Birchs can really live history. Everything is authentic in our soldiers camp, we have five authentic tents, where we show what life was like for soldiers during the English Civil War. A stew cooked over your own camp fire after a hard day tastes like nothing else!

During the civil wars, many women would have followed the army, some would have been homeless, some would have had no means of supporting themselves while their men were away fighting, some would have been plying the oldest profession.

 Soldiers were not given any allowance for their dependants (they were lucky if they were paid at all) so women would have earned money or food by laundering, sewing or practicing elementary medical care. They would also have relieved the dead and dying of any possessions they could sell.

Camp followers are vital to the Sealed Knot armies as they provide water to those fighting in the battle, support the pike and musket, they take part in the battle but not in the fighting.