Colonel Richard Bagot hys Regiment of Foot
Raising the Standard of Re-Enactment

First and foremost we enjoy ourselves by re-enacting events and activities from one of the most important periods in British history.

Members of Colonel Richard Bagot’s Regiment do not only take part in the large scale battle re-enactments organised by the Sealed Knot. We also have quite a large living history section. For the past 25 years we have mounted a week-long living history for schools at Boscobel House near Telford.  We have also done smaller living history events at properties owned by English Heritage, the National Trust and privately such as Harvington House and Lodge Park.  We try to be more authentic (accurate in dress, accoutrements and demeanour) than many groups but we do not go all out for ‘total immersion’ as some do. If you are going to do a job do it properly but keep a sense of proportion!

As well as re-enactment, some of our members undertake research and study into the life and experiences of people in the period. We do this through normal ‘academic’ methods and practical testing for such things as cooking, manoeuvring and costume. This means that anyone who joins has a myriad of things that they can put their hand to.

Colonel Richard Bagot’s Regiment of Foote is an infantry regiment, as the name suggests, and people join us as soldiers (pikemen, musketeers or gunners), drummers or as civilians.

Pikemen are the principal ‘impact’ soldiers of the period. They wear armour and carry a pike - a pole 16-18 feet (5 metres) long, originally with a steel point.

Musketeers use muskets - smooth-bored guns modelled on those of the period. These are classed as shotguns, so  valid shotgun and explosives certificates are necessary.

Gunners are members of the artillery crew. The regiment currently owns a cannon and a mortar (the only one in the Sealed Knot) and are actively recruiting for more members to add to the gun crew.

Most of our members are happy to follow these roles onto the ‘authentic camp’, although some do the extra research and take on new characters such as the surgeon. Either way, when you join, help is given with getting your basic equipment together and getting you ready for the fray!

Weapons’ training is also provided, as is original drill instruction. Events vary from the village fete to the large battle with over 1000 combatants and are held roughly fortnightly throughout the summer, so while you are not expected to attend everything there is enough to keep you going should the desire take you.

If your interest is less military and more civilian, we have room for you, too. We have several members who perform only as civilians, whether at battles or in living history recreations, where we attempt to show the daily life and skills of the period.