Our Living History

Our Living History Page

The Living History aspect of the 79^th is built on strong foundations. The senior regimental wife has been involved in authentic living history for over 16 years having set up The Fort Amherst Living History Unit. Many of the founder members of the 79^th were also involved with that group and have been in the field of re-enacting for many years.

When the 79^th was formed it was with the firm belief that we should portray, as authentically as possible, not only the battles and the drill but also the daily lives of the men, their women and children.

To that end we have researched, and continue to do so all that would have been the daily lives for these people. The food, clothes, songs, dances, and games, the sewing of clothes, the wild plants to gather, the herbs that will cook, and those which heal, the customs and the beliefs. These are all the things that bring the people of the past to life.

It is with this knowledge that we entertain and educate the public, whilst at the same time learning and having fun ourselves.

What to modern women seem to be chores, to us become fun as we sit around together preparing the food, cooking over open fires, or sewing buttons on and repairing our men's uniforms, making kilts, cleaning the pots, always singing and chatting as we do. While the men are away drilling or at battle there is always activity at the camp, and we are always ready to show you how life was back at camp.

We include the children of the regiment in the camp life, for they too would have played their part as they travelled with their parents. Boys would have been keen to prove that they were worthy of following in father’s footsteps, fetching wood, and the all important water, acting as runners with messages, and training to be drummers. Our lads are taught the rudiments and drum calls of the Napoleonic period by our senior drummer who has had over 11 years of Napoleonic Drumming experience. He also plays with the British Airways Pipe Band, with whom he has travelled extensively. The girls are taught the songs and dances so that they can join in with the fun, they are also taught which wild plants are safe to eat, these would have meant the difference between starvation and survival whilst on campaign, and how to sew, for this skill would have earned them money! For by the time they were 13 they could have been married, but this practice is not adhered to in the 79th!

And talking of marriage, one of the fun demonstrations we do is of a Georgian military wedding and the true tradition and meaning of the best man. If you don't know what that is then perhaps you should ask, especially if you are about to fill that particular post!

And then there are the games, from marbles, dice, and cards to "Shut the box" and draughts there is something for everyone, from the children to adults.

There is no way that we could include every thing we do on this page, and all that we have learned, there is just too much. But perhaps you would like to see us in action, if so then please look at our Events for 2010 page to see where you can next see us, we will be glad to see and talk to you.