Recent Events

 

Kimbolton Castle, Cambridgeshire, 18 July

Awaiting report.

 

 

 

 

 

Wolverhampton Show, 10/11 July

An invitation from Gilbert Houghton’s regiment of Foote to the Wolverhampton Show dad two owner-riders in attendance. A small cavalry camp representation was set up in the Living History area for the weekend with Tara and Bess occupying the paddock. Over the two days the whole area was open the public with many other things going on all around the park. Throughout the days Houghton’s and the cavalry performed drill displays in the small arena. A skirmish took place each day with each owner-rider taking opposite sides.

As the Royalists won the skirmish, the rascally Roundhead trooper was bought off with a handsome bribe to join the King’s cause.

The horses proved very popular again and enjoyed all the attention.

A very good weekend and thanks to Houghton’s for the invitation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Westonzoyland 3/4 th July - This mini muster centred around the battle of Sedgemoor (Monmouth Rebellion 1685) saw several members of Waller's in attendance. This gave us an opportunity to use our new Oxford Blues uniforms (Royal Regiment of Horse Guards).

Since the last use at Colchester last year, improvements have been made and gold lace has been added to housings, cloths and carbine slings. Six horses were booked including two owner-riders for a film shoot on the Saturday and the battle on the Sunday.

Saturday morning had the troopers cleaning and polishing leather and brass to do justice to a prestigious regiment. Looking very smart, we rode to the battlefield along with the Foot Guards and Rebels for a film shoot. For the battle on Sunday, the six were split into threes (three Horse Guards and three Rebels). Those taking the role of rebels had the Oxford uniforms under cassocks so a quick change could be performed after the opening scenario. A very hot day with long woollen coats and armour under cassocks was a very tiring. A quick change and all six were now Royal Horse Guards.

The skirmish was short and fierce.

Our new kit was very well received by the other regiments and hopefully we may get more chances to show it off.

Boscobel House, Shropshire, 13-19 June - This is the 9th visit for us to Boscobel House. Rob, Deb, Bess and Tara, along with Colonel Richard Bagot's Regiment of Foot set up for the annual School Week. Throughout each day various schools attended the Living History camp for talks on various aspects of Civil and Military life during the Civil War. Tara and Bess were as usual very popular with the children. Each of the classes had one “volunteer” to be dressed up in cavalry attire, however this time some of the children were too small for the kit. This gave the opportunity for one of the teachers to be “volunteered” much to the amusement of the class.

At the end of each day, food was served alfresco in theLiving History area cooked over the campfire. The lads then did the washing up.

Tara and Bess know this as their holiday retreat and enjoy all the attention.

May this event continue next year.

Army of Parliament Training Weekend, Naseby, 1-3 May

Jennie with JJ represented Waller's for the training weekend. One highlight was the Lord General riding JJ for part of a tourist promo film. JJ, of course, behaved perfectly.

There was a skirmish in which Jennie and JJ took part for the purpose of some of the foot getting used to how to react to horse on the field.

Several other members of Waller's were in attendance as spectators.

 

Littlecote House, 24/25 April - This was a return visit to Littlecote (home of ECW Cavalry Commander Alexander Poppham) for theowner-riders following an invitation from Lord Robarte's Regiment of Foote.

The weekend took on the same theme as last time with the scenario of Littlecote at war. The 101st Airborne (Screaming Eagles) were once again present to represent the WWII element.

A living history camp was set up with theowner-riders present throughout the day.

The day started with both ECW and WWII re- enactors marching to the front of house to give salute then returning to their own areas. Theowner-riders performed a drill display with a demonstration of weapons, a show and tell and then took part in a skirmish. The 101st then took to the arena for a noisy assault.

At end of the day the salute was taken at the front of house.

Another successful weekend which may well see us there again for a larger event. Thanks to Robarte's for the invitation.

Grange School, Banbury, 12 March - Jennie took JJ along to Grange school to join up with Lord Robartes Regiment of foot.

Edgehill Battle Memorial Service, 25 October

A Waller's owner-rider led the parade at theis annual memorial service in Warwickshire.

 

 

 

 

York, 29-31 August

The last time Waller’s were at York was May 1985 so this return visit has been a long time coming. The event was a depiction of the Battle of Marston Moor, and the weekend turned out to be very busy especially on the Sunday. After kit inspection and horse allocation we mounted for the Lord General’s Parade followed a brief while later by our First and Last display. The 16 th Lancers and Ironsides took to the field for a general display of drill and skill of arms and there was also a musical ride by the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry. The battles were fast and furious with Waller’s ever in the fray taking two colours from Newcastle’s Regiment.

