fun and no problem. We practised 

staying in line whilst changing direction 

and speed, all done riding with one hand. 

It was most interesting and challenging. So 

now I knew a little about what to do when 

someone shouts: "Column into line!" and 

the riding skills needed for cavalry work. I 

went home to practise. I rode William 

with one hand at every opportunity and 

introduced him to the scabbard and sword. 

I also took a drum to work and persuaded 

colleagues to march in a line towards him, 

shouting and waving flags. 

The muster at Taunton was fast 

approaching and William and I had to 

attend to be tested and find out whether or 

not we were Cavalry material. He travelled 

down very well in the lorry though we 

were often caught up in the Bank Holiday 

traffic. William would give an "Are we 

nearly there yet?" whinny when we slowed 

right down yet again. We arrived at last 

after four hours on the road and he settled 

very easily into his pen. He was happy to 

see the other horses. 

On the Sunday morning we drilled with 

the others and I passed my riding test. The 

C/O's said they were prepared to take us 

onto the battlefield in the afternoon. I 

didn't take my sword because I still didn't 

know how he would react - I might need 

both my hands to ride him. I needn't have 

worried - he was wonderful! I made 

mistakes and needed to be shouted at 

sometimes but William never put a foot 

wrong. The main complaint my 'comrades 

in arms' had about me was that I smiled 

too much! I must try much harder to look 

the part next time, but this first time on 

the field I couldn't help it. My thanks to 

the people in Rupert's who allowed these 

two complete novices to ride into battle 

with them. 

The weather was very hot and the work is 

very stressful for a horse's mind and body. 

All praise to the person who supplies the 

hired horses. It takes a very skilful trainer 

to maintain a regular supply of horses, fit 

and able to do this work. Horses are very 

easy to break down. William was in my 

opinion too precious to risk a second day 

on the battlefield since he had achieved the 

objective for which I had taken him to 

Taunton. I was also unwilling to load him 

up, all hot and sweaty after a second battle 

and then subject him to another 4 hours in 

the hot bank holiday traffic. So I rose at 

5.00 on Monday morning, finished our 

packing, walked him up the ramp and 

slipped away as quietly as you can in a 13ton 

lorry. This time it took only 2 hours to 

get home. As I drove I reflected on how 

beautifully he had behaved with just a little 

preparation. However he is a very wellbrought-up 

horse and he trusts people. 

Sometimes he had hesitated, as if to say, "Is 

it really all right? Should we really go close 

to all those shouting pikemen?" And when 

I patted him and said, "Yes please" he 

always went on. 

The afternoon of the event at Blenheim 

arrived at last and William went into the 

lorry again for the short journey to the 

Palace. His owner Liz was there early and 

was able to see our preparations and meet 

some other members of the Sealed Knot. 

One of the officers needed to 'address his 

troops' before the Sealed Knot part of the 

event even started. Although he was not a 

habitual horseman, he chose to sit on 

William to give him a good 'speaking 

platform'. William is quite cool about that 

sort of thing. 

For the actual event, we of the Royalist 

Cavalry had to go for a long march round 

the lovely park, hidden from the Palace by 

a hill so that we could make a dramatic 

entrance. Three horses - and William was 

one - had to go clattering up the drive and 

over the bridge on a prearranged signal to 

'give the alarm' - very dramatic! Then we 

had to march behind the Army back across 

to the 'battlefield' which was on a slope the 

other side of the lake and meet the 

invading 'Roundheads'. Here William 

showed his splendid stoicism in the face of 

cannon and musket, pike and colours once 

again. After the battle we marched back up 

to the Palace with the captured enemy 

cannon and prisoners. As our part of the 

show finished it started to rain and we 

hastily loaded up to go back home. 

I am very grateful to the Cavalry who 

helped me, lent me bits of kit and gave me 

advice. Liz very much enjoyed seeing 

William in such an impressive role. 

Dianne Godfrey 



It's raining, fading to a heavy drizzle. A 17th Century cannon 

with large yellow wheels stands isolated in a tranquil field. A few 

stray Artillerymen hang around a barren car park, huddled near 

a self-emptying bucket of water (quite a feat for the water bucket, 

given it's been raining all morning). Two of the younger 

members of the cannon crew are hunched at the opposite end of 

the field picking bunches and bunches of buttercups. This is 

early in the Sealed Knot season and the Gerard's cannon 

Firedragon and her crew have made their way to a muster, 

Stratton to be precise. Not surprisingly it's raining and the 

dripping crew of 

Firedragon are 

standing around at a 

d e s e r t e d 

battleground, an 

hour before the rest 

of the army will turn 

up. "Are you nuts?" 

someone asks; 

"Absolutely!" I reply. 

This might all seem a 

bit crazy to the 

average person, but I 

know something that 

the occasional 

curious dog-walker 

strolling down the 

nearby footpath 

doesn't. In an hour's 

Steve Dury 

time, despite the 

shouting and musket fire that marks the start of an SK battle, our 

Gun Captain will bellow "Have a Care!". Two seconds later 

Firedragon will discharge, and for a fleeting second everything 

will go deadly silent; all and sundry will pause as if the battle has 

been suspended for the briefest amount of time. The silence is 

then broken by the activation of a car alarm, babies who have 

started to cry and the odd pikemen who has turned around and 

started cursing in our direction. But if you look at the crew you 

will see they display an eerie, half-thrilled, half-malicious smile, 

known in the SK as the infamous 'gunner's grin'. 

