Join
People join the Sealed Knot for a number of reasons - it's not just about the history!
Our Aim
The Society achieves its aims through battle re-enactments at different sites throughout the country. They are performed wherever possible on actual Civil War battlefields, which the Sealed Knot may well have been involved in preserving for future generations.The Society has long had a tradition of self-sufficiency in its membership and members equip themselves as per the roles they portray. Within regiments you will find a family atmosphere and people willing to help. Details of the arrangements for events are published in the society magazine "Orders of the Day" and each event has a camp site, supply of drinking water and toilet facilities. Often there are additional facilities such as beer tents, caterers, and evening entertainment.
Camping
Upon arrival members check in at the camp site entrance where the host regiment ensures that only members of the society are admitted, hand out any further information, and give directions as to where your friends and colleagues are camped.On the campsite you are free to come and go as you like; just make sure you have your membership cards with you if going off camp. At major battles there are Traders where you can buy kit and many other items, and also food vendors. Some regiments have parties and barbecues, the social side of the society being a major feature to members.
Organisation
The society is run and organised by volunteers. The governing bodies of the society are the Board of Directors and the Trustees of the Charity. The Board of Directors consists of a mixture of elected and Ex-Officio members appointed for the their particular skills and knowledge. Authority devolves from the Board of Directors for the administration of the society through the Army Commanders to the Tercio or Association Commanders for the organisation of the armies. The Society was set up by military men who have kept some military principles, so when you sign up you will be expected to follow a military command structureHow to join
If you have strong feelings about joining a particular regiment or unit, we can put you in touch with them, however it's a good idea to start out in a group local to you.For details on your local regiments click on the Armies link, alternatively contact us directly via our inquiry page:
About Us
The Sealed Knot is the oldest and re-enactment society in the UK, a registered educational charity, and the single biggest re-enactment society in Europe. Back in 1968 Brigadier Peter Young and a group of friends, following a garden party in cavalier costume to publicise the launch of Peter Young’s book on the Battle of Edgehill, came up with the idea of forming a period army – an idea that soon took off and within two years there were more than one thousand members of this Royalist Army. Now, in our 41st year, with the early addition of the army of Parliament and later the Army of Ireland and Scotland, our membership has grown to make us the biggest society in Europe. The aims of the Society are not to glorify war, but to honour those that died in the many battles of the English Civil War, and to educate the public about those wars, and also about the lives and times of people in that period.
The name of the Society derives from a group, which, during the Protectorate, plotted for the restoration of the monarchy. Here the similarity ends as the present society is NOT politically motivated and has no political affiliation or ambitions whatsoever.
What do we do?
The Sealed Knot brings history to life by staging events throughout the country all year round, offering a chance to experience at first hand the horrors of a nation at war with itself, as well as providing a glimpse of everyday life in those days. Our events vary in size: a major battle lasts for two or three days, often (but not always) over Bank Holiday weekends, and can see thousands of combatants taking to the field. At the other end of the scale, in small groups we visit schools at their request to give pupils a more hands-on approach to history by seeing us in costume, being able to ask us questions, and also handle some of the equipment we take with us. Pupils can learn about cookery, clothes, education and politics alongside the weapons and battle strategies in their own schools from people who have studied the period. We are sometimes invited to 'populate' historic buildings, to illustrate what life would have been like there in the 17th century. Between these, we have a number of other size events (for more details see our Events page), and if you’re not careful you may be pressed in to one of the armies!
Do you want to hear the roar of the cannon, the thunder of horses’ hooves, see thousands of soldiers clashing in battle, watch the displays of battlefield standards, smell the smoke of the musketeers and hear the beating of the drums? Or do you even want to be a part of it? For future musters see our Events page, to be a part of it, enlist now!
Events
The Sealed Knot take part in about 200 events a year. These vary from large battles with over 1,000 infantry, cavalry and artillery combatants to schools visits, battle field walks, talks and memorial serv1ces.
Events for 2012 include the following:
What type of events do the Sealed Knot perform?
Event list accurate at time of publishing, events may be subject to change.
Apart from Nantwich 2012 below are listed some of the previous events that the Sealed Knot have performed.
Battle of Nantwich
The 40th anniversary of the much loved commemoration of the Civil War siege and battle of Nantwich will take place in the town on Saturday 21st January 2012
There is a full day of events planned, starting at 9:30am and culminating with a Battle re-enactment at 2:00pm.