On the Sunday, there was our regular our after battle tea and cake followed by the regimental AGM. The members showed passion and tolerance in the face of change and there was good feedback from other units.

All in all a very good weekend.

 

Weston-Super-Mare, 8/9 August

This Major muster was unusual as the battles were fought on the beach. Waller’s had a good compliment of riders in attendance. The downside was it was a long way from the campsite to the muster point near the beach.

Two Waller’s owner-riders spent the weekend camped with the Living History area (100 yards from the beach). Tara and Bess loved the attention from the public and got into the holiday spirit, as did their owners.

The rest of Waller’s travelled each day to the muster point near the beach to mount up ready for the march and battle. The armies marched along the beach to the battle site where a large sand platform had been built with a moat. (Filled up when the tide came in). Cannons were deployed on the platform and the battle was fought in front. Waller’s held the day on both days but had to hold back during the final stage when the platform was stormed.

A busy event for all and the weather, for once, was sunny.

Colchester Military Festival, 18/19 July

A return visit to this prestigious multi period event, hosted by the Parachute Regiment and organised by Event plan, saw Waller’s in three guises. This time we had use of both arenas for displays and a skirmish based on the events of Colchester in 1648. On both days Waller’s performed displays of Ironsides troopers along with Pike and Musketeers, plus our new impression of The Royal Regiment of Horse Guards 1685 (Oxford Blues) with the 1 st Foote Guards and WWI 16th Lancers / FANYs.

The days started with the Lancers performing drill and skill at arms and the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry performing a musical ride. Next were the Restoration soldiers of James II including the Oxford Blues. The First Foot Guards carried out a display of arms and the Oxfords stood for a show and tell to the public then fired Carbine and Pistol. Last came the Ironsides for a show and tell. The days ended with Waller’s taking to the field as both Parliament and Royalist troopers in the main arena along with regiments of the Sealed Knot for a skirmish. The Saturday battle finale was spectacular with the Paras jumping out of Helicopters in an air assault into the main arena. Noise and mayhem ensued. Our owner rider horses (Tara, Bess, JJ and Banner) just stood and watched as though it was all normal to them.After the arena was cleared, the massed army bands and all participating re-enactment groups entered for the parade and 1812 overture massed gun firing.

The event was yet again a great success and resulted in a return invitation for 2011.

Powys Castle, 20/21 June

Overall a very good week again except for the very cold wind blowing across from the Wrekin.

Wentworth, 13/14 June

Saturday, a lovely sunny, hot day (just what you want when you are standing around all day in armour!) I tacked Hercules up on our yard and set out on the 20 minute hack up the hill to the event. Once we got there I untacked Hercules, and left his tack on display, and he took up fussing position on the edge of the camp where he grazed, was loved and ate left over apple cores (although some of them were more like half eaten apples!) all day. As usual he was a good as gold, let people stroke him and fuss him and he stole the show. The organisers, were very pleased to see him, the main organiser loves horses and thinks that Herc is brilliant. Towards the end of the day there was a short parade in which we took part. This was Herc's first experience of drums outside the comfort of his own stable yard, and he handled it like a professional. Then it was time to go home for a well-deserved feed and hay net.

Sunday, an equally sunny day, Stacey took Herc up instead of me as I had arranged to run Race for Life before Wentworth had been finalised. It was reported back that he was equally well behaved and drew even more of a crowd. He also experienced shooting at a distance, as when Stacey arrived they were just finishing off the morning display and he didn't bat an eyelid.

 

 

Training/Fun Weekend, Yorkshire, 6/7 June

Littlecote House, 25/26 April

16L Training, 5 April

Awaiting report, but here is a short video:

Regimental Training, Windsor, 28 March.

Awaiting report, but here is a short video:

Regimental Training, Yorkshire - 6 December.

Everybody arrived cold but keen to get on with things. We started with a dismounted sword school to get warmed up, then moved on to fire-arms practice, again dismounted. This gave the members who don’t usually get the chance to fire carbines/pistols the opportunity to familiarise themselves with gunpowder and the safe use of it. We then mounted up and after warming up the horses we practiced close quarter drill. We went on to practice mounted sword drill, cabbage chopping, lance work and tent pegging. For a finale we all had a go at firing muskets/pistols whilst mounted. The horses all behaved very well and all the riders remained where they where supposed to be. When we had put the horses away we retired to the barn for a welcome cup of tea and debrief.

In the evening we had a mini-banquet, good food, good wine, good company and a real log fire!! What more could one want?

The training was hard but the everyone agreed it was well worth it, with everything necessary being covered.. Socially it was an equal success and everyone agreed that we should use these facilities more often.

