Richard Delingpole

8. English Civil War Musketeer 1651

The Civil War soldier is mostly wearing his own clothes - latchet shoes, knitted hose, breeches and hat would not have been issued.

The red coat would have been issued by the Colonel of the Regiment, who would have made the decision over the colour himself, no matter which side he was fighting on. This soldier, possibly a farm labourer in civilian life, is equipped with a matchlock musket, a basic hanger sword and a bandolier - wooden bottles with pewter lids, each containing a shot of gunpowder. He is also holding the slow match he uses to fire his musket.

Richard Delingpole