Newcastle's Regiment of Foote:
Wentworth Castle

A very warm welcome to all of those who came to see us at Wentworth Castle last weekend!
For eveyone who couldn't make it - you missed a real treat...

Newcastle's Foote are members of the Sealed Knot, re-enacting a the lives and battles of a Royalist regiment during the English Civil War.

At Wentworth Castle we put on a mini battle (our large battles have 1000+ poeple on the battlefield) and a living history camp (authentic tented campsite, with 17th century crafts and games). A review and picture gallery can be found below.

We hope you enjoyed Wentworth Castle but have you considered giving it a try yourself? If so, more information and contacts can be found below.

A review of this event will be posted shortly...

Click here for a gallery of pictures from this event. Many thanks to those who have contributed pictures for the gallery!

There are many roles within our regiment, with something for everyone to try.

For those who wish to take part in the battle, there are several choices: Pike (16-18 foot pole, traditionally with a metal dagger-like tip though our fighting pikes use imitation safety tips), Musket (a gun, loaded with gunpowder and some wadding), Musician (drum beats co-ordinate the battle) or a water carrier (keeping the troops topped up wuth water on hot days, an excellent way to experience the battle without taking part in the fighting).

Off the battlefield there are other roles, such as living history (crafts and 17th century living within an authentic camp), apprentices (a chance for 12-15 year olds to try the use of smaller dummy weapons, from the age of 16 you can go on the battlefield with parental consent), games for young children.

There is also a strong social side to being part of the regiment - getting away from home to meet up with friends at fantastic places all our the county (or as far as you wish to travel). Off the field, the Newcastle's camp is a hub of entertainment, as is the beer tent (with plenty of real ales) if that is your 'thing' (no problem if it isn't). There are also regular events, at Sealed Knot events and separately - feasts, parties (including fancy dress themes), tug-of-war competitions, or just a quiet cocktail hour and many more.

Finally, some misconceptions:

• We do not camp in cold, damp, windy tents. Our members normally camp in modern tents within a secure campsite, except for a few living history stalwarts.
• You do not have to immediately go out and buy clothing and equipment. We have a number of spares that we can lend you so you can try it out without commitment.
• You do not have to be a history buff. Although several of our members have developed a deep interest and knowledge of the history of our regiment and the English civil war, many started out knowing nothing. We are, of course, more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
• You do not have to be able to sew. At larger events there is a "traders row" within the campsite, where you can buy most of the clothing and equipment we use (though several of our members do make their own).

We love what we do and we hope that you would too. If you are interested or want to know more then scroll down for some contact information and explore the rest of this website.

If you want some more information then please contact our Publicity Officer Kate:

Email: kate.newcastles@yahoo.co.uk

Phone: (01179) 866 641

Address:
44d Minsmere Road, Keynsham,
Bristol, BS31 1PY

Or if you come from the area, Simon and Tig are a bit more local (Rotherham) and would be happy to take a call:

Phone: (0114) 2454 982

You can see more people from our regiment on our contacts page - click here to jump to the main contacts for the regiment.