"Gunner's grin?" you ask. Well, it doesn't come naturally; it has 

to be earned by being part of a team that strives to impress, yet 

terrify at the same time. Let's rewind back five minutes. The 

drums beat out and the armies march onto the now-occupied 

battlefield. Firedragon's crew of six are ready, positioned around 

their much-loved cannon, still dripping wet but raring to go. 

Our Gun Captain Mark receives a mysterious signal and turns to 

the crew and shouts "Make ready!" - the cue for us to prepare the 

cannon to fire. 

The first of our team to move is Dave; standing at the front of 

the cannon he grabs the worm, which is basically a long pole 

with a large corkscrew at the end, and to ensure that no 'gunk' is 

lodged in the barrel, he inserts it down and twists. After declaring 

the piece "Clear!", Gareth jumps to attention with his wet mop, 

ready to check there is nothing alight in the barrel. Dipping it in 

the bucket of soon-to-be-very-dirty water (the bucket which by 

now has stopped emptying itself), he gives it a shake and inserts 

firedragon 

it into the barrel, moving it up and down slightly, spurting a 

small amount of water through the vent hole (honestly, it doesn't 

look as rude as it sounds) until Mark Mark (not to be confused 

with Gun Captain Mark) smiles and nods his head. When they 

are finished the order to dry the piece is given - if it's too wet 

inside the barrel the powder may not ignite. Dave grabs his dry 

mop and rams it down the barrel. 

The cannon is now ready for loading. When Mark is sure it's safe 

he gives his order for "Powder!" and holds up one finger or two. 

He's not being 

insulting; this 

gesture just informs 

the Powder Monkey 

(the person who has 

the unfortunate job 

of sitting on top of 

the gunpowder box) 

how many bags of 

powder are needed. 

Cosmic opens the 

box and passes the 

bags of black-powder 

to Karen who places 

them in her spoon (a 

long pole with a 

shallow bit at the 

end). Karen walks to 

the front of the 

cannon and uses the 

spoon to place the 

charges at the bottom of the barrel. Gareth then taps the powder 

home using a long pole known as the ramrod. 

Now it's my turn. "Wadding!" cries Mark, turning my attention 

from the rear of a nearby pikeblock. Acting cautiously (bear in 

mind the cannon's now loaded), I stuff a handful of buttercups 

into the mouth of the barrel (please note: we normally use grass 

for wadding, but flowers are so much prettier!). Gareth rams the 

wadding down the barrel using his ramrod, ensuring the 

wadding and powder are tightly compressed. "Piece charged!" he 

calls. Now Mark Mark is ready to 'prick and prime'. Inserting a 

pricker (basically a big needle), into the vent hole he breaks 

through the plastic bag that contains the gunpowder. Next he 

primes; using a powder flask he places gunpowder down the vent 

creating a 'fuse' from the powder in the barrel to the top of the 

vent. The piece is now charged and ready to fire. 

There are only a few seconds left until the gunner's grin appears. 

The moment is approaching; Mark holds the linstock in the air 

(this is a piece of wood he found abroad with a hole drilled in it 

to hold some burning match. Most regiments have a proper 

linstock, but we have to make do with - Ouch!... Sorry sir, I do 

apologise, honestly we love it). Mark picks his moment; the army 

is not too near, there is no horse in front of the cannon, the 

public are engrossed in the battle, oblivious to the fact a cannon 

is about to fire. This is it - "Have a Care!"... 

Kathy Gammom 

Corporal of Firedragon 



On 20th June 1627 Prince Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange- 

Naussau and Stadtholder of The Netherlands, decided to besiege 

the city of Grolle (now Groenlo) in the eastern part of The 

Netherlands. The town (approximately 1000 inhabitants at the 

time) was occupied by 800 Spaniards. The Spanish eventually 

surrendered on 19th August. To mark these events, the 

'Compagnie Grolle', the town's re-enactment society, organised a 

recreation between 21st and 23rd of October 2005, to coincide 

with the annual Bokbier festival. 

The battle was split into six scenes, two on 

each day. Actors started each scene with 

speeches, and the battlefield consisted of 

two lines of trenches, the Dutch attacking 

and the Spanish defending. Between each 

day the organisers extended the Dutch 

trenches towards the Spanish lines, to 

represent the attacking forces gaining 

ground. 

Friday morning saw the Spanish occupiers breaking out, with the 

Sealed Knot Pike holding the centre of the Spanish line, and the 

Musket on the left. Once the first line of trenches was occupied, 

the scene ended. The afternoon scene started with each unit in the 

exact position they left a few hours earlier, and the counter-attack 

saw us back in our original positions. 

