Well we've finished our season in style - at the #buxtongeorgianfestival! A sunny Saturday saw us practising our drill, guarding the Crescent, and talking lots more to some amazing public about the #18thcentury#frencharmy. We even got to experience a bit of that ultra-modern "Entente Cordiale"! Our immense thanks to Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust for hosting … Continue reading Buxton Georgian Festival
Oakwell Hall Country Park
Back from an amazing weekend at Oakwell Hall Country Park, garrisoning the Batt family property in Virginia against les rosbifs. It was good to work further on the details of L'ordonnance de sa Majesté, to demonstrate how the French army co-operated with American civilians and military forces, and we got to talk to a lot … Continue reading Oakwell Hall Country Park
Events at Oakwell Hall Country Park
If you're missing your fill of French #RevWar action, then why not come along and see us at Oakwell Hall Country Park on 21st and 22nd September? It's only next weekend! We'll be drilling, sewing, and talking all things #Frencharmy alongside our Continental allies in the Virginia Continentals UK 1775 - 1783 and 1st Pennsylvania … Continue reading Events at Oakwell Hall Country Park
Who’s in charge?
Knowing who's in charge in a military formation is crucial, and in the #Frencharmy of the 18th century this was no different. For NCOs, unlike the British, rank was fairly obvious. Our Caporal here is shown with his mark of rank: 2 blue bands of lace around the forearm. Sergents wore one silver band, and … Continue reading Who’s in charge?
Mid-season training weekend 2024
We're just reaching the end of our first mid-season training and sewing weekend. Accompanied by liberal applications of Hornblower, and plenty of caffeine, we've worked hard on practicing the 1776 Ordonnance *and* on beginning to construct our interpretations of contemporary shirts! More on that soon. If you want to join our sectione of Louis XVI's … Continue reading Mid-season training weekend 2024
Uniform – Chapeaus!
Of course, another necessity for military service in the #revwar is headwear! This is a tricky subject for French grenadiers in this period. Up until 1776, like British grenadiers, they wore a bearskin, or "bonnet de peau d'ours". However, the 1776 reforms instituted by the Comte de Saint-Germain included a prohibition of these, requiring that … Continue reading Uniform – Chapeaus!
The musket modèle 1777 at rest.
Photo by kind permission of David Hoult
Un soldat du Gatinois et un milicien du 6e Virginia au service de piquet.
The Treaty of Alliance in action. Photo by kind permission of David Hoult; featuring Virginia Continentals UK 1775 - 1783.
First Event – Moira Furnace 2024
Quelle joie! We're thrilled with how our first event at Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park went. We got to break in our new uniforms, try out our interpretation of the Ordonnance (manual of arms), and even induct a new member of the hobby. Plus there was time to take some photos of more amazing … Continue reading First Event – Moira Furnace 2024
Happy Independence Day!
Happy #IndependenceDay to our gallant allies/partners in crime (depending what colour coat you wear)! Let's all celebrate the real meaning of the holiday...using rebellions as an excuse to begin a global war with your long-standing rivals. Like the Founding Fathers intended. And if you want to meet us to talk more about the #FrancoAmerican war … Continue reading Happy Independence Day!
Le Régiment Gatinois 