The Sealed Knot
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The Sealed Knot is a registered charity that specialises in the 17th Century and the English Civil Wars or British Civil Wars as they should be called as they took place not only in England but also in Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Although most of our larger events take place in England, there are also some smaller events in Scotland and Wales. In the past there have also been week long events held in Ireland. The events can also be Talks, Fetes, Multiperiod History Events. These events take the form of Reenactments of Battles, Skirmishes, Marchs, Parades, Drill Displays and Living History. Living history shows some of the crafts that were needed in the 17th century. The aim is to educate people on the conditions that these people had to contend with during a horrible time in history when the whole country seemed to be at war with brother against brother, neighbour against neighbour, without knowing if or when you would see your family again. You did not get to choose what side you were on in those times, unless you were rich, now you can choose which side and which regiment then at the end of the event you can go home, having learnt something of the local history of the area in which the event was taking place. What better way to teach children about the period than with a little “hands-on” experience. Those that are too young to join in on the battlefield (Between 10 and 16 years) can be part of the Apprentices and join in on Marches, pre battle displays. As part of the apprentices, they get to learn field safety in all the arms, so that when they are 16, they can join in with their regiment on the battlefield. The Sealed Knot has been heavily involved in education thorugh out it's existence, giving talks and displays about life in the Civil War throughout the UK for Schools and other groups. If your school or college is running a project on the Civil War period, or your group would be interested, the Sealed Knot can provide you with experts on everything from cookery to clothes, education and politics, through to weapons and battle strategies. Should you wish to discuss booking us for an event, large or small, please feel free to contact us. |
Sgt Major General James Carr hys Regiment of Foote
Like other regiments in The Sealed Knot, we have taken the name of the regiment from a real person. SMG James Carr was Governor of the Plymouth Garrison. Our Regiment was formed 1974 and celebrated it's 50th Anniversary during 2024.
As the Sealed Knot covers the period from the start of the Civil wars up to the Monmouth Rebellion, we have two colour doublets – Green with black lining for the early years and then Red with white lining for the New Model Army, from 1645.
As we have two colours of doublet, we also have two Regimental colours (flags).
Green Doublet – Yellow Flag with a St George’s cross in the top left-hand corner and a blue lightning strike.
Red Doublet – Black Flag with a St George’s cross in the top left-hand corner and a white star
As the Sealed Knot covers the period from the start of the Civil wars up to the Monmouth Rebellion, we have two colour doublets – Green with black lining for the early years and then Red with white lining for the New Model Army, from 1645.
As we have two colours of doublet, we also have two Regimental colours (flags).
Green Doublet – Yellow Flag with a St George’s cross in the top left-hand corner and a blue lightning strike.
Red Doublet – Black Flag with a St George’s cross in the top left-hand corner and a white star
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Our Regiment also has its own cannon. It is leather clad on a blue trail. It is called The Lady Christine after a lovely lady that was part of our regiment for many years.
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Those of the Regiment that go on the battlefield is made up of Pikemen, Musketeers, Cannon and Pioneers. Although it is generally thought that these would have been mostly men back in the 17th Century, we have both men and women who take up these rolls.
Pikemen Fight in blocks with 16 foot pike, doing both point to point and pike pushes. It looks like a rugby scrum in armour. Also Known as “The Mean Green Fighting Machine”
Musketeer Fight with Muskets in blocks. These people have a shotgun licence and black powder licence.
Cannon Crew The Cannon crew is led by the Gun Captain, who is required to have a shotgun licence and black powder licence. The powder monkey also needs a black powder licence. There is a minimum of 4 on each gun including wet mop and dry mop.
Drummers These carry the orders from the LG/CO to the rest of the Army/Regiment over the noise of the cannon, Musket, shouts etc.
Pioneers More commonly known as Water ladies (not that they are all ladies) or Waterers, but they are much more important than just providing water. They keep an eye on their part of the regiment to make sure that they are hydrated and safe. They are usually the ones that shout “MAN DOWN” if they think that someone is injured, or a block is about to collapse. They will also hold the match if the musketeers want to go in hand to hand. They will also get the medics attention if required.
The Sealed Knot has its own Medic Service, and we are luckily enough to have some of them within our ranks, they have a black square with the Sealed Knot in white, sewn onto the sleeve of their doublet. If they are required, they will fall out of their ranks and attend to the injured. Most of the time they are able to enjoy themselves without being needed but it is reassuring that they are there.
Pikemen Fight in blocks with 16 foot pike, doing both point to point and pike pushes. It looks like a rugby scrum in armour. Also Known as “The Mean Green Fighting Machine”
Musketeer Fight with Muskets in blocks. These people have a shotgun licence and black powder licence.
Cannon Crew The Cannon crew is led by the Gun Captain, who is required to have a shotgun licence and black powder licence. The powder monkey also needs a black powder licence. There is a minimum of 4 on each gun including wet mop and dry mop.
Drummers These carry the orders from the LG/CO to the rest of the Army/Regiment over the noise of the cannon, Musket, shouts etc.
Pioneers More commonly known as Water ladies (not that they are all ladies) or Waterers, but they are much more important than just providing water. They keep an eye on their part of the regiment to make sure that they are hydrated and safe. They are usually the ones that shout “MAN DOWN” if they think that someone is injured, or a block is about to collapse. They will also hold the match if the musketeers want to go in hand to hand. They will also get the medics attention if required.
The Sealed Knot has its own Medic Service, and we are luckily enough to have some of them within our ranks, they have a black square with the Sealed Knot in white, sewn onto the sleeve of their doublet. If they are required, they will fall out of their ranks and attend to the injured. Most of the time they are able to enjoy themselves without being needed but it is reassuring that they are there.