Saturday saw much the same, but with the addition of extra 

trenches down the left hand side of the field. The highlight of the 

day for us was a charge down this trench, filled with cannon 

smoke. Once the smoke cleared we were faced with an enemy pike 

THE SIEGE OF GROLLE 

unit, bearing down on us with very large grins on their faces. It 

seemed that someone had started the rumour that we were trying 

to capture the town's pride and joy, the 'Grols Cannon' a surviving 

piece from 1627, and they took great delight in preventing us from 

doing this. Saturday afternoon had us fighting two thirds of the 

attacking force, and we were swiftly pushed back to our own 

trenches. 

Sunday morning, and more trenches had appeared almost 

immediately in front of our own. The 

Compagnie Grolle occupied this trench, but 

quickly retreated after the mass charge of 

two pike blocks, musket, and some eastern 

European Cossack re-enactors. The end of 

this scene saw us retreating back into our 

own lines with the attackers closing in. The 

final scene took part in the remains of the 

original earthworks, with a large crowd 

looking on as cannons blasted across a moat 

and attacking forces tried to force their way 

through across a bridge and into the town. After this final attack 

the Spanish surrendered. 

At the end all the re-enactment groups taking part met in the town 

square where the locals took down the Spanish flag that had been 

flying throughout the weekend, and replaced it with their own. 

Thanks must go to the organisers for providing the gunpowder, 

beer and food, and a fun and exhausting event. 

MOGGERHANGER 2005 

I often reflect how enjoyable our hobby of re-enacting is, 

particularly when talking to friends and relatives. Often asked 

why my family became members of the Sealed Knot, and 

especially Lord Robartes' Regiment of Foote, I look back on the 

many musters and events we have attended, the friends made 

over the years and the amount learnt as a family about our 

national history and heritage. Recently an even more important 

reason for being in the Sealed Knot became apparent. Reading 

material from the Society's promoters' pack, one point struck 

me. It says, 'through public performances we are instrumental in 

raising funds for national and local charities'. For Lord Robartes' 

Regiment this has been an important part of our efforts and in 

2005 even more so. 

The Sealed Knot has always been supportive of Sue Ryder Care. 

I remember an excellent Major muster at the Thorpe Hall 

Hospice in Peterborough a few years ago. Lord Robartes' 

Regiment is well respected within the Society for presenting 

excellent living history military encampment displays. A family 

member of mine, also a charity worker, approached us from the 

Sue Ryder Care St John's Hospice in Moggerhanger, 

Bedfordshire. Could we help with their August charity fete 

weekend? 

Earlier this year the Regiment decided to make a £250 donation 

to charity, and following recommendation by a member of the 

regiment, immediately gave £125 to Keech Cottage Children's 

Hospice near Luton. We also donated £125 to the St John's 

Michael Jameson 

Manus O'Cahans RoF 

Hospice and agreed to offer our services to the Hospice for a 

nominal fee, bearing the majority of costs for the event as a 

Regiment. We put on our renowned living history display 

including puppet theatre and military display on the weekend of 

13th and 14th August 2005. 

Whilst the weather was not kind on the Saturday, the main 

Sunday event attracted over 3,500 visitors. The location provided 

a splendid and idyllic backdrop for the weekend. The Regiment 

even found time to raise another £75 for the hospice through a 

raffle organised and run by our Apprentices. So much effort from 

our members went into this event we received the following 

thank you from the hospice's Charity Manager and his Assistant: 

'Thank you so much for giving up your time to come to our Fete 

weekend. It was really a pleasure to meet you all and I do hope you 

had an enjoyable time. The weekend raised about £13,300; it was 

a great success and everyone has been talking about it. I do hope that 

you could attend again next year - we would love to see you all.' 

We cannot always support such good causes; it does drain 

regimental funds. Sometimes, as in this instance, the reward is 

worthwhile in all respects. Perhaps it makes Knotting more than 

just a hobby? We hope to support the event again either next year 

or 2007. Discussions have already started with a possible 

regimental event sponsor to assist with our expenses. 

John Gregory 

Major Company Commander - Lord Robartes' ROF 



Cheriton 2005 

- climax of the campaign in the south 

2005 was to see the culmination 

of a unique project, centred 

around one of the most underrated 

battles of the Civil War - 

that of Cheriton in Hampshire. 

The Sealed Knot, in conjunction 

with various local authorities 

and the Battlefield Trust, had 

completed a very successful 

series of smaller events in 2004. 

Access to the original battlefield, 

preserved pretty much as it was 

in 1644 and over which 

historians are still divided as to 

the exact location of the fighting, 

was to offer the greatest opportunity to create something 

completely different. 

Following on from the success of events last year, Tillier's 

Regiment kicked off an even more ambitious programme for 2005 

that would culminate in the largest battle re-enactment of the year. 

When we sat down with the sponsors in October 2003, it was 

always planned that the event of 2004 would be a 'toe-in-thewater' 

for bigger and better things. The ultimate objective was to 

raise funds to create a circular battlefield walk, offer educational 

opportunities to local schoolchildren, discover once and for all the 

true location of the fighting and to create a battle re-enactment 

that would do justice to those 

men who fought across the land 

in 1644. 

With last year's events being 

locally so successful the sponsors 

forged ahead and started 

planning in September 2004. 

