A regular part of a Fairfax event is the Drill Display.  At the Commandery Museum, Worcester, in April 2002 we performed this both as the Trained Bands in 1642 and also as the professional New Model Army of 1646.  The display took place on Fort Royal Hill, a Civil War artillery fort overlooking the city.

The troops muster at the Commandery, Worcester. The colour party march off to unlodge the colour (flag)

The form up on Fort Royal Hill (as the Trained Bands)

The Musketeers line the crowd barrier to demonstrate how they were taught 'by instruction' to load their weapons

A volley echoes over Worcester

The Pike division then go through their postures.  Here they demonstrate 'The Charge'. The front ranks level their pikes at eye level whilst the rear ranks 'port' their pikes to lessen the risk of damage from opposing musket fire.

The Pikemen prepare to lower their pikes to 'charge for horse'

The pikes are aimed at the chests of the horses and swords drawn to dispatch any fallen rider.

The Drummers play the 'six calls of war'

The Ensign demonstrates the use of the Colour as a rallying point in battle and to taunt the enemy

The troops then demonstrate how the training was employed in battle conditions. Here the musketeers fire by ranks to 'maintain their ground'

The final charge might be preceeded by a volley

The troops then advance with pikes at the charge and the muskets ready to be used as clubs

The Display ends with a 'General Salute' to the appreciative audience.

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