Sir William Waller's Lifeguard of Horse

Recent Events

Regimental Training at Timbertops, Yorkshire - 20 April 2008

A regimental shakedown at a stables that often provides contract horses for us. Awaiting report.

Naseby March, Northampton - 12 April 2008

This event was mainly to drum up interest in our battle at Kelmarsh in a few weeks' time. The day started with bright sunshine, if a little cold, although once we had started marching we all warmed up.

We had three horses ridden by two Waller's and the Lord General of Parliament, with two other Waller's as ground crew and support. The day was a great success with plenty of Northampton's Saturday shopping crowd coming to say hello and finding out what we were doing.

Army of Parliament Training Weekend, Caldicot Castle, Monmouthsire - 22-24 March 2008

Our CO arrived Saturday afternoon with Tara and set up with two other owner riders from the Blew Regiment. Sunday started with a tryout session for the two new horses with a friendly infantry regiment. At around 12.30pm, we were asked to do a show and tell explaining the ECW cavalry to the visitors. This consisted of an explanation of equipment, attire and tactics of the cavalry.The afternoon saw a skirmish in which the Owner Riders took part. The new horses stayed the ground well but will need more training. Sunday morning was a chance to engage a foot regiment and help them learn how to safely attack and defend against horse. All in all, an interesting weekend and a good opportunity for a pre-season shakedown.

Edgehill Memorial Parade, Edgehill, Warwickshire - 21 October 2007

Waller's provided three owner rider horses for this event as well as supporting members on foot. Waller’s cornet was placed on the drumhead alter along with all the other regimental colours near to the memorial stone. The army chaplain from MOD Kineton lead the service.

Upton House Display, Warwickshire - 21 October 2007

After the memorial service on the Edgehill battlefield, the three owner riders (Rob, Deb and Jennie) and ground support of Carolyn and Phil travelled to the top of Edgehill to the National Trust property of Upton House to support the Royalist regiment of Sir Gilbert Hoghton's Regiment of Foote. Here we took part in an attack on the house on the front entrance drive, leaving plenty of hoof prints in the mown grass.

The cavalry, with the support of a few musketeers, took on the defending force from the house made up of muskets and pike. After a hard fought skirmish, the attackers finally killed all defending men and took their Colour, leaving the field as Victors.

Afterwards Wallers took the time to talk to members of the public who had stayed specially to watch the horses. As usual all the horses lapped up all the fuss and attention.

Mini Muster, Chirk Castle, Wrexham - 8/9 September 2007

Many thanks to Owens for inviting us to this mini event in the beautiful setting of the National Trust property and grounds of Chirk Castle.

The afternoon started of with a mounted scout charging into the castle and warning of the approaching enemy troops, closely followed by the portcullis being lowered before the arrival at speed of 2 riders demanding the surrender of the castle. Having refused to surrender, preparations for battle were commenced.

Before the actual skirmish took place we presented a short display explaining all our different styles of kit, weapons and how to use them, and then we showed some of our drill manoeuvres.

We provided five owner rider horses, which were split into Parliament and Royalist.

The skirmish started with the enemy force advancing up the hill towards the castle, firing cannons, and musket, at each other, before the pike and cavalry engaged. It was a hard fought battle, but each day ended with the defeat of the Castle and the enemy troops taking up residence.

Major Muster, Nantwich, Cheshire - 25-27 August 2007

August Bank Holiday this year, brought us all to Nantwich, for “The Big Battle”.

We had a good selection of horses from three different suppliers’, one of whom was able to step in at the last moment to help boost the number of horses for us. Thank you. It was greatly appreciated.

The displays on both days went well, with the Lancers now being boosted in numbers by two ladies in Nursing Yeomanry kit, who both looked fantastic. Well done on the continuing work of costumes and expansion to the Lancers and those of you that had to do some quick costume changes.

For the first fifteen minutes of the battles, Waller’s were Royalist and joined up with Rupert’s Horse. The attacks on the parliament centre worked well and with good communication and co-operation from all, the horse were driven off the field by the foot.

Waller’s then did a quick change of sash colour to resume our Ironside identity.

On both days battles we were spilt into two troops, with our troop having two owner rider horses that are only in there first year of battles, but who after getting over their initial shock/excitement, settled down to become the lead horses in our section. We had some good liaisons with some of the foot regiments who asked for our help, and at one point helped us put on a surprise attack for an enemy musket block.

After the summer of bad weather we have had, it was nice to see the sun shining for this weekend, our final big battle of the year.

Mini Muster, Croft Castle, Herefordshire - 11/12 August 2007

Sir William Croft (Phil), made three attempts to escape from the clutches of the Parliamentarian cavalry at Croft Castle in Herefordshire over the weekend, but each attempt ended in failure as he was killed as he got off his horse and tried to climb the wall to get back into his castle. The last time, he was shot in the back by our own CO, Rob, before we then attacked and killed their ensign and made off with the colour.

Phil’s new horse, Piper, looked fantastic in his kit and made a “very fast message carrier” on the first day, a story that will be told for years to come in the host foot regiment, I am sure!!!

The first day’s skirmishes were rounded off by a very civilised evening in the beer tent, with venison steaks and burgers, a Glenn Miller Style band and singer, and a beautifully mown lawn to relax on.

