Types of Event

John Bright's Regiment of Foote

Part of the Roundhead Association in the English Civil War Society

Whilst there are several types of event we can stage, there is no such thing as an ‘off the peg’ event package that we will undertake for you. Each event is the result of discussions with you to gain a real understanding of what it is you want included; the numbers involved, the type of event, cost and also taking into consideration the location where the event is to take place. Clearly, we cannot promise to stage a major battle in an area which could not safely accommodate one.

This said, most events fall into one of the following categories:-

The School Visit

A small number of members, dressed in full 17th century clothing and fully equipped for a civilian or military role (depending upon your requirements) will visit the school and give a brief presentation to those classes for whom the visit was organised, or possibly to the whole school (depending on size). After the talk pupils may handle replica 17th century items including weapons and the presenter will answer any questions they have. This phase can last some time as the pupils are usually full of queries and comments on what they’ve seen.

Living History

The aim of a Living History event is to portray a small military encampment of the 1640s in as accurate a manner as possible.

This usually involves an officer’s tent, some soldiers’ tents and a kitchen area. Military equipment will be on display or in use and members of the public are encouraged to interact with the officers, soldiers and civilians who will be happy to demonstrate the use of equipment and answer any queries they may have.


	The Living History usually lasts all day but may be suspended if a drill display or small skirmish is to be included in the event. Of course, if the environment is suitable, the Living History can be conducted indoors.

The Drill Display

A Drill Display will require an arena large enough to allow the safe discharge of muskets and, if included, cannon; surrounded by double barrier with a gap between two ropes of 3 metres. In this area, the Regiment will display the drill of the various arms of the infantry – the pike, the muskets, the drums and the cannon. The display usually takes
20-30 minutes. If the cannon is used, extra space will be required to ensure public safety.

The Skirmish

The skirmish usually lasts 30-40 minutes and involves the recreation of a small fight between opposing forces. Depending on your specifications and, of course, space restrictions this can involve all arms including muskets, pike, artillery and even horse. It is not unusual for a skirmish to be combined with a living history at an event with the campsite acting as a fantastic backdrop to the action.

The Weekend Event

The most spectacular event we stage is the large battle with cannon roaring, horse galloping about the field searching for weakness in the enemy’s lines and musket and pike meeting face to face in combat. In common with the skirmish, this is often combined with a Living History and a drill display. Due to the scale of the battle, this is the most costly to arrange and requires a very large area but it is a memorable and thrilling event for entertaining large numbers of public. The large battles are usually set over the weekend (or Bank Holiday) with battles scheduled for two days.


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