Whilst the muster weekend itself 

took much focus, parallel strands 

ran for the lottery grant bids and 

the schools visit week. Finally 

the New Year turned and things 

took off in earnest. 

Over the Easter weekend of 

26th-28th March, Scrubbs Farm 

played host to a booked mini muster. On Good Friday, hardy 

Tillier's with friends from Rawdon's Regiment retraced the steps 

of the Royalist Army as it marched from East Meon across the 

Downs to the battlefield. Over 13 miles were covered, with a 

cannon in tow, and over £2,000 was raised towards the cost of the 

project. Battle raged across the farmland over the next few days as 

Rawdon's, Tillier's, Rupert's, King's Guard and the Blew 

Regiment fought wargames with their usual vigour. There was 

even time to convoy into Winchester to garrison the West Gate on 

Easter Sunday - a PR coup that saw well over one thousand local 

inhabitants turn up to watch. 

In the build-up to the main attraction the town of Alresford played 

host to a living history 

encampment along the main 

boulevard. With the road closed 

to traffic, nearly two thousand 

local people enjoyed a fastflowing 

skirmish as the highlight 

of the day. Our thanks to 

colleagues from Rawdon's, 

Forlorn Hope and Western 

Association for their support. 

Late June saw another 800 local 

schoolchildren enjoy site visits to 

the authentic camp on the 

battlefield. The feedback was 

amazing and our deepest thanks 

to friends in Robartes', Minimore's, Esra the Ranter and others for 

their support during a most fulfilling week. As summer waned the 

Bank Holiday drew near. The battle re-enactment was planned to 

be something different - a unique opportunity to create an 

accurate Civil War re-enactment on the original battlefield. The 

armies were re-organised along historically accurate lines, 

regiments and brigades were asked to take on specific roles and 

nearly thirty colours were specially made. To add interest to the 

public, the theme 'Heritage and History' would offer more than 

just the Civil War battle. A range of re-enactment groups from 

across time, combined with rural and educational activities, was 

planned to offer the public a really interactive day out. The two 

arenas would offer non-stop 

action from medieval archery, 

Civil War through to Sedgemoor 

displays, Cavalry Through the 

Ages and French Indian Wars. 

The authentic camps nestling in 

the woodland would be a source 

of great public interest. Most of 

this would be provided through 

the Sealed Knot membership, to 

whom we are indebted. 

We even brought into the team 

eminent historians Professor 

Ronald Hutton and Richard 

Holmes to add authenticity to 

the commentary. The feedback 

on this critical part of the show was outstanding, bringing to life 

as it did the ensuing spectacle. When asked for constructive 

feedback on the event, Ronald replied, "I have no negative 

criticism to offer at all regarding your complex, enormous and 

fiercely ambitious set of events at Cheriton. I thought that they 

succeeded on every level, and represent an excellent model for one 

way in which major musters can be provided if the Knot is to 

continue to flourish." 

As the week in which it all would happen commenced, the Tillier's 

team swung into action. Considering the set-up encompassed not 

only our campsite and one hundred acres of battlefield but also the 

entire showground, the guys worked exceedingly hard in often 



atrocious weather conditions - 

seven days of non-stop labour 

before the campsite even 

opened. Advertising the event 

was critical to draw the crowds 

to such a remote location on the 

busiest weekend of the year for 

events. Teams posed for the 

press, were filmed by ITV, 

leafleted town centres and 

supermarkets and posters 

appeared in almost every town 

and village in south Hampshire. 

Much of this was down to the Sealed Knot team. The hard work 

was rewarded with over nine thousand people attending the event, 

far exceeding the break-even level. 

So this year, we as a society raised significant funds to support the 

Battle of Cheriton Project Ltd, entertained thousands of local 

people during three events, inspired nearly one thousand local 

school children at educational visits and re-created the most 

authentic Civil War battle reenactment 

ever. Well done to 

you all! 

The story doesn't end here 

though. With the lottery grant 

gained, the Battlefield Walk is 

now going ahead, as is the 

interactive educational web site. 

More school visits are planned 

for 2006 and most recently the 

Battlefield Trust has agreed to 

lead the largest archaeological 

survey of the site ever undertaken. We may soon be able to pin 

down the locations of the fighting once and for all. 

And finally - did we do justice to the men who fought across these 

ridges in 1644? I think we did. 

Sir William Waller's Lifeguard of Horse 

After a short season, Waller's have again 

acquitted themselves with distinction. The 

year started with training sessions at 

Stablestars and Moyfield riding 

establishments which gave the opportunity to 

try out new drill and skill at arms on horse. 

Several new members plus friends from other 

regiments joined us and were a success. 

The main season started with Sedgemoor 

where Waller's portrayed Oglethorpe's Blue 

Regiment. This was the first time Waller's 

have taken part as the Blues since 1985 and it 

was a task trying to locate the remains of the 

regimental kit plus borrowing other items to make a credible 

uniform - well worth the effort. 

The next outing for Waller's was Roundway Down. This was the 

first of the season for our mounted dragoon deployment along 

with support from Wardlaw's on foot. The battles were fast and 

furious in spite of the heat. Some of Waller's donned extra armour 

to give an impression of Hazelrigg's 'Lobsters'. (I can assure you 

that cuirassier armour on a hot day is an interesting experience!). 