For more information and timetable visit www.hollyholyday.org.uk
Event Types
Holding Scotland for the King 1651
Stirling Castle
9th , 10th October 2010
It’s 1651 and Scottish royalists hold Stirling Castle, but for how long? The army of the English parliament, led by the highly capable General Monk has arrived on the plain below and is about to put the ancient fortress under siege.
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12 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. each day
For more information and tickets visit www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk
Past Events
Past Events
Royal Armouries Leeds
Cannon will boom, muskets will fire and the sights, sounds and smells of the 17th Century conflict come to life at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on 25th and 26th September.
The country's foremost museum of arms and armour will host the The Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote as they establish a historical encampment outside the museum.
Set during the military dictatorship of Cromwell’s Protectorate in 1655, the event sees the past come back to haunt a former Leveller as a detachment of New Model Army soldiers returns from Ireland and seeks revenge for his mutiny.
From 10am to 5pm, kids will be able to learn all about the people of the 17th Century, from the hard lives of Oliver Cromwell’s Roundhead veterans to the even harder existences of the women whose job it was to cook and clean - but be careful they don't catch the eye of the recruiting sergeant!
Visit the Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote Blog at earlofmanchesters.posterous.com or go to the Royal Armouries website at www.royalarmouries.org for more information about this event.
The Battle of Cheriton
The Battle of Cheriton Project Ltd presents the Sealed Knot at Cheriton in
Tickets can be ordered via the menu bar above
The Showmans Show 2011
Newbury Showground
19thth & 20th October 2011,
We at The Sealed Knot are currently planning our 2012 Season of events, and will be exibiting at the Showmans Show 2011, Newbury Showground.
Come and visit us in the Event Hire Association Marquee, either to discuss booking us for an event, or just if you want to find more about The Sealed Knot and our aims.
More about The Showmans Show can be found at www.showmans-directory.co.uk
For more info about the Event Hire Association, contact www.hae.org.uk
If you cant make it to the show, why not email us directly at events@thesealedknot.org.uk
Roles
There are many roles you can do, both military and civilian, for young and old – or simply for those that are interested in how we lived in the 17th century:
Pikeman
The basic infantry of the Civil Wars the pikemen are normally chosen from the tallest and strongest as they needed to be able to wield a sixteen foot pike effectively. They are formed into divisions and their primary purpose is to protect against attack by cavalry. They are also used against other infantry either to hold or to gain ground. Considered to be the 'queen' of weapons, many a gentleman is found in the ranks alongside the common soldier.Musketeer
At the forefront of military technology, the musket was considered to be a crude weapon unsuitable for gentlemen. However unlike pike or the longbow it replaced, to use a musket took little or no training, and when used in mass ranks could be devastating on the field of battle. At the start of the civil wars pike outnumbered musket 2 to 1. by the end it was the reverse. It is important to note that modern musketeers are highly trained skilled individuals, who undergo rigerous testing to ensure the safety of themselves and others when using the firearm in their hands.Sergeant
Like the modern army today, the sergeants role is to control the bodies of troops under the command of his officers. A sergeant can be identified by a sash tied around the waist, and by the use of a Halberd.Drummer
In the 17th century drummers were a significant part of an army. Their main function is to beat the orders on the field, which would otherwise not be heard in the noise of battle. They also beat while on the march to keep the soldiers at the same pace and were also important as go-betweens in parley.Ensign
Ensigns carry the regimental Colour, and are the most junior officers on the field. The Colour is the honour of the regiment, and is protected at all costs.Officer
There are many officers on the field of battle, from Lieutenant all the way up to General. Unlike the modern army there is no easy way to identify the rank of an officer, other than the cut of their clothes or the weapons they hold. Junior officers may carry a Partizan or other small polearm to denote their rank, and have a sash tied over one shoulder. More senior officers may carry a leading staff, simply a pole with ornate decoration.Artillery
Most artillery units of the period were specialist, mercenary companies who were hired in to control a very formidable weapon. The artillerists in the Sealed Knot today can be considered to be just as specialist, as it takes a great level of skill and practice to control a cannon on a battlefield. When used effectively field artillery could devastate a battle, and we take great care in ensuring these formidable weapons are used safely and responsibly.Cavalry
The cavalry units of the period were critical to the success of a battle. At edgehill in 1642 the ride of Prince Ruperts Horse was famous for shattering the parliamentarian lines, and carrying the day for the king. Many of the horses in the Sealed Knot are the property of their riders, and the horses thoroughly enjoy the experience of charging across an open battlefield.Civilian
There are many civilian roles in the Sealed Knot, and this is only limited by your imagination. Many of our members painstakingly research a craft or trade of the period, and portray these at our many Living History Displays.Non Historical Roles
Without the support of our members who choose not to fight, the Sealed Knot would not be what it is today. There are many things that you can do to contribute to the Society, and we are greatful to all those who donate their time for little or no reward.Sealed Knot Medical Service
The Sealed Knot Medical Service (SKMS) aims to provide full first aid cover for Sealed Knot members whilst they are at events. Made up of both professionals and volunteers, the SKMS can be seen on a Sealed Knot battlefield wearing their distinctive black tabards with a white cross. The only requirement we have to be a member of the SKMS is that you hold a relevant medical qualification, be it as simple as a current First Aid at Work certificate, and the willingness to sacrifice your personal time to the benefit of the society.Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to join?
