Sir Henry Bard's regiment of Foote facts for kids
Imagine a time long ago in England, when there was a big fight called the English Civil War. During this war, many groups of soldiers were formed. One of these groups was called Sir Henry Bard's Regiment of Foote. They were a group of soldiers who fought on foot, like infantry.
Contents
What was Sir Henry Bard's Regiment?
This regiment started in a place called Northumberland. It was first known as Colonel Thomas Pinchbeck's Regiment of Foote. In May 1643, these soldiers arrived in Oxford.
How did the regiment change its name?
Colonel Pinchbeck was in charge at first. But then, half of his soldiers were given to another leader, Lord Percy. These soldiers formed a new group called Lord Percy's Foote.
Later, Colonel Pinchbeck was killed in a big battle called the First Battle of Newbury. After he died, Sir Henry Bard took over the remaining half of Pinchbeck's regiment. This is how the group got its new name: Sir Henry Bard's Regiment.
Where did the regiment fight?
The regiment's first major battle under Sir Henry Bard was at Cheriton Wood. This battle did not go well for them. Records show that only 176 men were left in the regiment a week later.
However, they kept fighting! They also took part in other important battles. These included the battles of Cropredy Bridge, Lostwithiel, and the Second Newbury.
What happened to the soldiers?
After these battles, the regiment got more soldiers. They were joined by the Queen's Lifeguard. Together, they became the guards for a place called Campden House.
It's thought that around this time, all the soldiers in the regiment might have become "musketeers." This means they all used a type of gun called a firelock musket. Soldiers guarding places often used these guns.
At first, the soldiers wore grey or white coats. But it's possible they started wearing red coats around this time.
Sadly, the regiment was completely defeated at the Battle of Naseby. All their flags, called "colours," were captured. This was the end of Sir Henry Bard's Regiment in the war.
Sir Henry Bard's Regiment today
Even though the original regiment is gone, a group called the Sealed Knot brings history to life! They have a modern-day version of Sir Henry Bard's Regiment.
Who are the modern-day soldiers?
This modern regiment has two main groups, called "companies":
- Captain Errington's Companye: Most of these members live in Essex. But some are from places like Ipswich and Devon.
- The Major's Companye: These members are mostly from around Basingstoke.
What does the modern regiment include?
The modern regiment has many different types of people and equipment:
- Pike soldiers: These soldiers use long spears called pikes.
- Musket soldiers: They use muskets, just like the old days.
- Drummers: They play drums to keep time and give signals.
- Ensigns: These are the people who carry the regiment's flags.
- Artillery: They even have cannons! The two cannons are named Donna and Lizzy B.
- Camp followers: These are people who help with the camp and support the soldiers.
