Royalist regiment trains at Shaw House

Pikemen, swordsmen and musketeers from the Earl Rivers’ Regiment of Foot practiced battle drills in the grounds of the 17th Century house.
Smoke filled the air as the musketeers let off a volley of shot before pikemen advanced to protect the gunmen while they reloaded.
The Royalist regiment, part of the Sealed Knot Society, is based on the regiment charged with defending Donnington Castle after it was seized by Royalists after the First Battle of Newbury in 1643.
A living history event also allowed people to experience civilian life inside Shaw House on the day.
The regiments commanding officer, Sam Eedle, said that the event had gone well despite there being fewer men in the ranks than normal.
He said: “We hold this event to train our people before the main season starts as it’s dangerous to let people on to the field before training.
“We have built a relationship with Shaw House over the last four years, mainly because it’s a 17th Century location, and there’s a rumour that King Charles was there during the war but that’s a rumour.”
For more information visit www.earlrivers.org.uk and for video of the drills see www.facebook.com/pages/newburytoday