A: 2011 Membership fees are as follows:
- Family - £46.50 (two adults and a maximum of four children. Each additional child is an extra £6)
- Single Parent Family - £31 (one adult and up to four children. Each additional child is an extra £6)
- Individual - £29 (aged 25 or over)
- Young Person - £23 (aged 18-24)
Under 18s not directly related to the SK member they have signed up with: a maximum of two non-related juniors can be added to a membership, at the cost of £6 each if under 16, or £10 if 16 or 17.
Half Yearly Membership information (From July 1st):
- Family £23.25 (two adults and a maximum of four children. Each additional child is an extra £6)
- Single Parent Family £15.50 (one adult and a maximum of four children. Each additional child is an extra £6)
- Individual £14.50 (aged 25 or over)
- Young Person £11.50 (aged 18-24)
There is also a £6 Admin Fee for new members, or members who have allowed their membership to lapse.
- Friends of the Knot (UK & Europe) £12
- Friends of the Knot (Rest of the world) £20
Friends of the Knot receive Orders of the Day but no membership card.
Q: Can I choose to be Royalist or Parliamentarian?
A: Yes you can. Most members join a local unit in their areas as they find there is more help and support, with virtually all areas in England and Wales covered by both armies. We also have Scottish and Irish regiments who fight alongside the main armies. It may be best to join an active local unit whatever its persuasion – if you find that you don’t ‘gel’ with your regiment, you can always transfer to another one at a later date. You will find that, from time to time, you end up fighting for the other side should numbers be short, which members are asked to accept with good grace!
Q: Is there a local unit near me?
A: With around 5,000 members in the Sealed Knot, it is unlikely that you will be far away from an active regiment or company. We would be pleased to advise you of the units in your area
Q: What uniform do I need to get started?
A: The regiment you join usually help by loaning some uniform for your first muster. You will need to buy a regimental doublet and breeches as soon as possible, as well as the basic kit of shirt, hose (long socks), and footwear. Other equipment and weapons will probably be loaned to you initially until you are sure what role you will take, although to carry a firing musket you will need to hold the correct licences from your local police force and pass our musket test. To carry a sword on to the battlefield you will also need to have passed a sword test. Swords are not primary arms which means you have to fight as another discipline, either pike, musket or artillery. There are some regiments with slightly different regulations, such as the cavalry and the Living History Group, so if you want to join one of these, it's best to check in advance what requirements they have.
Q: Will I have to make my own clothes?
A: No, not unless you want to. Everything you need, and more, is available from the traders who attend Traders Row at most events. These traders are all members of the Sealed Knot themselves, and do their best to help fellow members.
Q: Will I be expected to go to every event?
A: No. Some members, such as our overseas ones, may only attend one muster a year, but are just as welcome and just as much a member as somebody who attends a dozen or more events a year. Family, real life, work, travel and many other things influence the amount of musters people can attend, so there is no expected lower limit.
Q: How will I know when events are taking place?
A: The society publishes a magazine entitled “Orders of the Daye”, which is also available online. This gives full details of how to get to battles and what to expect when you get there (whether there are traders, a draft timetable etc), and any other society news. Most regiments have their own newsletter for sharing information including their own smaller local events.
Q: How old do I have to be to join?
A: To join as an Individual Member in your own right, you have to be 18 years old. However, 16-18 year olds can join with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Below 16 years you have to join as family members with a parent or parents, or legal guardian. No one under the age of 16 years is allowed on the battlefield.
