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The Essex Militia overview
Well, we mainly are invited to re-enact small garrisions at country houses mainly in England. This could be a small military garrision "proteting" the local gentry or a social gathering of gentry and those who think they are gentry. This page will hopefully give you a glimpse of the soldiery and weapons used by the Militia of the 17th Century in England
Here, We aim to show the main periods, an overview of an English Civil War Living history, display, followed by a Restoration Display, (spot Charles II) and then some information of the social (and more fun) side with dancing and refreshments
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Scenes from an English Civil war Living history event
An overview of an English Civil war Militia training camp. The common would sleep in the tents and the gentry and Officers would stay in local houses. |
Some of the local Militia drilling, trying to impress both the Officer, who has to sign the receipts for pay as well as their families and the Local Gentry
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Although only local forces, they still need food and supplies so the officer has arranged and hired, through the local law officer (Constable or magistrate) trustworthy local's to cook, sutlers to provide goods and a preacher to look after matters spiritual. Here the evening meal is being prepared. |
The King returns, The Restoration
Once restored by Parlaiment to his throne, Charles II made sure his subjects knew who the King was. Here he is surveying a local Militia drill with some of his Courtiers to keep him company
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During Summer the smells of London drove those that could out towards their country estate. Here is the King and his favourite Nell Gwynn, walking round Newmarket with a guard providing by The Lord High Admrial Regiment, The Duke Of York, His Regiment of Yellow Coats. |
The King, The King, God save the King!!
Looking like a portrait from the 1670's, The King, Charles II, deep in thought in one of his many Country houses
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The social, yes the dancing is Playfords and the food authentic recipes,
The costumes are based on existing samples in Musumes or portraits from the 17th Century.
The dancing is based on records in "Playfords Book", an 17th Century book of dancing and music. |
And you thought flirting was recent. In the 17th Century, for example, it was carried out during some of the dances. Not only the Gentry used to dance but also the lower classes. It was sociable, you kept in comntact with your neighbours and we seen "in the right places" as well as during the winter, kept you warm.,
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Here one member plays a traditional instrument to provide the music. This is taken from inside one of the houses we visited.
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