Pike
One of the two basic types of infantrymen in the Civil Wars the pikemen were normally chosen from the tallest and strongest as they needed to be able to wield the sixteen foot pike effectively. They were formed into divisions with other pikeman and their primary purpose was to protect the more vulnerable musketeers (at this time they did not have bayonets to help protect themselves) from attack by cavalry. They were also used against other infantry either to hold or to gain ground. In the Society this mainly means combat against other pike blocks either at point or push.
Pike divisions form the backbone of some regiments; it is a very rewarding role, which involves physical contact and a degree of stamina. However, don't let this discourage you as training is given, and safety does play a very large part in it. You can always take a few minutes out of the fury of the battle to catch your breath. It is great fun with a lot of regimental pride involved, and the elation after winning a pike push is immense; you get rid of all that pent-up aggression safely!
Different regiments have different traditions and can also have different historical contexts, which can affect what is worn or carried. Having said this general guidelines are below:
Uniform
The Basics
Coat – made to regimental colour and cut and as such sourced through the Regiment, this is one of the major parts of uniform. Coats at the period were lined with linen or a lighter weight wool. Those members who do clean their coats consider dry-cleaning the best option for preserving the colour, which can make for an interesting conversation point with your local dry cleaner, but otherwise a cool wash is advised.
Shirt – a plain linen shirt, with not too full sleeves gathered at the cuff, small collar and no yoke. For those wishing to portray a wealthier "citizen-soldier" lace around collar and cuffs can be added according to price and taste, but this needs to be checked with your regiment first. Cotton as a more modern fabric should be avoided.
Breeches – plain colours and designs are best, and lined breeches last longer. The material should be wool. They are definitely not just trousers cut off at the knee, but should follow patterns of the day, which are readily available.
Hose (Socks) – some thick stockings, made from wool material, or knitted. Modern white ones should be suitably treated to dull their colour. It is reputed that washing with a tea bag can achieve this effect!
Footwear – latchets, closed soldier’s shoes or, a bit more controversially, start-ups are the preferred standard. These are readily available from suppliers that your regiment can point you towards. However, one starting point is simple desert boots, suitably modified to resemble latchet or soldiers shoes of the period. They should always be tan/mid-brown in colour and NOT be hiking boots, ‘Caterpillars’ or have visible modern labels. Its best to check with your regiment before purchasing.
Headwear – All pikemen must wear helmets when on the field. These should be of the style known as a morion or similar. Closed helmets such as burgonets and ‘lobster pots’ are reserved for cavalry and officers. No one should wear any form of nasal bar in pike pushes. Helmets are often lined with Monmouth caps, period pattern knitted woollen caps similar to, but not the same as, modern ‘beanie’ hats. At other times a variety of hats can be worn, again you need to check with your regiment as to its preferences. The most common of these include Monmouths, montero/Buckinghams, felt hats and Scots blue bonnets.
Gloves – leather long-cuffed gloves that help protect the hands, traditionally of a brown/buff leather colour.
Snapsack – normally made out of leather in the period although there is some evidence for canvas being used. These are not side bags, but sausage shaped bags worn on the back, and have some resemblance to children’s duffle bags. When stuffed with suitable material they can give added protection in pike pushes.
Belt – a good strong black or brown leather belt, available at markets or at our musters, to support your money pouch and your breeches.
There you have the very basics to equip yourself as a member of a pike division. The above uniform and equipment will allow you to participate in our re-enactments, but one word of warning: mixing seventeenth and twentieth century clothing styles is unacceptable when performing re-enactment events in front of any audience, or indeed at any time when you are in public view.
Pike divisions form the backbone of some regiments; it is a very rewarding role, which involves physical contact and a degree of stamina. However, don't let this discourage you as training is given, and safety does play a very large part in it. You can always take a few minutes out of the fury of the battle to catch your breath. It is great fun with a lot of regimental pride involved, and the elation after winning a pike push is immense; you get rid of all that pent-up aggression safely!
Different regiments have different traditions and can also have different historical contexts, which can affect what is worn or carried. Having said this general guidelines are below:
Uniform
The Basics
Coat – made to regimental colour and cut and as such sourced through the Regiment, this is one of the major parts of uniform. Coats at the period were lined with linen or a lighter weight wool. Those members who do clean their coats consider dry-cleaning the best option for preserving the colour, which can make for an interesting conversation point with your local dry cleaner, but otherwise a cool wash is advised.
Shirt – a plain linen shirt, with not too full sleeves gathered at the cuff, small collar and no yoke. For those wishing to portray a wealthier "citizen-soldier" lace around collar and cuffs can be added according to price and taste, but this needs to be checked with your regiment first. Cotton as a more modern fabric should be avoided.
Breeches – plain colours and designs are best, and lined breeches last longer. The material should be wool. They are definitely not just trousers cut off at the knee, but should follow patterns of the day, which are readily available.
Hose (Socks) – some thick stockings, made from wool material, or knitted. Modern white ones should be suitably treated to dull their colour. It is reputed that washing with a tea bag can achieve this effect!
Footwear – latchets, closed soldier’s shoes or, a bit more controversially, start-ups are the preferred standard. These are readily available from suppliers that your regiment can point you towards. However, one starting point is simple desert boots, suitably modified to resemble latchet or soldiers shoes of the period. They should always be tan/mid-brown in colour and NOT be hiking boots, ‘Caterpillars’ or have visible modern labels. Its best to check with your regiment before purchasing.
Headwear – All pikemen must wear helmets when on the field. These should be of the style known as a morion or similar. Closed helmets such as burgonets and ‘lobster pots’ are reserved for cavalry and officers. No one should wear any form of nasal bar in pike pushes. Helmets are often lined with Monmouth caps, period pattern knitted woollen caps similar to, but not the same as, modern ‘beanie’ hats. At other times a variety of hats can be worn, again you need to check with your regiment as to its preferences. The most common of these include Monmouths, montero/Buckinghams, felt hats and Scots blue bonnets.
Gloves – leather long-cuffed gloves that help protect the hands, traditionally of a brown/buff leather colour.
Snapsack – normally made out of leather in the period although there is some evidence for canvas being used. These are not side bags, but sausage shaped bags worn on the back, and have some resemblance to children’s duffle bags. When stuffed with suitable material they can give added protection in pike pushes.
Belt – a good strong black or brown leather belt, available at markets or at our musters, to support your money pouch and your breeches.
There you have the very basics to equip yourself as a member of a pike division. The above uniform and equipment will allow you to participate in our re-enactments, but one word of warning: mixing seventeenth and twentieth century clothing styles is unacceptable when performing re-enactment events in front of any audience, or indeed at any time when you are in public view.