Q: Are families encouraged to join?
A: We have plenty of families (after all this time, we now have generations who were ‘born in the Knot’, some of whose parents even met in the Knot!), but also have single people, single parents families, couples and extended families: there is no bar because of family circumstances, age or ability.
Armies
This is a guide to the structure of the Sealed Knot, for both army and non-army units. When people join the Sealed Knot they chose a regiment with friends in, or because it’s local to them. We do have some people who feel strongly about joining a particular side or regiment. In some cases, they are even a descendant of the person the regiment is named after.
Royalist Army
The Royalist Army is organised into five infantry tercios and a cavalry regiment. Each tercio consists of several regiments of foot. The army is commmanded by the Lord General - appointed by the King to command his field army. On field you will see the army command - the Lord General and his staff - send commands via runners to each tercio commander who order their troops accordingly. On occasion King Charles I commanded the army himself and at some re-enactments you may see the Royal Standard indicating the King is present. The following list shows the Regiments in each tercio.
Cavalry
- Prince Rupert's Lifeguard of Horse
- The King's Lifeguard of Foote (Kent, Oxfordshire, Birmingham, South Wales, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Sth Yorkshire, Lincolnshire)
- Sir Gervase Lucas' Company
- Sir Richard Molyneux's Company of Foote (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and Gwent)
- Colonel Richard Bagot's Regiment of Foote (Birmingham, Derbyshire, Hampshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and West Sussex)
- Sir Henry Bard's Regiment of Foote
- Prince Maurice's Regiment of Dragoones
- Colonel Sir John Owen's Regiment of Foote
- Sir Thomas Wentworth’s Regiment of Foote
- Sir Vincent Corbet's Coy
- Sir William Godolphin’s Regiment of Foote
- Sir Bevill Grenvile's Regiment of Foote
- Colonel Stephen Hawkins' Regiment of Foote
- Sir Marmaduke Rawdon's Regiment of Foote
- Sir Nicholas Slanning's Regiment of Foote
- Sergeant Major General Henry Tillier’s Regiment of Foote (Bristol, Devon, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gwent, Mid Glamorgan, South Glamorgan and West Glamorgan)
- Lord Strange The Earl of Derby's Regiment
- Colonel Charles Gerard’s Regiment of Foote
- Sir Gilbert Hoghton's Companie (Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Wiltshire
- Sir George Lisle’s Regiment of Foote
- Marquess of Newcastle's Regiment of Foote (East Riding of Yorkshire, Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, Oxfordshire, Somerset, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Dyfed, Powys, Ayrshire, Berwickshire, Dumfriesshire, East Lothian, Kirkudbrightshire, Lanarkshire, Midlothian, Peeblesshire, Renfrewshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire, West Lothian and Wigtownshire)
- Sir Thomas Glemham's Regiment of Foote (Durham, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, South Yorkshire, Tyne & Wear, West Yorkshire, Clwyd and Gwynedd)
- Earl of Northampton's Regiment of Foote (Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Greater London, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Clywd and Gwynedd)
- Earl Rivers’ Regiment of Foote (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Dyfed, Gwent, Mid Glamorgan, Powys, South Glamorgan and West Glamorgan)
- Prince Rupert's Blew Regiment of Foote (Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Greater London, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Suffolk and Surrey)
- Sir Henry Vaughan's Company (Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Clwyd, Dyfed, Gwent, Gwynedd, Mid Glamorgan, Powys, South Glamorgan and West Glamorgan)
Army of Parliament
The Army of Parliament is divided into four Brigades (or Associations), each made up of regiments, bands and dragoones. In addition there are two units that report directly to the Lord General. The Lord General heads the Army. He is assisted by his Staff, who range from the Chief of Staff to humble runners. The following list shows the regiments in each brigade:
Independant:
- Parliament Trayne of Artillerie (Derbyshire, Devon, Essex, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire)
- Sir William Waller's Regiment of Horse
- The Blew Regiment of the Cittie of London Trayned Bandes (Berkshire, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucestershire, Greater London, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Northamptonshire, Somerset, Surrey and West Sussex)
- The Earl of Essex Hys Regiment of Foote (Cheshire, Essex, Gloucestershire, Greater London, Greater Manchester, Hertfordshire and Staffordshire)
- Colonel Roberts Hammond's Regiment of Foote (Dorset, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire)
- Colonel Samuel Jones' Regiment of Foote (Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, London and the East Midlands)
