A typical Battalia sized event would consist of :

• An authentic military campsite

• Drill displays

• Skirmish with Royalists

• School Days (if required)

Suggested event timetable

Authentic Living History Campsite
A tented 17th century military encampment running over the two days, which might contain, amongst other things (and according to the scale of the event), an officers headquarters showing the equipment associated with running a military unit and the dining of the wealthy officers, a sutlery with authentic food preparation for the soldiers as well as the officers, a barber-surgeon who will cut officers hair and describe 17th century remedies and equipment, including live leeches, soldiers and officers tents and how they lived on campaign, servants, an engineer with his equipment for conducting sieges and surveying, a clerk/secretary demonstrating 17th century writing and other camp hangers-on (perhaps a herbalist, shoe-maker, dyer, 17th century laundry etc.) and all the paraphernalia of 17th century life. 

The camp would be populated by up to 80-100 soldiers and civilians and would be open to the public from approximately 1000hrs to 1700hrs each day (to be agreed) during which time the public may freely enter the camp and talk to the participants, try on equipment and handle artefacts.

Drill Display
A formal drill display (perhaps two on the Saturday) lasting approximately 30 minutes would be provided for both days, and this would consist of:

• Company drill showing the use of 17th century formations in an advance and attack, using authentic weapons, tactics and orders.

• Pike drill taken from the famous 17th century book Directions for Musters.

• Musket drill from Directions for Musters and musket firing 

• A demonstration of musket loading in close-up.

• The use of 17th century drum calls and the displaying of the Company colour.

• A general salute to the crowd.

Usually followed by an invitation to come into the authentic camp and meet the soldiers, handle the equipment etc.

A demonstration of artillery can also be provided if required.

All the above to be accompanied by a commentary provided by the Battalia. More informal drill/practice would take place throughout the event.

Skirmish / Battle:
A scripted skirmish against a similarly sized Royalist infantry unit would be provided on both days, and this would last approximately 45 minutes depending upon the terrain. Prisoners would be taken and perhaps interrogated afterwards, and the wounded tended to.

‘School Days:
A reduced presence and authentic camp can be provided for say, the Friday before any event, and programmed parties of schoolchildren guided through it by members of the society. They would be shown demonstrations of various 17th century activities, such as writing, cooking, soap-making, meet the soldiers and officers and try on armour (always popular). Information for fact sheets and questionnaires (i.e. find out how much a soldier is paid) can be provided if necessary, as well as passes to enter and leave the camp.

Suggested Event Timetables:

Friday: 

School Day, say 10.00 - 17.00 (if required). Access may be required Thursday evening for setting up.

Saturday:

• Authentic campsite opens to public say 10.00

• Informal drill 10.30

• Drill display 12.00

• Drill display 14.00

• Royalists appear 14.45

• Skirmish/Battle 15.00

• Campsite closes 17.00

Sunday:

• As Saturday

Events and the characters portrayed are usually tailored to fit in with the history of the site and surrounding area, to make them relevant.

The arrangements for putting on a re-enactment are very much a partnership between the Society and the Event Sponsor.  See  Guidance on Facilities Required for information on the normal division of responsibilities.

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