Edgehill Battle Memorial Service and Skirmish, Warwickshire - 19 October. Awaiting report and photograph.

Training and Event at Escrick, Yorkshire - 20/21 September.

On Saturday afternoon, we began our training session with some dismounted pistol and carbine practice. We then mounted up for some target practice with swords and hoops and practiced some drill. Finally we set about firing pistols and a carbine from horseback.

On Sunday morning we travelled over to Escrick Park where we were booked for a corporate event to promote the opening of some holiday chalets. Apart from a couple of parades, our main jobs were to take part in a cameo as mounted escorts for King Charles and to perform a half hour display in the afternoon.

For the display, four of us were mounted. It went very well indeed and provoked an excellent reaction from the spectators. We started with a “show and tell” of the weapons of a trooper and then proceeded with a skill at arms demonstration with cabbages and hoops. After this we went straight into a firearms display. We then finished with some drill and of course, a couple of good charges.

Our hard work was well received and we even had some fun along the way!

 

Chirk Castle, Wrexham -  20/ 21 September.

Many thanks to Owen’s for once again inviting us to this mini event set in the beautiful surroundings of the National Trust property of Chirk Castle.

The afternoon started off with a mounted scout charging into the castle and warning of the approaching enemy troops, which took the visitors completely by surprise with the clatter of hooves breaking the peace of the castle. At around 2pm, the gates being shut moments before two riders arrived demanding the surrender of the castle. The castle refused, so preparations for battle were commenced.

Before the actual skirmish took place we presented a short display explaining all our different kit and weapons and how to use them, including firing carbines from horseback along the crowd line and some of our drill manoeuvres around the field.

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

The skirmish started with the cavalry attacking the advance party from the castle and being repelled, before the main army arrived to attack the castle. It was a hard fought battle, but each day ended with the defeat of the Castle and the enemy troops taking up residence in the castle.

The weather was superb for the weekend, with a record number of visitors.

 

Ely, Cambridgeshire -   6 September

August Bank Holiday 2008, the Society's 'show piece muster' saw the Regiment in action at Belvoir Castle near Grantham in Lincolnshire. Most of the troops arrived Saturday morning and busied themselves 'setting up'. By 4:00 pm the majority of us were enjoying what is becoming a bit of a tradition within the Regiment, a glass or two of the C.O.'s 'turbo charged Pimms'.

Civil War Weekend, Compton Verney, Warwickshire - 14/15 June 2008.

The weekend saw three of Waller's Owner Riders in action at the beautiful setting of Compton Verney in Warwickshire. We started the battle each day as Parliament, riding in at speed and shouting warnings to the soldiers that the Royalists forces were close by. We then had to disappear from the field, do a quick sash change and then ride back on with the Royalist Army to attack the defending Parliamentarian soldiers.

During the two days, Rob and Jennie both managed to get a large number of shots off from their carbines, and Deb with her pistols, taking the foot by surprise as we have not had this amount of firepower per horse before with only three horses.

It was a good opportunity to work/socialise closely with the foot, both on and off the battlefield, and our efforts were well noted by both sides. We even managed to split a musket block the first day, which made them work a lot harder the second day to prevent it happening again.

The Battle of Naseby, Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire - 3-5 May 2008.

Kelmarsh Hall was a three day event sponsored by the Sealed Knot depicting the Battle of Naseby; Cromwell's victory. Each of the three days was split into three sections of action for Waller's Horse. This enabled us to rest tired horses, as not all horses were required for each section.

First was the Cavalry Through the Ages Display with drill manoeuvres and a display of uniforms and the weapons consisting of 2 x 1642 Cuirassiers, 2 x 1645 Ironsides, 2 x 1685 Monmouth Troopers, 1 x 1745 Trooper, 1 x 1815 Heavy Dragoon, 2 x WW1 16th Lancers and 2 x WW1 F.A.N.Y.s. For the second section we were portraying Ireton's horse. The Royalist Horse (Rupert's Lifeguard) attacked and we were forced from the field under cover of dragoon fire from the hedgerows. Then for the third and final section we were Cromwell's Horse who broke the Royalist foote and drove them from the field, finally taking a colour and parading it along the crowd line. Waller's were every bit the Ironsides.

This was a good fun, but very hard work weekend for all involved.

Harvington Hall, Worcestershire - 25/26 May 2008.

Rob and Deb were invited to attend a small Living History event by Col Richard Bagot's Regiment. The time was May 1642 and the household were preparing for possible conflict. Our role was that of ostlers gathering up horses and riders to form a troop of horse. (Royalist as the occupants were for the King). It seems few visitors were willing to attend the King's cause which was good, myself and Deb being spies for Parliament.

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

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

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

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.