Not everyone wants to get into the thick of the battles (not at first anyway) or are to young to be on the battle field, but there is still a way of getting involved in a not quite so physically challenging fashion.

Drummers

Civilian

Apprentices

Drummers

Educated and often linguists, drummers were highly regarded and paid the same rate as officers. Drums were used to relay orders on the battlefield and to lead the way when marching. They were also sent to parley with the enemy, often going into their camps and returning with vital information about supplies and numbers.

Drumming is a very honourable and rewarding role; you are the focal point of the regiment when marching, keeping up the morale on marches and ensuring that manoeuvres are done to exact timing. You do not necessarily need to be musical - the beats are easy to learn, and full training will be given. Although the drummer's role is non- combatant, during battles they are situated behind the pike & musket blocks to beat encouragement and convey atmosphere, so you experience the tension and excitement of the battle as much as anyone else.

Civilian

The Civilian - In the l7th Century many of the camp followers would simply be women of the soldier's families following their men from either preference or necessity, having no where else to go. As soldiers were not given any allowance for their dependants, they would have earned their food by laundering, cooking, sewing, or practising elementary medical care on the sick and wounded, and of course the oldest of professions.

The ladies of today try to be as authentic as possible and enjoy the excitement of the battle at close quarters by following the regiment, providing vital water. 17th Century clothing was mainly wool based, you therefore get very hot during a battle and need regular supplies of water. Civilians also take care of anyone needing minor adjustments to their armour, assist with equipment (especially musketeer's match and rests while they're in melee) and they are first on the scene should a minor accident occur, giving support and assurance.

Apprentices

The Apprentices at Armes were formed in February 1992, in response to a demand from the young people of the Sealed Knot who felt they had a contribution to give to the Sealed Knot Society, but were excluded from the battlefield until they were 16 years old. The Apprentices at Armes was formed to provide activities and training opportunities for those young members of the Sealed Knot aged between 12 and 16 years.

Apprentices are trained in the use of pike, musket, artillery, sword, drum & colours and are given an opportunity to "work the crowd" in displays, living history camps and cameos, both before and after the battle. The Apprentice Masters and instructors are all suitably qualified and experienced in their arm and hold the relevant certificate issued by the Sealed Knot. All Apprentices are trained to be aware of the safety requirements of their weapons and the responsibility that they take on when carrying those weapons. Wherever possible the level of training is up to Sealed Knot standards and many Apprentices gain their Sealed Knot sword test, or an Apprentices at Armes Certificate of Competence.

At most musters, especially at major musters, the Apprentices at Armes parade for both training and for display work as many Sealed Knot scriptwriters now include a display or cameo presentation by the Apprentices at Armes. During their short history the Apprentices at Armes have taken part in parades, memorial services, drill displays, living history cameos, worked with traders & Sealed Knot Enterprises, performed crowd surveys and even been honour guard for a carnival princess. The Apprentice masters actively seek out opportunities for young people to take an active and responsible part in the activities of the Sealed Knot.