Pikeman

John Bright's Regiment of Foote

Part of the Roundhead Association in the English Civil War Society

Being a PIKEMAN

The Pikemen are the mentally challenged members of the regiment. Anyone who will believe that it is honourable and wise to face one's enemies with only a sixteen foot long lump of wood can't be all there.

These gallant gentlemen who trail the pike take part in the more physical size of this hobby. Pike fighting comes in two distinct forms; The Pike press, can best be described as a 40 man rugby scrum with large sticks. It has also been described as "40 men charging at each other in a vain attempt to avoid brain damage."
More and more the requirement to perform more authentic forms of combat mean the Pikeman has to become an "actor", displaying aggression and violence without actually hurting anyone. This form of "dramatic" presentation can be as rewarding as the physical stuff.

The pikeman, because of his onerous duties, wears armour consisting of a back and breast plate set and a Morion helmet. His pike is usually 14 to 16 feet in length and the pikeman must practice long and hard to master the control of such an awkward and unwieldy weapon.

However, despite all the jokes about lack of brain cells, and stories of tremendous beer swilling capacities, it is within the pike block that the true comradeship of combat is born. These gallant brethren have a friendship forged in the heat of battle. There is nothing a pikeman will not do for another member of his own pike block, unless it involves lending money or buying a beer.


	If you enjoy the physical type of sport and like the idea of competitive combat whilst still feeling pride in the fact that your dress, drill and manoeuvring are authentic; then the pike block is the place for you.


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