Nantwich 2019 – A new Pikeman’s view.

What a brilliant day! I had high hopes for my first battle with Newcastle’s Regiment, but even they were surpassed by the friendliness and camaraderie of everyone I met. Plus the battle felt truly epic -friends who saw the pics said it looked like a movie! I joined up by myself (and didn’t know anyone!), but was never without people to talk with, and had some great conversations throughout the day.

I was loaned pretty much the full uniform, and soon looked and felt every inch the 17th century soldier. The march through the packed town centre made you feel like a celebrity – and even with just basic pike training, I managed to stay in line without dropping it or snagging a telephone wire.

Lining up for battle, with hundreds of reenactors, it was very exciting. Our pike block felt solid and ready for action after marching together. I was very glad for the core of long serving and confident troops.

Then it was time to attack – I’ll be honest, I was surprised (but happily!) just how physical the actual fighting was – all bunching up and smashing into another regiment of pikemen, then shoving until one side was pushed back (or someone fell over). The anticipation of the collision, and then shoving or being shoved was like your favourite team sport, but better! Muskets were firing on either side, through the smoke I don’t even remember seeing the crowd.

Parliament may have taken the day back in 1644, but we certainly felt like we had the better of it in 2019.
In the evening we all went for a meal, and I got a chance to speak with other members who I hadn’t met on the field, or in the pub or town earlier. Everyone was lovely, and it was great to finish the night piled in a hotel room, still chatting – it was like a work Christmas party, but with more interesting people!

I have signed up for the year and will go to every event that I possibly can, I have a new best hobby. If you like history, dressing up, team activities, having a laugh and socialising, then you’ll love Newcastle’s Regimente of Foote. Yeah, I still ache 3 days later, and I was ready to play dead after about 40 minutes of back and forth, but I’d do it all again tomorrow!

Ben on the march thru’ Nantwich – Thanks to Photos by ABN

If like Ben, you’ve been thinking about giving re-enactment a go, head to our Joining Us page to find out how to get involved and make being a Newcastle your new venture for 2019.

The Siege of Newark, Nottinghamshire: 23rd & 24th June

As the Heatwave continued to scorch Britain, Newcastle’s turned up in relatively large numbers to Devon Park, Newark once again on the Friday afternoon and started to set up camp ready for what turned out to be a great weekend.

The advantage of going back to Newark again is having knowledge of the area and what to expect at the event. We were able to set up camp easily if a little squished in and get straight to the important things such as catching up with friends, having a few drinks and eating!

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375 Edgehill, Warwickshire: 23rd & 24th September 2017

Last weekend we all headed to the beautiful grounds of the Compton Verney Estate, just outside Kineton in Warwickshire for the first of our 375th Anniversary events, which you’ll see more and more of over the coming years. This weekend it was to re-enact the Battle of Edgehill which happened on the 23rd October 1642.

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Helmsley Castle, Yorkshire: 12th & 13th August 2017

After the success of our event at Kenilworth Castle in May, and to repay the favour that our friends in Lisles regiment had done by coming to help out again and play our enemy once more, it was time for Newcastle’s to come and do their bit at Lisle’s own event at Helmsley Castle in North Yorkshire and what an excellent weekend it was!

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Charlton Park, Wiltshire: 27th – 29th May 2017

Late MayBank Holiday events are always a major affair for the society and having only seen each other 4 weeks previously at our event at Kenilworth, it was lovely to see each other again so soon.

The Wiltshire location was beautiful and the battle took place in front of the house and we had to cross the estate’s private air strip to get from our campsite to the field!

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