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”
Ensign Stands at the front of the blocks on the march and is the mustering point for the regiment on the battlefield. They flourish the flag at the beginning of the battle to show the opposition how big the regiment/brigade is.
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. On the marches they may be joined with someone playing a pipe/recorder.
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 will hold the match if the musketeers want to go in hand to hand. 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 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.
SMG James Carr
If you would like to know more about James Carr, one our long time members Mr Pete Minall has been researching him since the early 1970's and has published the book below on James Carr's military career.
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”
Ensign Stands at the front of the blocks on the march and is the mustering point for the regiment on the battlefield. They flourish the flag at the beginning of the battle to show the opposition how big the regiment/brigade is.
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. On the marches they may be joined with someone playing a pipe/recorder.
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 will hold the match if the musketeers want to go in hand to hand. 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 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.
SMG James Carr
If you would like to know more about James Carr, one our long time members Mr Pete Minall has been researching him since the early 1970's and has published the book below on James Carr's military career.
BEHIND THE SCENES
All the roles listed above are seen on the battlefield at events attended by the regiment but behind the scenes there are also a group of people who help keep the Regiment running smoothly.
CO - Commanding Officer
This is the point of contact for other regiments and The Sealed Knot, he/she is responsible for passing on important information to the rest of the regiment. This may include new legislation or an invite to an event. Attends the annual officers meeting held by the Sealed Knot to find out information which may effect upcoming events. Along with the musket rep they keep track of who has their musket licence and has passed their musket test, so are allowed on the battlefield with a musket rather than a dummy musket. They also keep track of those who have their sword tests. There are two sword tests - one is just to carry a sword on a march and covers the basic safety rules, the other is more involved and it means that the person can take the sword on the battlefield.
2i/c - Second in Command
This person supports the CO with the distribution of information. Deputises for the CO when they are not available.
Adjutant
Liaises with the membership secretary of The Sealed Knot, monitors membership and welcomes new members. Making sure that new and temporary members are given information on upcoming events, sorting out the borrowing of kit with the quartermaster.
Quartermaster
This person keeps a record of what equipment the regiment holds and where it is stored. Coordinating kit to be loaned to new or temporary members.
Treasurer
Keeps track of the money within the regiment, paying expenses and collecting regimental subs. Making sure that there is money in the bank to repair or replace worn out equipment. They will help those who are organising events with the costings etc and usually takes the lead in or helps with fundraising activities.
Living History Rep
This person is the point of contact when there is a lead for a regimental event whether it is a talk, living history or mini muster. They will speak to the people wishing to have us at an event and they will present the information to the CO and the rest of the regiment as necessary. Then complete the required forms and liaise with the Sealed Knot on the logistics of the event.
Musket Rep
This is usually the most senior ranking Musketeer, they keep the regiment's musketeers up to date with the current legislation on licencing for guns and black powder. They also keep track of who in the regiment has their musket licence, those who wish to try musket and those who wish to take the Sealed Knot's musket test.
Pike Rep
This is usually the most senior ranking Pikeman, they make sure that all the pikeman have the required training before going onto a battlefield. They also keep an eye on the number of pike held by the regiment and that they have the required number at any event. Also works with the treasurer when new pike are required, as they can take a while to get made and seasoned.
Artillery Rep
This person looks after the canon and makes sure that it can pass the test with the Sealed Knot, they are also normally the person who stores the cannon but not always.
Drummer's Rep
This is usually the most senior person within the drum section, they make sure that all those that wish to drum get the relevant training and that all the regimental drums are in good order.
Pioneer's Rep
This is usually the most senior person within the section, they make sure that all the people are trained in the safety of holding a match and what to look out for on the battlefield. It can be a bit chaotic when you have a block of pike, a block of musket with cavalier also riding around.
Editor
This person puts together a tri-annual magazine for the regiment. Gathering articles from not only those with rank and appointments but those of the rest of the regiment.
Recruitment Rep
Looks into ways we can recruit new members, working with the adjutant to make sure that any new members have the information they may require before joining or coming along to an event. If the potential new member has a specific question, they will coordinate contact between the person with the expertise to answer with the new member if it is too detailed for themselves to answer.
Children's Rep
This person speaks on behalf of the children under the age of 16 at the AGM and organises regimental activities for those children. Encouraging those that are in the eleventh year to join the apprentices of the Sealed Knot. Children under the age of 16 can join in the marches as drummers, from campsite to the battlefield but are not allowed on the actual battlefield. The Rep will coordinate with the CO and the parents as to when this is allowed.
