The pikeman was a solider who fought with a 16 foot pike as his primary weapon – basically a long pole made from ash with a steel spike or blade at the tip supported by two four foot strips of metal which stopped the end from getting sliced off by swords. (The pikes we use are wooden tipped).

The pikes are supplied by the regiment. Pike men must always wear helmets and gloves when handling pole arms of any type, the regiment can provide these until you are able to get your own.

Our pikemen fight in blocks which attack the enemy in one of two ways, ‘point’ where the block advances at the ‘charge’ stabbing with the pikes, it always looks great to the crowd.

‘Push’ is similar to a large rugby scrum with twenty to thirty people on both sides, the idea being to gain ground. Pikemen also protect the regiment from enemy cavalry attack. Being a pikeman is a very rewarding role which demands full physical contact and a degree of stamina. It is great fun with a lot of regimental pride, the buzz that you get after winning a push is incredible.