Meet a face of Manchester’s: Musketeer Graham
We spend our summers battling as a team and spending time as a family – but who are the people who make up the Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote? With Manc’s Mugs we introduce you to a face of our regiment using some of their favourite photos, as they explain why each image is special and why they love reenacting as part of Manchester’s!
This time it’s the turn of Graham, who’s the officer in charge of our musket division – he’s a dab hand with a sword and a loom, and keeps everyone in line on the field in his lovely shiny leather boots!
So take it away, Graham!
“I’ve been a musketeer for a number of years with Manchester’s and firing a musket at night always looks amazing. You never really appreciate how close your face is to a ball of fire, but it’s still a thrill to fire.”
“Below is a photo of me as a musketeer, sword in hand. The skills you need to fight with us can be easily learnt and no-one should be worried that they’re not going to fit in – the Manchester’s musket block is such a friendly bunch who look out for and support one another on and off the field, it’s a privilege to lead them into battle.”
“Next is a photo of me by Ruth Lochrie, on guard at Lancaster Castle in my role as Lieutenant Laugharne. I have looked into the origin of my surname and found a connection to Laugharne in Carmarthenshire, South Wales, and a family of the same name. I’ve used this as a persona at events to try and bring the past alive in a way that educates the public.”
“This is me at the entrance to Naseby in Northamptonshire, where one of the most important battles in British history was fought in 1645. One of the privileges we have is getting to fighting on the site of the actual battle we’re reenacting, it’s always special and as people fascinated by the English Civil Wars the field at Naseby holds a special place in our hearts.”
“This is my better half, myself, and our dogs relaxing on holiday – we don’t always have to dress up in daft clothes to get away from the bustle of modern life!”
“Another time, another place – it’s not all about the English Civil War as I also reenact a soldier from the Napoleonic Wars of the 18th Century. This photo was taken on the field at the reenactment of the Battle of Waterloo on its 200th anniversary. Being in a square formation with fifty cavalry thundering towards you is something that I will never forget! Reenactment, whatever the time period, gives you experiences you’d never dream you’d have – it’s a real thrill to be a part of!”
That’s all from Graham’s #mancsmugs – thanks so much to him for taking part and we hope you’ve got a glimpse of just some of the things we get up to at events!
Make sure you follow the Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote account on social media for daily updates of our adventures on and off the battlefield!