Who We Are

We are a group of enthusiasts who come together to recreate an English Civil War harquebusier or 'Ironside' troop in order to educate and entertain the public. We also field a troop of First World War 16th Lancers, and are regulaly asked by other groups to play the part of Napoleonic cavalry. We work with many different organisations, are well respected in the re-enactment world and are often asked to take part in filming.

Of many ages and from all walks of life, many, but not all members have their own horses and take part in activities ranging from dressage and endurance to hunting and eventing. We also have members who are working on their riding skills prior to riding as Ironsides, many of whom may be found amongst the ranks of our dragoons. There are a number of differing roles within the regiment, and whilst some members like to specialise, others enjoy the variety of doing a bit of everything.

Ironsides

The Ironsides are the mainstay of the regiment and portray a troop of harquebusiers (light cavalry), which were colloquially known as Ironsides, in both battles and arena displays. To ride with the Ironsides a high degree of horsemanship is needed. Riding a horse in 'battle' is hard work and unlike any other sort of riding experience, and all Ironsides are thoroughly tested before being allowed on the field. They are also trained to handle a sword and fight whilst mounted, and will be expected to be able to follow orders and maintain formation during a battle. A few members are also trained to fire carbines (short flintlock muskets) from horseback.

Dragoons

Dragoons were mounted infantry used for supporting the cavalry and harrying the enemy. Dragoons are competent riders (if not to the degree of the Ironsides) and need to react quickly to a wide variety of commands, both on foot and mounted. They take part in mounted and dismounted displays, ride onto and off the battlefield and fight on foot both alongside the cavalry and independently. They are taught to use musket and sword safely. The Dragoons provide a useful home for cavalry troopers at smaller musters where there are no horses or not enough available, and give riders a chance to bring their skills up to the standard required by the cavalry, as well as being a challenging and fun role in their own right.

Horses

Whether supplied by specialised stables or owned by members, much is demanded of Waller's horses and we try to ensure that they enjoy being transported back to the Seventeenth Century as much as we do. They need to be quite literally bombproof, and to respond quickly to neckreining and other aids, as well as being confident about the very close proximity of excited horses and people.

Living History

At most musters there is a Living History camp where people live totally in the Seventeenth Century and demonstrate the crafts and pastimes of the period. Waller’s has a strong Living History element and this is a role that can be taken as well as, or instead of, the combatant roles. We cook meals, look after the horses, and sometimes provide a household for period houses. Those who have a penchant for spinning, cooking stew, making musket balls or simply talking to the public find a home in Living History, and, of course, women and children make a very valuable contribution.