Also at Roundway Waller's put on our first of the season pre-battle 

display on both days. Thanks to 

the foot regiment who we 

attacked with a pistol caracole at 

the end. In July ten Waller's went 

north to Castle Fraser to play 

Covenanters, our dragoon 

contingent in support on foot. A 

great weekend and well worth 

the long journey. 

The piece de resistance for 2005 

was Cheriton. With the large 

number of horses present it was 

Richard Pearce 

Commanding Officer 

Tillier's Regiment of Foote 

comparable to Edgehill 1985 and Powick 

Bridge 1992. This event saw many guest 

riders on both sides. Waller's had the XV 

Light Dragoons plus friends from Rawdon's 

and Newcastle's riding with us. The highlight 

of the battles was the attack on Bards - many 

thanks to them for letting us take their colour. 

I was told after by one of their ensigns who 

was watching on day two that he did not 

know whether to cry or chase after us. Waller's 

pre-battle displays on both days were our full 

"First to Last". This consisted of Ironside 

troopers (Waller's), 15th Light Dragoons 

(Napoleonic), 17th Lancers (Crimea) and 

16th Lancers (WWI). 

Waller's have a core of owner riders who have been active 

throughout the season at many events large and small; to date at 

Boscobel House, Norton St Philip, Sedgemoor, Roundway Down, 

Cheriton, Malvern College, Ripple and the Edgehill parade. We 

have also been present at a number of events on foot such as 

Nantwich, Ripley Castle, Wicksteed Park, Oakwell Hall and 

Hatherleigh Moor. 

We would like to thank our 

opponents on the field (Rupert's 

Horse and the Royalist Army) 

for giving us a good scrap this 

season, and to the army of 

Parliament for their support. We 

will be training during the winter 

period at various places and look 

forward to next season. 

Rob Hill 

CO to Sir William Waller his 

Regiment of Horse 



THREE YEARS OF THE FIRST FOOT GUARDS 

We first had the idea for a second unit within the boundaries of 

Rupert's Regiment when we considered forming the post- 

Restoration Guards some five years ago. This was to coincide with 

the idea of "Infantry Through the Ages" that the Society were 

considering at the time as a pre-battle display. We carried out some 

research but shelved the idea when nothing came of it. We then 

learnt three years ago that Steve Carter and Godolphin's were 

planning the Sedgemoor campaign, culminating with 

Westonzoyland in 2005. So I had my first of many discussions 

with Steve Phillips of Rupert's and pencilled us in for the First 

Foot Guards. 

This at the time was a bit of a gamble, as the regiment knew 

nothing about it, so I was going to have to sell it to them. With 

help from Steve we researched the regiment, provided a history, 

illustrations of the uniform, drew up minimum and full dress 

regulations and presented all this to the regiment at our OGM in 

2003. Prior to this presentation I was a little dubious as to how 

many would take it on, but was very pleasantly surprised to find 

that at least 50 members were keen. Many were seasoned veterans 

in blue who now had that enthusiasm for something different - the 

same enthusiasm you have when you first join the Knot. 

We spent the year sourcing the uniforms, equipment and finalising 

costs. In the spring of 2004 we held a training-cum-fitting-out 

session where we carried out 

drill with its slight variations 

and presented a drummer, 

hatman (Foot Guards 

musketeer) and pikeman in the 

minimum and full dress 

requirements. Again I was 

surprised that all present 

decided on the full dress, 

confirming that if we were 

going to do it then we would do 

it right. We now had a unit that 

consisted of officers, drummers, 

grenadiers, hatmen, pikemen 

and baggage. We had new 

colours, new drumbeats, and 

the officers had splendid new 

uniforms, with wigs. We also 

opened the unit to non-Rupert's and received requests from 

members both Royalist and Parliamentarian to join our ranks. 

We highlighted Westonzoyland 2004 as the event where we would 

parade the regiment in full and the intervening weeks were spent 

with more training, getting the coats made and purchasing all the 

equipment centrally. This was considered the best option as we 

were now portraying a 'regular regiment' and all visible equipment 

needed to be identical. The event eventually came around and our 

first form-up was a WOW!! We marched out of the campsite with 

a purpose as the drumbeats were so different and I looked back 

and thought, yes this has been worth all the effort. We got to the 

battlefield and marched towards the arena. Steve Carter was there, 

winding up the crowd - all Monmouth supporters of course - but 

as we marched past with a look of disdain and air of arrogance the 

crowd fell silent with awe. We had achieved the effect we wanted! 

Following this event things really kicked off and we have now 

appeared at the Grenadier Guards Day at Windsor, Blenheim 

Palace, Detling, Aldershot Military Museum, Philips Norton, 

Cheriton and of course the main event, Westonzoyland 2005, 

where both Royal and Rebel armies put on a fantastic weekend of 

displays, living history and battles. This though is not the end, as 

we will be making a further appearance for the Grenadier Guards 

at Littlecote in 2006 and I am investigating an event for the Royal 

Armouries at Portsmouth. 

