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HOW DO I JOIN THE REGIMENT?

[At a banquet]

Welcome

So you're interested in joining the Sealed Knot? Congratulations, you've come to the right place! Charles Gerard's Regiment of Foote are a friendly bunch who will give you all the support you need to get started. You are welcome to join us, whatever part of the country you live in, we have members from the North to the South of England and throughout Wales!

Give it a go!

You may have first heard of us through the web, the media, friends, or been lucky enough to see a Battle, Display or Living History Encampment in action and are interested in having a go yourself. The good news is that when you join the regiment, you will have the opportunity to try all the various arms & activities before finding your niche. Roles are open to both men & women, and can include non-combatant roles. We welcome families to the regiment and the campsite provides an ideal environment for children to make friends. For under 16's, activities are arranged by the "Apprentices".

How do I join?

It couldn't be simpler, just click on the contact us and sign up link on the left and follow the instructions which include full details of prices and a downloadable membership form.

What shall I bring?

Pack your tent, sleeping bag and any other camping kit you want to bring and make your way to the Muster you have chosen to attend ("Muster" is the Sealed Knot term for a re-enactment weekend). It is important that you take your Membership Card with you as you will need this to gain admission to the site. Camping is free to SK members. You can expect basic facilities like: chemical toilets, fresh water from bowsers and suitable camping space. There is usually a beer tent, unless it is a very small event. There are usually food traders, but at smaller events it's a good idea to bring a camping stove and some food. You aren't expected to bring authentic clothes your first muster. The regiment always has a supply of spare kit they are able to lend you, to allow you to fit in and commence re-enacting.

Ultimately you will want to have your own kit. If you are brave enough you can make the clothing yourself and certain members can give you advice on this. A multitude of traders make kit to the standards of authenticity required and they often have stalls at the Large Mini Musters, Major Musters and Re-Enactor Markets. Alternatively most traders have websites and provide a mail order service. We strongly recommend taking an experienced member of the regiment with you, to ensure you don't spend a lot of money on something that is not authentic. Below is a list of the basic Kit required:-

Men’s —

Women’s —

Where can I find the regiment?

At a muster you may find it daunting just turning up and not knowing anyone — don’t worry, we are a friendly regiment and we will make you feel welcome. Upon turning up at a muster the host regiment will be posted at the entrance to the campsite. Gerards are part of the Marquis of Newcastle’s Tertio. The gate guard will direct you to where our Tertio is camped. Once you find Newcastle’s Tertio it will not be long before you will be talking to a member of Charles Gerard’s Regiment of Foote. Gerard's all camp together and once you arrive at the allotted camping area — look out for our distinctive blue uniforms and yellow hose — from which we derive the nickname "Budgies". If you do not spot a Budgie, please ask any Sealed Knot Member; who will point you in the right direction — we are a very well known regiment in the society (having been around for more than 25 years).

Upon arriving, the members of the regiment will help you find a spot for your tent and introduce you to fellow Budgies. Once you are settled in then it is just a matter of explaining the activities on offer and sorting out some kit to get you appropriately attired. And Finally, don’t forget to bring a tankard — we have a fine reputation of enjoying ourselves in the SK beertent / pubs near to the campsite at musters, singing songs, socialising and generally having a great time.

"My First Muster"

If you are unsure what a first time re-enactment experience is like then take time to read this account, reproduced from an article written by a first time Pikeman.

‘I felt like a child once again turning up for the first day in a new school. I was nervous as hell and totally terrified that I might look totally out of place amongst the other children. I soon felt at home and before I knew it I was lined up and found myself marching to the slow beat of a drum through a town I had been to on a school visit not so long ago. The townspeople were out in force to see the armies march through the town and this added to my nerves. It dawned on me that I was no longer a student of Geography but a young inexperienced virgin soldier about to go into battle against the might of the Army of Parliament. I did not know what to expect, but I felt excited and nervous in equal measures as the regiment took a position on the battlefield opposite the enemy.

[A pike push]

Flags waved in the wind and drums signalled the opening barrage of artillery as the orders were given to march forward and charge our pikes. Of the guns and muskets I can profess to the majestic noise and smoke, for that is the backdrop to which we add the roars of the Pike as we engage the enemy pike blocks at point, stabbing at each other with the blunt points of our sixteen foot pikes. Following this the pike block withdrew ten paces, reformed and was attacked by Roundhead Cavalry, who we successfully fought off by forming a hedgehog shape with our pikes pointing outwards, with the cavalry whirling around us whacking the pike tips with there swords — not being able to reach me, my fellow Pikeman, Officers, Drummers, Musketeers or Water Carriers with there slashing blades.

The enemy understood that it would not be able to ride the Pike Block down and decided to send in their own pike to push us back by sheer weight of numbers. Whilst the pike faced the enemy pike block, the musket fought with the enemy musket. The Pike proceeded to push, and push we did. CRASH! We were pushing with all our might. Then (seconds later) the pike push subsided and we hurried to dig ourselves out of the mud and barely 10 seconds later, CRASH — another. The number of pushes we were in seemed endless. Between the pushes the water carriers kept our dry throats moist with cool water, they were much appreciated.

Then there was a parley before the fighting recommenced with a mixture of point fighting, repelling horse attacks and pushing before we finally chased the enemy of the field at the points of our pikes. The victory felt good, I felt tired, sweaty and satisfied. I wanted more and related this numerous times in the Pub that evening. As the evening went on songs were sung in honour of our great victory. The beer flowed profusely; but nothing could quench my thirst for more Knotting. What I say to all those thinking of joining the knot is come and give it a go, your first time will leave you thirsting for more and nothing can compete with the feeling of a battle well won and a company of good friends.’

(I Powell 2006)