Safeguarding Rep
This person is the first point of call, along with the CO when something may require reporting to the Sealed Knot and/or the Police. They must have the relevant qualifications and be able to listen to the problem without judgement in a calm and efficient manner. This position is held by someone who has been a member of the regiment for a number of years.
Social Reps
These people organise parties at events, to get the regiment together in the evenings. They also organise meals and banquets during the quieter times of the year, so that we can all stay in contact throughout the year.
All the roles listed above are seen on the battlefield at events attended by the regiment but behind the scenes there are also a group of people who help keep the Regiment running smoothly.
CO - Commanding Officer
This is the point of contact for other regiments and The Sealed Knot, he/she is responsible for passing on important information to the rest of the regiment. This may include new legislation or an invite to an event. Attends the annual officers meeting held by the Sealed Knot to find out information which may effect upcoming events. Along with the musket rep they keep track of who has their musket licence and has passed their musket test, so are allowed on the battlefield with a musket rather than a dummy musket. They also keep track of those who have their sword tests. There are two sword tests - one is just to carry a sword on a march and covers the basic safety rules, the other is more involved and it means that the person can take the sword on the battlefield.
2i/c - Second in Command
This person supports the CO with the distribution of information. Deputises for the CO when they are not available.
Adjutant
Liaises with the membership secretary of The Sealed Knot, monitors membership and welcomes new members. Making sure that new and temporary members are given information on upcoming events, sorting out the borrowing of kit with the quartermaster.
Quartermaster
This person keeps a record of what equipment the regiment holds and where it is stored. Coordinating kit to be loaned to new or temporary members.
Treasurer
Keeps track of the money within the regiment, paying expenses and collecting regimental subs. Making sure that there is money in the bank to repair or replace worn out equipment. They will help those who are organising events with the costings etc and usually takes the lead in or helps with fundraising activities.
Living History Rep
This person is the point of contact when there is a lead for a regimental event whether it is a talk, living history or mini muster. They will speak to the people wishing to have us at an event and they will present the information to the CO and the rest of the regiment as necessary. Then complete the required forms and liaise with the Sealed Knot on the logistics of the event.
Musket Rep
This is usually the most senior ranking Musketeer, they keep the regiment's musketeers up to date with the current legislation on licencing for guns and black powder. They also keep track of who in the regiment has their musket licence, those who wish to try musket and those who wish to take the Sealed Knot's musket test.
Pike Rep
This is usually the most senior ranking Pikeman, they make sure that all the pikeman have the required training before going onto a battlefield. They also keep an eye on the number of pike held by the regiment and that they have the required number at any event. Also works with the treasurer when new pike are required, as they can take a while to get made and seasoned.
Artillery Rep
This person looks after the canon and makes sure that it can pass the test with the Sealed Knot, they are also normally the person who stores the cannon but not always.
Drummer's Rep
This is usually the most senior person within the drum section, they make sure that all those that wish to drum get the relevant training and that all the regimental drums are in good order.
Pioneer's Rep
This is usually the most senior person within the section, they make sure that all the people are trained in the safety of holding a match and what to look out for on the battlefield. It can be a bit chaotic when you have a block of pike, a block of musket with cavalier also riding around.
Editor
This person puts together a tri-annual magazine for the regiment. Gathering articles from not only those with rank and appointments but those of the rest of the regiment.
Recruitment Rep
Looks into ways we can recruit new members, working with the adjutant to make sure that any new members have the information they may require before joining or coming along to an event. If the potential new member has a specific question, they will coordinate contact between the person with the expertise to answer with the new member if it is too detailed for themselves to answer.
Children's Rep
This person speaks on behalf of the children under the age of 16 at the AGM and organises regimental activities for those children. Encouraging those that are in the eleventh year to join the apprentices of the Sealed Knot. Children under the age of 16 can join in the marches as drummers, from campsite to the battlefield but are not allowed on the actual battlefield. The Rep will coordinate with the CO and the parents as to when this is allowed.
Safeguarding Rep
This person is the first point of call, along with the CO when something may require reporting to the Sealed Knot and/or the Police. They must have the relevant qualifications and be able to listen to the problem without judgement in a calm and efficient manner. This position is held by someone who has been a member of the regiment for a number of years.
Social Reps
These people organise parties at events, to get the regiment together in the evenings. They also organise meals and banquets during the quieter times of the year, so that we can all stay in contact throughout the year.