- The Tower Hamlets Trayned Bandes (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Greater London, Hampshire, Kent, North Yorkshire, Oxfordshire, South Yorkshire, Surrey, West Midlands, West Sussex and West Yorkshire)
- Colonel John Birch's Regiment of Foote (Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, West Midlands, Worcestershire, Gwent, Mid Glamorgan, South Glamorgan and West Glamorgan)
- Sir Thomas Fairfax's Regiment of Foote (Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Mid Wales and Yorkshire)
- Sergeant Major General Phillip Skippon's Regiment of Foote (Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Greater London, Hertfordshire, Kent, Mid Glamorgan, South Glamorgan, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Glamorgan and West Sussex)
- Sir John Gell’s Company
- Lord Grey's Regiment of Foote
- Colonel John Hutchinson's Regiment of Foote
- Lieutenant Colonel John Lilburne's Regiment of Foote (Cumbria, East Riding of Yorkshire, Lancashire, Midlands, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Clwyd, Dyfed, Gwent, Gwynedd, Mid Glamorgan, Powys, South Glamorgan and West Glamorgan)
- Earl of Manchester's Regiment of Foote (Cambridgeshire, Greater Manchester, Hereford, Lancashire, Merseyside, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Worcestershire)
- Colonel John Pickering’s Regiment of Foote
- Lord Saye & Sele's Regiment of Foote (Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, West Midlands, South Yorkshire, Dyfed, Gwent, Mid Glamorgan, Powys and South Glamorgan)
- Colonel Thomas Ballard’s Regiment of Foote (Kent, Oxfordshire, Midlands, Clwyd, Dyfed, Gwent, Gwynedd, Mid Glamorgan, Powys, South Glamorgan and West Glamorgan)
- Sergeant Major General James Carr’s Regiment of Foote (Berkshire, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Gwent, Hampshire, Somerset, Warwickshire and West Midlands)
- Colonel John Dalbier's Bye Trayne of Artillerie
- Lord John Robarte’s Regiment of Foote (Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Isle of Man)
- Earl of Stamford's Regiment of Foote (Gloucestershire, Hereford, Worcestershire, Kent, Somerset, Suffolk, Dyfed and Powys)
- Colonel James Wardlaw's Regiment of Dragoones (Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Clywd and Gwynedd)
Army of Ireland and Scotland
The Army of Ireland and Scotland fights for either side depending on what part of the civil wars we are re-enacting.
- Colonel Hugh Fraser's Regiment of Dragoones (Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll & Bute, Berwickshire, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, Fife, Midlothian, Moray, Na h-Eileanan Siar, North Lanarkshire, Orkney, Perth & Kinross, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Shetland, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian)
- Colonel William Gordon's Regimente of Foote
- Colonel Thomas Laghtnan's Regiment of Foote(Durham, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Worcestershire, Isle of Man, Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone)
- Manus O'Cahan, His Own Regiment(Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Tyrone, Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow, Angus, Argyll & Bute, Berwickshire, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, Fife, Midlothian, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Perth & Kinross, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian)
Other
Operating seperately from the armies is:
- Sir Bernard de Gommes Companie of Pioneers & Fireworkers (all areas)
Non-Army Units
The Sealed Knot is not just made up of fighting regiments. There are several units that don't operate under a particular army, don’t fight, and recruit in all areas. These are:
- Friends of the Knot: This is a way for members to keep in touch who are, for whatever reason, unable to attend events as full members. Their membership includes access to the Members' Only website, and copies of the magazine Orders of the Day.
- Sealed Knot Living History Group: It is the aim of the Living History Group to give as accurate a portrayal of this period as possible. However, some things cannot be portrayed; the bad smells and sounds, the screams from the surgeons tent, the lack of latrines and hygiene; these and the like we prefer to leave to the imagination. However, visitors are welcome, indeed encouraged, to converse with the inhabitants of the camp to learn a little of some of the hardships that were endured. It should be understood that the common soldier would have slept in the hedgerows regardless of the weather, therefore the camp portrayed is one of comparative luxury and the status of the individuals would have been quite high in the army. Indeed, some will only be using the tentage as a receiving area whilst at camp and would possibly have arranged billeting in a local manor house sympathetic to their cause.
- Sealed Knot Medical Society (members are also part of a regiment).