Meet a face of Manchester’s: David

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? We’re delighted to introduce you to a face of our regiment using some of their favourite photos, as they explain why they love reenacting as part of Manchester’s! Take it away, David…

I’ve been a part of Manchester’s for almost 14 years now, and what started out as a distraction from the stresses of university has turned into a major part of my life. Even my parents decided to follow suit and joined a few years after me, and they seem to enjoy it as much as I do.

The best part of this unique hobby is the variety that’s on offer across every aspect. I’ve travelled to events at places I probably would never have seen otherwise. From stately homes to ruined castles, and even holiday parks, no two events have been the same. 

I’ve tried my hand at lots of different roles in my time with Manchester’s too. Over the years I’ve been a musketeer, water carrier, pikeman, civilian, and even play a roguish swashbuckling villain in a cameo that ends with me crashing through a table (all pre-planned of course). That’s the great thing about being a part of Manchester’s – you can have a go at anything you want to do, and every role is special in its own way.

The social side of Manchester’s is just as much fun as the on-field excitement. Nothing rounds off a hard day’s battling like a drink or two with friends, and I’ve built up quite the collection of weird and wonderful costumes thanks to all the fancy-dress parties we’ve had. 

Speaking of social, I’ve also been part of the team running the regiment’s social media for several years now, and this has expanded my knowledge of the history considerably. I’ve always been interested in the English Civil Wars, but researching stories of the period beyond the more well-known events has been a real eye-opener, and it’s great to be able to help the regiment both on and off the battlefield.

We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know David and that you can see there’s a lot more to this hobby than just the battles! All roles in the regiment are open, regardless of gender, and we welcome anyone looking to get involved and be a part of something different!

If it’s whetted your appetite, make sure you join up now! You can give reenactment a go for just a tenner – and all your kit is provided!

And 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!