Finally, some thank-yous: 

• To Steve Carter and Godolphin's for the vision and hard work 

for all the Sedgemoor events, providing us with the opposition 

at certain displays and giving us the chance to resurrect the 

original idea. 

• To De Gomme's for supplying us with proper exploding 

grenades, enhancing our displays. 

• To Julie Robertson of 'War Wear' for making the uniforms and 

putting up with countless visits and telephone calls. 

• To the members of Rupert's for turning the idea into a reality. 

• To Steve Phillips for all the time and research he has put into 

this project. 

The last three years have been a buzz. It has certainly re-enthused 

me for re-enactment and it does not look as if it's going to stop for 

some time, I am glad to say. 

Barrie Upton 

CO The First Foot Guards and Prince Rupert's Blew 

Regiment of Foote 



These items first appeared in "Horse's Mouth", the in-house 

magazine of Wadworth Brewery and were supplied by David Kyffin 

of The Victoria Arms, Old Marston, Oxford, an SK member. 

The Battle of Norton St Philip 

'Twas a fine and 

dry morn as we 

made our way to 

the small Somerset 

village of Norton 

St Philip, on the 

26th day of June 

in the year 2005. 

There were crowds 

of strangelydressed 

folk 

abroad, even at the early hour of 11 of the clock on this sunny 

Sabbath day. Many were breaking their fast, and partaking of fine 

ales at the two excellent Wadworth Inns in the centre of the 

village - the George and the Fleur de Lys. 

Upon venturing onto the village green (known by the name of 

'The Mead') we came upon much 

merrymaking and entertainment - 

something for all, young and old ... there 

were mad dogs racing, majestic birds of 

prey soaring over our heads, music, jesters 

and both the elegance of a dancing 

Arabian horse and the strength of a 

working English shire. 

Pangs of hunger and thirst were satisfied 

by a sizzling hog roast and a pint of 

The Battle of Roundway Down 

During the weekend of 17th and 18th July Roundway Hill was 

the scene of a bloody battle. This was a re-enactment by the 

Sealed Knot. ... The Knot has a reputation for liking Real Ales. 

Wadworth's Ale was much appreciated amongst the ranks - 6X 

went down very well indeed! 

Local school children were entertained by the Sealed Knot on 

Friday 15th when they were able to visit the Living History 

camp. Here you could see how the soldiers and their families 

lived, what they ate, the clothes they wore and how the tools and 

weapons they used were made. I wish we had had history lessons 

like this during my school days! 

Tales of Two Battles 

refreshing Wadworth ale, before making our way to the Street 

Fayre, where jolly merchants shouted their wares and intriguing 

artefacts and delicious comestibles could be purchased for a 

reasonable sum. 

Then, in the fierce 

heat of the after 

noon, the sounds 

of the Battle of 

Norton St Philip 

could be heard in 

the distance upon 

the outskirts of 

the village. What a 

sight met our eyes 

as we approached 

the battlefield - 

scarlet coats and fine soldiers against rough brown sackcloth and 

peasant farmers ... the cannon fire echoed across the valley, with 

pikestaff pitted against pitchfork, sword against scythe, the sound 

of musket fire ringing in our ears, and the cries and screams of 

battle as the Royalist Army were eventually 

defeated by Monmouth's ragged army of 

Rebels. The battle over, the crowd booed 

and cheered as the two opposing sides 

departed the field, and after taking iced 

refreshment from a friendly vendor, we too 

made our way home ... tired, footsore and 

sunburnt, but having thoroughly enjoyed 

the day we went to see the Battle! 

The Sealed Knot was a most 

friendly group of people to meet 

and a pleasure to serve. A shame the 

attendance was not what was 

expected, but perhaps another time 

people will realise what they 

missed. The weather was perfect, as 

was the view from the top of 

Roundway Hill. 

Tony Bailey 

Tricia Hurle and Family 



The Group has spent another busy year attending musters and 

events in their own right, educating people up and down the 

country. The season started for us in late February at LICHFIELD 

HERITAGE MUSEUM, where the public interest was excellent. 

Easter saw us once again at LODGE PARK near Cheltenham. 

Although it was a little chilly, it was worth it just to see and hear 

the owls at night while we sat round the fire, and for the mist 

slowly clearing from around the Lodge. This is a venue miles from 

anywhere and you can spend the evenings in total 17th Century 

surroundings. 

WICKSTEED PARK was an interesting 

event, particularly the flash flood that hit 

the camp and the gust of wind that took 

down some of the tents. 

The Living History Group 

SALISBURY is always enjoyable, camping 

beneath 'Old Sarum'. This is one of the 

joys of Living History: you get to camp in 

places that are normally inaccessible. 

Many of us were there for the schools day 

on the Friday. This is always so satisfying 

and more so to see some of the children 

return at the weekend with their parents. 

GREAT BARFORD was such a cold weekend. However, it was a 

great site, being by the river and the event was very well attended. 

Some of the group attended a barn (tent) dance organised by the 

locals. 

CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM is an old favourite of the 

Living History Group. The Victorian WCs are much appreciated 

and we all like a peep around the prefabs. For the skirmish 

provided by the London Trayned Bands, many thanks! In the 

evening we gathered in an old house with a real fire (home made 

wine on offer so a very tired and emotional night then had 

This article is being written in the wake of CHERITON. What 

can I say? The location of the authentic 

campsite in the woods was wonderful and 

the weather couldn't have been better. 

Monday morning was quite eerie, 

watching the mist weave in and out of the 

trees, in complete contrast to Sunday 

morning when hot air balloons came over 

the camp, one so low he actually waved to 

us. For me the whole essence of Living 

History was captured on the Sunday 

evening, when the site had just closed to 

the public and everyone was settling down 

to talk and cook their evening meal. There 

wasn't a car in sight; the camp just 

hummed with quiet talk; smoke billowed into the sky, while the 

rays of the evening sun shone down through the tree canopies - 

pure magic! The season is far from over with still Hunters Hall, 

Bosworth and the deer hound racing at Lodge Park to enjoy. 

The Living History Group has a lot to offer, with many of its 

members being veterans, having twenty or more years' experience 

in the role of soldier or camp follower etc. It is hard work being a 

Living History member; you often have to be set up and ready to 

work at 10.00am and sometimes do not finish before 6.00pm, 

when the last member of the public leaves. It is always our aim 

during this time to help the public understand our period of 

history a little better, and the areas can cover: military issues, 

drumming, lace making, herbalist, surgeon, trade merchants, 

clothing, children's toys, shoe-making, wheelwright, cooking, 

merchants and much more. We all try and do as much research as 

possible, but sometimes small mistakes do creep in; if told about 

them we can rectify it quite easily without fuss, it is totally 

unintentional. 

It is important to the LHG that the 

minimum dress regulations are met when 

on the campsite or if just visiting. We do 

have our own dress code which requires us 

to wear headgear, doublets, bodices and 

authentic footwear at all times while open 

to the public. 

Why not come along and join us? You 

don't have to be a member of LHG; you 

can stay with your own regiment and be 

an associate member. You would be made 

most welcome and there is no need to 

worry if you haven't all the right kit - 

arrangements can be made to borrow from the group. If you have 

a craft that you could demonstrate to the public, you would be a 

great help when we are asked to do school days. These are always 

enjoyed by the group members, children and teachers alike; the 

feedback is excellent, making it all worth while. 

It is not all work and no play; we also have a great social side. 

There's nothing better than sitting round a good roaring campfire, 

in good company, putting the world to rights and often bursting 

into song - but please don't let it be 'The Rattling Bog'!! During 

the course of the season we try to have at least one Soldiers' Feast 

and often do communal cooking. The marshmallows between two 

Jaffa cakes are highly recommended, so life isn't all 17th century! 

We also hold an annual banquet, so watch 

"Orders" for more details. We have our 

own newsletter for group members and all 

associate members which is full of 

information about the group and its 

activities. There is also our web site: 

www.livinghistorygroup.co.uk. 

We would like to see more new faces join 

us, particularly young families. Our doors 

are always open and with your help and 

support we can aspire to greater things 

and make our Society one to be proud of. 

Contacts 

The Mayor: Alan Jones - 01543 318102 / 07957 882082 

email: alanjones197@ntlworld.com 

Deputy Mayor: Pat Taylor - 01926 614348 / 07866 609674 

email trash@taylor336.wanadoo.co.uk 

Town Clerk: Denise Taylor - 01684 773118 / 07931 303367 

email denise@denisetaylor.co.uk 

Living History Group Website: www.livinghistorygroup.co.uk 

Pat Taylor 



For 2005 when we look back on what Sealed Knot events have 

been organised and which offered a good outing for Living 

History we are surprised at not only how far we have travelled to 

set up for a weekend, but also for how much of the year Knotting 

and Living History has occupied our lives. 

With many events on consecutive weekends, a typical routine is to 

unpack on the Sunday, with final clear away (and often dry the kit) 

on the Monday evening after work. By Thursday it's all re-packed 

ready for the next event. The ideal would be a specific set of 

equipment that is used each time, however we find that with a 

growing collection of bits and pieces, (and who cannot turn down 

that 'must have' item at Traders or one that can be easily made at 

home?) we have to select certain equipment, or combinations of 

equipment each time - we simply cannot carry it all. This does add 

variety to the encampment, but leads to having to be a dedicated 

organiser with the patience to load and unload as demand 

requires. 

Earlier in the year mention was made on the news of potential 

hosepipe bans in the south, but our experience has been that this 

was probably one of the wettest Knotting years for a while and we 

seem to have had more than our fair share of wet canvas to dry out 

after events. At Wicksteed in May it drizzled throughout the battle 

and culminated in a thunderstorm; the water runoff into the LH 

camp required a careful campaign of trench digging to allow the 

water to escape. At Castle Fraser this technique was again 

employed - only this time some suitable timber yard wastage 

provided a wonderful 'gutter' to take the 

water away from the tent. 

