HOGHTON'S COMPANIE OF FOOTE WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS.

Why waste another weekend watching television, going shopping, and having the same old routine, when you could be part of the largest re-enactment society in Europe. The Sealed Knot (the Society of Cavaliers and Roundheads), re-enacts battles of the English Civil Wars 1642-51.

Sir Gilbert Hoghton's is a royalist regiment in The Sealed Knot Society. We attempt to recreate a foot regiment of the Kings Northern Army, during the English Civil Wars of 1640's. The Sealed Knot Society is a registered charity, and is committed to improving historical awareness of the history of England during the English Civil War period.

We do have several events already confirmed in this area this year and we enjoy a reputation as an enthusiastic and friendly regiment who welcomes new members with open arms.

Hoghton's has been an active regiment for almost thirty years and have a large amount of prestige and history to enjoy.

Who ?

In a society of over 5,000, you can choose from musketeer, pikeman, artillery, cavalry or the baggage trayne, it's your choice.

What ?

We re-enact battles, skirmishes, hold banquets, living history displays and have a great time battling for charity.

Where ?

Our events are held throughout the year: all over the country, visiting new and beautiful historic sites and camping for the weekend.

Battles

The most important method by which the Society achieves its aims is through the performance of Battle re-enactments at different sites throughout the Country. They are held wherever possible on actual Civil War Battle Fields and take place at weekends during the "campaigning season", i.e. between March and October.

Details of the arrangements for the Muster will have been published in the Society Newsletter the "Orders of the Daye" and the organiser will have laid on a camp site, supply of drinking water and toilet facilities. Often there will also be additional facilities such as Beer Tents and Caterers and there may also be camp fires and Ceilidhs arranged for your enjoyment.

There is always a 'plastic campsite' (usually a field with portable toilets and water points) provided, so most people invest in a tent or caravan and camp for the weekend. Some don't bother with the camping and book in at a nearby guest house, but this is not the norm.

What About The Fighting?

During a battle Hoghton's fields pike and musket units. Both are supported by camp followers who supply the troops with water, assist with equipment, and perform cameos to add to the flavour of the spectacle. Both arms have officers in command and the pike block is also supported by drummers and an ensign.

Who Decides Who Wins?

The muster organisers write a script. Sometimes the battle is a re-enactment of a real battle in which case the script may be based on the original. Otherwise it's just up to the organisers. Although, the overall winner is in the script, individual regiments can still fight competitively using tactics, skill and numbers to gain ground and win skirmishes within the bigger picture of the battle.

Living History

A 'Living history' campsite is where members who want to camp more authentically go. Every one using this campsite must be authentic at all times, including their dress, eating and general behaviour. It is open for the general public to walk around, so members here will be doing 17th century chores like, using a spinning wheel, cooking on open fires, 17th century carpentry etc.

So what's it all about?

Living in a flea infested tent, lying on straw beds and eating only stuff that you've caught yourself that morning? Well, not quite! Living History offers a slightly different side to the Sealed Knot experience. It offers you the chance to meet and interact with the public, talking about life in the seventeenth century, and showing people how it might have been.

So, how do you do it?

Well, if you just fancy trying it for the day, you dress in your kit, making sure that you leave your modern accoutrements in your plastic tent, and you come down to the Living History encampment and meet the public. Bring your weapon, your lunch, whatever, just come down and have a chat with the public.

So, you have been down to the camp for a few musters, but you want to really get stuck in. What else can you do?

Well, you can always get hold of an authentic tent, or borrow one for your first few outings. You might want a table, a couple of stools, maybe some sheepskin rugs to chuck around the place. If you want to try a spot of cooking, you will need some fire irons, cups, bowls and things, but we are getting ahead of ourselves here.

Our members represent a wide cross section of society and we have people of all ages taking part. Some come for a drink and a laugh and some because of the history. But many because there is nothing quite like escaping reality and having a good time with friends. There is such a mixture of personalities that we feel that anyone can fit in!

Many regiments draw their members from a single locality, but although Hoghton's originated in the Lancashire, we now have members all over the country with concentrations in Lancashire, the Midlands and the South West.

At musters it is a very friendly environment, with the different regiments camping in their own little section so you are always with the people you know.

A beer tent (alcohol had to come into it somewhere!) is nearly always located on the camp site often with a live band, and this is where most people gather on the evenings (if they don't go to the local pubs). Alternatively we quite often gather around a regimental camp fire.

Are families encouraged to join?

Yes, there are many families in the Sealed Knot. Twenty years ago the membership tended to be young single people, but of course now they have families of their own, which they bring to meetings, making the Sealed knot a very family orientated society.

So Hoghton's is the regiment for you? You won't be disappointed!

If you are interested in joining us please contact us for more information:

To email: click here

To contact Virginia Carroll

Phone:  (01954) 212993

3 Strympole Way, Highfields, Caldecote, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 7ZJ