The pikemen of the 17th century were the heavy infantry of armies across Europe. Armed with an 16-foot long ash spear the pikemen in the English Civil Wars were used in several roles. Their primary function was to defend the musket blocks from attack by mounted cavalry, but they would also be used offensively to attack enemy formations of pike and musket at close quarters. Historical records seem to indicate that the armies had twice as many musketeers as pikemen.

The pike was considered the "Gentleman's Arm" during the English Civil War Period. This may have had something to do with the fact that it takes a lot of strength and stamina to handle a piece of wood that big, so most pikemen were the largest men that could be found, the sort of people you wouldn't want to upset!

 Typically a pikeman would wear doublet and breeches, a morion type helmet, back and breast armour and tassets (plates guarding the thighs, that attach to the bottom of the breastplate). He would also be armed with a short sword.

 A Word From The Pike Block Commander

 As the Pike Block Commander, it is my responsibility to make sure that the Hoghton's Pike Block is in the right place at the right time and all of the pikemen know what they are doing.

I started in the Sealed Knot in 1992 and, to be honest, it was a bit scary. The cannons, the smoke, the noise and, worst of all, the large body of people trying to impale me with a 16 foot long pike or trample me into the ground. Then I realised that the people on the other side were just as scared of us, that there seemed to be some order to the chaos and, most importantly, it was fun. I was enjoying myself and I couldn't wait to do it again.

 This ties in with how I see my role now. Bringing some order to the chaos, striking fear into the opposition and, above all, making sure that people are enjoying themselves both on the field and off.

So if you are interested in joining and would like to know more about the Sealed Knot and the pike in particular. Contact me by email click here.