With something like 36 days this year 

involved in living history it is interesting 

to note how far north, south, east and west 

we actually went from our central base in 

Northamptonshire. Over the year it 

represents over 3000 miles of travelling, 

hence the title. The most northerly was 

Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire, which 

represented a significant distance, and was 

only possible because we tied it in with a 

holiday and broke the journey by 

attending Oakwell Hall near Leeds on the 

3000 miles - A Knotter’s Journey 

way. The event in Scotland was thoroughly enjoyable, with much 

effort put into the Living History camp which was appreciated 

both by those taking part and by the public who visited. The event 

at Basing House in Hampshire at the end of May probably 

represents our most southerly excursion. The location of the 

Living History camp within the walls of such a historic site adds 

special meaning. Without such events you would never get the 

opportunity to camp in such places, and after the gates have shut 

the site is yours for the evening. Cheriton battlefield, again in 

Hampshire, which this year was the site for the Easter training 

weekend and the major muster later on in the year, was our most 

westerly event. The LH camp overlooking the original battlefield 

really added to the atmosphere, and again offered a unique 

experience. Finally for eastwards we attended the event at Hunters 

Hall in Norfolk - although rather rainy (my match went out on 

the Saturday and the powder turned to mud), it again offered a 

good location for the LH encampment. 

Many events this year have had historical significance to the period 

we portray. I have mentioned Cheriton and Basing, while 

Roundway Down and the Edgehill ceremony are further examples 

where you actually get onto the battlefield itself. Just think how 

much you would pay for a weekend break or a 'battlefield 

experience' - we get it as part of our Sealed Knot membership. 

In terms of the Knotting season, this year was very full for us, with 

the first event (although not with LH encampment) at Nantwich 

in Cheshire, where it snowed. Our final 

encampment was at Bosworth in 

Leicestershire in early October, followed 

by attendance at the Edgehill Memorial 

ceremony at the end of October. 2005 will 

be a truly significant year that we will 

especially remember, because on 

November 5th we were married. True to 

style, the ceremony had a strong 

seventeenth century theme, including 

guard of honour and musket volley. 

Tom & Rusty Aldwinckle 



LIVING HISTORY AT CASTLE FRASER 

"If you're coming into the camp, please take off the sunglasses, 

leave the pushchair at the gate, cover your head and check your 

footwear." All minor details, all easily sorted, and things that have 

been said time and time again, so why isn't it something that we 

do automatically? 

It's the detail that makes 

the difference. In Fraser's 

that means that everyone 

and everything needs to 

be justifiably accurate, 

starting with our own kit 

and working down to the 

last fence post. People are 

viewing us 'up close and 

personal', not from half a 

field away, and it's no 

good trying to get away 

with dodgy footwear and 

polyester - someone will 

always notice. Besides, 

what you wear affects the 

way you do everything 

else, from fighting to 

bending over in a tight 

corset. The equipment we 

have, and how and when 

we use it needs to be natural as well, carrying out tasks as necessary, 

rather than going down the craft fair route. Even the things we're 

chatting about in range of the public ear, like suntan lotion and 

ice-cream, and trying to stop yourself saying "OK". We have to try 

to think ourselves into a 17th Century mentality and put aside 

21st Century notions of freedom of speech between classes, 

independence and even atheism for the brief time that we're on 

public display. 

Being a fairly small group makes things easier, as a lot of us have 

everyday contact as well as being SK members, and we work well 

together. We've been putting on Living History displays in 

prestigious Scottish venues for a number of years now and we're 

beginning to feel that now it's all coming together and becoming 

second nature. A lot of SK members from other regiments joined 

us in the camp as well and took the time and effort to do things 

the 'Scottish' way, which we really appreciated. 

The Castle Fraser camp was built to reflect the social hierarchy of 

the day. Soldiers and respectable women did not mix socially, and 

the officers and minister had their own separate area with servants 

to act as go-betweens. It was the result of years of reading and 

research and weeks of serious hard work by the whole regiment - 

planning it, building it, 

and collecting together 

the 101 little items to 

make it real. Having one 

of our members make the 

officers' bread because we 

couldn't find any in the 

shops that seemed right, 

and trying to persuade 

the 'commoners' to eat 

oatcakes instead. The 

furniture, cookware, 

hand-drawn maps, 

(some) of the dirt and 

grime, (I still think we're 

a bit clean) and the dead 

animals. 

Then of course, we have 

Charlie, (as eulogised in 

poetry in October 

"Orders"). He spent a 

huge amount of time building things for us, as well as supplying 

us all with firewood, and amazing everyone - us and the public - 

by preparing, skinning and roasting a deer he just happened to 

have come by! He also had a kettle boiling early each morning so 

that we could have a fly cup of tea before the public arrived, for 

which we're always grateful. 

Educating the public is part 

of our remit. Very few 

schools cover this period of 

history, and even the 

Scottish public attending 

Scottish events tend to 

expect stereotypical 

highlanders with lashings 

of tartan. We have to try to 

present life as it was, not 

just dress things up nicely 

and give the public what 

they expect. Let's surprise 

them, make them think a bit, and maybe want to find out some 

more. 

Finally of course, we have to want to do the thing properly, and to 

enjoy what we do, and I think its safe to say that Fraser's is a 

regiment that makes the most of every opportunity to have fun 

both on and off the field. 

Photos by Rusty Lodge 

Jude Coles 

Fraser's Dragoones 



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