The battlefield was a wonderfully large estate field, with lots of large mature trees, a very large open area and excellent views over the surrounding countryside.

Many thanks to Houghton’s Regiment of Foote for inviting us and feeding us such lovely authentic food on the lunchtimes, while we were on horseback. Rob on Tara, was actually able to balance a plate of food on the front of his saddle and have a drinking vessel in his hand while leaving his other hand free to eat with. If Carolyn or I had tried that with our horses, they would have bent their heads round and reached the food I am sure, they were certainly eyeing up all the food as it was brought round to us, including the game pie.

Mini Muster, Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo - 4/5 August 2007

Gerard’s Regiment of foot invited owner-riders to Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo, south west Wales. As it was a long haul from the Midlands new members of Waller’s, Gareth and Bridget, kindly let us have use of horses from their nearby stables. The horses are normally used for musical ride displays and have not been in battle before so this was something very different for them.

Early Saturday morning, we hacked the three miles from the stable to Dinefwr Park. After a pre-battle display, the six of us chose which side to represent for the battle.

Sides chosen, the battle began. In places it was very fast but horse and riders coped very well with no problems. Post battle we stayed a while in the public area for some "meet the horses and riders".

Sunday was an easier day, as the horses were kept overnight at the park. Another display and battle ended a very good weekend. Many thanks to our new members for letting us use their horses.

"Conquest 2007", Shugborough, Staffordshire - 14/15 July 2007

This was a large scale event, with the Sealed Knot providing the centre piece of a multi-period spectacular, with a large re-creation of an action that occurred at Hopton Heath in 1643. The battlefield was directly in front of the impressive Shugborough House.

The weather was perfect on the Saturday and Waller’s fought hard and fast, making use of our good mounts and of our not inconsiderable skills against the Royalist cavalry and infantry. Although scripted to lose the battle, we took our leave of the battlefield in a dignified and collected manner, with our heads held high.

That evening was the regimental summer mess, with a fine spread enjoyed by all. The festivities continued into the night via a play written by the CO himself.

The Sunday’s battle was not without complication. After hours of continuous rain it was touch and go whether the cavalry could take to the field at all. The horse contractors were even moved to the car park, for fear of getting stuck in the mud. However the battlefield seemed to have stood up to the rain remarkably well, so with due care we went about the performance at a steady pace. Once again, Waller’s acted with the discipline and fortitude that characterises the regiment and put on another great show for an appreciative (yet smaller!) audience.

Colchester Military Festival 2007, Colchester - 16/17 June 2007

For this annual multi-period event we provided both Ironside and 16th Lancers displays, plus the guard for everyone in the re-enactors’ “plastic camp”.

It was hard work and very busy for us all, but it was good fun and extremely rewarding. Event Plan, the organisers, were well pleased with Waller’s input and hope to work with us again in the future.

The dedication and sheer professionalism of Waller’s showed through at every opportunity. To quote 'Colonel Bob' (who's seen and done it all), "That was the best Ironsides display I have ever seen."

The 16th Lancers performed two displays each day, so some of our troopers had to become quick-change artists as well, but they took it in their stride and simply got on with it.

Even the unpredictable weather could not dampen Waller’s spirit and determination as we showed the re-enactment world just what we are capable of.

Photos can be viewed here and here.

Regimental Training, Yorkshire - 13 May 2007

Waller's latest training event was held at Timbertops Equestrian Centre near Pontefract in Yorkshire. As this was primarily to rehearse for the Colchester event and to assess the horses that we will be using there, it was agreed that on this occasion we wouldn't need an infantry presence. It was also decided that full ironsides kit would be worn by the participants and C17th tack for the horses. This isn't the norm for training, but we were within sight of some public footpaths.

The Lord General of the Army of Parliament and his ADC were invited to help promote a clearer understanding of what we as cavalry are all about.

At 10.00 am we all mounted up and with the use of C17th commands we left the stable yard and rode in good order to the training area. After a 15 minute warm up session we then practiced the various drill manoeuvres that we use in our pre-battle displays, including cabbage-chopping, mêlées, close quarter drill and sword practice. As a bit extra we also practiced with lances.

We had a two-hour session that every one present enjoyed, and there were no injuries to riders or horses. There was a total of 13 horses used which, with the co-operation of the stable owner, gave the officers the opportunity to choose the six most appropriate horses to use at Colchester.

A long drive for most of us, but well worth the effort and the rain even held of until we had finished!

Army of Parliament Training Weekend, Elvaston Castle, Derbyshire - 7/8 April 2007

Awaiting report, but photos can be seen in the Miscellaneous Gallery.

Lord General's Banquet for the Army of Parliament, Denstone College, Staffordshire - 6 April 2007

Some of Waller's ladies having fun at the banquet A superb time was had by all, with drinks on the lawn followed by a great meal, a mummer's play (well done Rob!) and dancing.

Living History in Worcester 2007, Worcester Guildhall - 17 February 2007

An ironside and dragoon represented the regiment at this popular annual event which saw over 2000 members of the public visit the displays. Photographs can be seen here.

Regimental Training, Yorkshire - 4 February 2007

A training session with one of our regular horse suppliers with lots of useful swordwork and cabbbage-chopping.