Pike

The pike was known mainly as the gentleman's weapon. The pike itself is a long wooded pointed pole, sharp at one end usually with a metal tip. It usually ranges between 15 to 18 feet long. Those who wielded this weapon were known as pikemen.

Pikemen were made up of the stronger, larger men, to use the pike it required a great deal of skill and strength. Pikemen are formed in ranks and files. They can often be seen wearing armour (back and breast plates) and helmets while on the field of battle in order to protect themselves.

In O'Cahans our pike block is made up of both men and women. We tend to fight in a block alongside other members of the Scots brigade. There are a number of different manoeuvres that you learn when you become a pikeman and it is important to learn them correctly for your own safety and the safety of those around you.

Being in the pike block is exhilarating, blood pumping and can give you an adrenalin rush. You work as a single unit, moving, attacking and defending your position.

The main manoeuvres that we use are 'pushing', 'point' and 'charge for horse'. Traditionally a pike push is carried out with the pikes out straight in front of you, however as this is very dangerous we push with the point up. It is almost like a rugby scrum and you win by pushing the opposition back. Point is defensive for us, often it is used to take ground forcing the opposition backwards. Charge for horse is defensive. The pikeman form a circle around the musket block, colours, drums and officers with their pikes butted in the ground at a 45 degree angle, this is often called a hedgehog as the pikes look like the needles of a hedgehog. This manoeuvre is used to defend against the cavalry, preventing the horses from entering the circle.

Musket

Muskets were the weapon of choice in the 17th Century. Two firing mechanism were used, either a match lock or the more modern flint lock. Match was a small piece of rope that had to be lit and maintained in order to ignite the black powder in the pan of the musket, the match had to be kept dry. The flint had the added advantage of being able to be used in any weather. It was easier to maintain and transport.

The men who used the muskets are called musketeers. Strength wasn't an issue for a musketeer as they were protected by the pikemen, however the musketeers had to carry around an array of different items bandoliers (used to carry their cartridges, powder horn, their musket and usually a sword.

Living History

Fighting on the field is not the only path for members to take. Living History is a core part of what we do. Many civilians use to travel around with the soldiers, taking care of their needs from cleaning their clothes to preparing all the their meals. Our Authentic camps allow the public to experience what life would have been like for the civilians (women, children and men alike) known as Camp Followers.

From sewing, spinning, and fine needlework to baking and cooking over open fires, you can be sure to pick up new skills and gain experiences like no other.