Who Will You Be?
Your role, your choice!
The Military Regiment...
The Regiment is structured along the lines of a Company of Soldiers during the Civil War period run by the Captain, a Lieutenant and an Ensign (the man with the flag). These officers are supported by Sergeants who are responsible for training and discipline within the ranks of soldiers. There is certainly no bar to women being soldiers and Devereux’s proudly boast a good number of female troops, also referred to as “Bobs” for those Black Adder fans amongst you.
The Two types of Soldiers...
As a new recruit you have a choice of type of soldier, there are pike and shot, two very different roles with their own unique skills
The Pike
The pike are the heavy infantry, generally wearing body armour and a helmet, carrying a basic sword and wielding a 16ft long pike designed to protect them and the musketeers from cavalry charges as well as dealing with the enemy’s pike.
Although you do need an element of co-ordination and strength to be in the pike, it is relatively quick to train you to a basic rudimentary level and a lot of new recruits start life in the pike division.
The Musket
The shot or musket divisions are the offensive infantry who do the most damage to the enemy. They carry a matchlock musket (and yes they are real guns) which are fired using black powder that the musketeers carry on a belt slung over their shoulder.
Less physical than the pike, this is a more complicated and technical role requiring a good deal of training prior to being allowed to fire live within the division. However extensive training based on the drill manuals of the time ensures you will be able to do so as quickly as possible and importantly in a safe manner!
Going forward if you do decide to stay with the musket and once you have received your training you will need to apply for both a black powder certificate and a shotgun licence from your local Police.
Living History...
Civilian life in the 17th Century was very structured and we aim to be able to present a wide range of scenario’s to the public.
If you don’t have a clear idea of the type of role you might want, come along to an event and spend time with a number of existing members to see what interests you - it's probably the best starting point!
The living history roles that existing members currently portray include:
The Sutlery and Kitchen Team
The Sutlers, the equivalent of a corner shop that followed the army selling just about everything and anything. In support of the Military camp Devereux’s boast an excellent field kitchen team who prepare period food, cooked over an open fire in an authentic manor. The team are always looking for help as many hands make light work and again this is for anyone, male or female who has an interest in historical cooking.
The Surgeon
If the gore and horror of old medical practices is your thing, perhaps you may want to be a Surgeon! Paid for by the officers a surgeon would tend to the well being of the officers and sometimes the troops. Learn all about the weird and wonderful operations and ailments!
The Crippled Cock Inn
The Crippled Cock Inn, similar to the Sutlers, sells alcohol, tobacco and things slightly low brow! Often camp followers who were often trying to make ends meet, they allowed for the soldier to have a jolly old night indeed!
Laundry
Specialising in the authentic manufacture of soap and cleaning products as well as washing clothes for the officers.
The Grave Digger
...just in case the surgeon can't sort things out.
The Gardener
A great opportunity for a horticulturist to portray a 17th Century gardener (at household events).
Camp followers
Generally made up of the wives and partners of the soldiers along with their children, these people often offered domestic help to the army.
The Midwife
An important role, supporting the camp followers in their time of need...
If you have a skill or an interest come along and lets discuss how we can develop it and build it into our display! Alternatively, if you can't wait until the next event, check out our blog & resource centre here for more info on what we get up to!
