The Sealed Knot Ltd, is a registered charity whose aims include the promotion of interest in the life and times of the English Civil War Period (1642-1651). It's name derives from a group, which, during the Protectorate (under Oliver Cromwell), plotted for the restoration of the monarchy. Here the similarity ends as the present Society is NOT politically motivated and has no political ambitions whatsoever.

The first seeds of the idea came from Brigadier Peter Young and a number of his friends following a party, in cavalier costume, held in the summer of 1968. From these humble beginnings, the Sealed Knot has grown to boast over 5,000 members and is the largest re-enactment society in Europe and a national organisation of some considerable prestige, a fact recognised by the grant to the Society of its own coat of arms in 1983.

The society is organised on the lines of a C17th army, with regiments of foote (pikes and musket), cavalry (horse) and artillery (cannon). We excel in the large and small spectacular re-enactments of Civil War battles throughout the country.

The purposes and aims of the Society are to promote research into, the study of and increase public interest in the history of the Civil War period by the following means:

• The performance and public re-enactments of Battles, Sieges and other events of the period with a view to educating the public and encouraging an interest in our heritage.
• The organisation of discussions or lectures, the publishing of books and the making of documentaries on the period.
• The erection of memorials of battles.

The Society is a non-profit making organisation, and a purely voluntary society of enthusiasts and friends who meet to indulge their common interest and it is a prime object of the Society that the events that are held, should be enjoyed by the members and the viewing public alike.

Lilburne's pride themselves on being an extremely friendly unit, one of the fastest growing regiments in the army of Parliament and everyone who joins our ranks, be they young, old, single or a family unit, is made to feel extremely welcome. 

As a member of Lilburne's Regiment you will get the chance to pursue an exciting, and exhilarating hobby in the Sealed Knot Society, with unique opportunities to take part in re-enactment battles of the English Civil War Period (1642-1651) plus, as a member of Lilburnes, we will help and encourage you to learn new skills, meet new friends, discover a side of yourself you never knew and live life to the full!

Lilburne's are known to be well-disciplined, and trained to the highest standards. They are considered to be a formidable, fighting unit with a reputation for being a Regiment of gentlemen - safe and fair. 

The Regiment attends (and, on occasion, hosts,) many events from early spring to late autumn at some of the most prestigious historical venues. These events include small regimental displays up to major musters and living history. At all the events there is something for everyone - adults and children alike - to see or do.

John Lilburne's is a Parliamentarian Foote Regiment in the Northern Association of the Sealed Knot, comprising of pike and shot units. There are opportunities for members of both sexes to adopt an active role within either of these units and participate in the spectacle of a Sealed Knot event. Those wishing to take an active role on the battlefield are taught how to fight safely with musket, sword and/or pike before going a battlefield.

Because battles do involve controlled bouts of rough and tumble, anyone wishing to take an active role on the battlefield must be over the age of 16. However, you can participate on the battlefield without being part of the melee - for example as a drummer or member of the baggage trayne.

For those who prefer a more gentle occupation away from the battlefield, there are always vacancies for peasants, land-workers and lower gentry on the living history campsites where authentically dressed children under close supervision are always made welcome.

The Sealed Knot attends re-enactments known as "musters" at weekends between April and October. Members travel to the muster of their choice and stay with their regiments on the campsite provided. Battles are put on for the public and these vary in size from local events with between 20-30 members up to major battles involving over 2,000 members of the SK on the battlefield.

The Sealed Knot and local sponsors arrange "musters" at weekends between April and October. Members travel to the musters of their choice and camp with their regiments on the campsite provided. Battles are put on for the public and the proceeds go to the nominated charity. Musters vary in size from local events with between 20-30 members up to major battles involving most of the over 6,000 members of the SK!

Most of our members spend the weekend living in either in their own tent or caravan with the rest of Lilburne's Regiment. 

Normally, our exclusive Sealed Knot campsites are open from Friday noon until Monday noon. 

Each morning at 10.00am Lilburne's have a short drill and training session which you will be required to attend if you are going onto the battlefield. 

The main battle starts around 3.00pm and usually lasts about an hour and a half. 

After the battle is over equipment is cleaned and checked ready for the next day. There is then time for an evening meal before the evening's revelries begin.

Like the armies of the C17th, the SK goes into "Winter Quarters" and during this time Lilburne's enjoy functions such as banquets and other social get-togethers which members, and invited guests can attend. Members are kept up to date of events during the whole of the year via the main society magazine and our own bi-monthly Regimental Newsletter.

No. It is a purely voluntary society. Members cover their own costs, including paying for their own uniforms, equipment and the cost of travel to and subsistence at musters.

Lilburne's Regimental Uniform (which is tailor-made to order for each individual) consists of: a wine-red soldiers coats with sea-green facings on the cuffs, mid to dark slate grey breeches, a white, cotton or linen shirt, authentic hat and footwear. 

Civilian clothes in authentic colours and materials can be purchased "off the peg" under guidance from the society's "merchants". Specialist items of equipment, such as helmets, muskets, swords etc. must only be purchased under the advisement of the officers from the SK traders.

For new and/or temporary members we have a limited stock of costume items and equipment which can be borrowed by prior arrangement

No. Knowledge of the period is not required. Many people join simply to be part of the pageantry or want to do "something different" or because the SK offers a hobby in which all members of the family can take part.

Not at all. The division between the two sides exists only during the battles. We are all members of the SK and act as one society with friends in different Regiments and on both sides.

No. Members join for pleasure, but a military structure is necessary for the authentic re-enactment of the battles. Discipline on the battlefield is essential for safety and to provide the public with an entertaining and coherent display. Anyone joining the SK and the Regiment is required to obey the orders of officers and the NCO's and to attend drill practise and to comply with the society's requirements in such matters. Most members find that the small amount of discipline required does not restrict their enjoyment of the hobby.

Not necessarily. The battles do involve controlled bouts of rough and tumble, but you can participate without being part of the melee - for example as drummers, water carriers, medics etc. or completely away from the field in the Living History area or on the crowd line as a civilian. Musketeers are subject to strict safety controls and women often become musketeers or join the pike as an alternative to a more sedentary role.

YES - YOU CAN JOIN! 
Membership of both the SK and Lilburne's is open to ALL - male, female, young and old, providing that you participate during the weekend on the battlefield and/or in any other official activity. In the case of family membership one member is expected to fulfil this undertaking and it is expected that any children will be supervised by one parent at all times. 

If you are unsure whether you will enjoy the hobby you can join Lilburne's Regiment for a weekend on a temporary membership for a small fee. Click here for details. 

Of course there is much, much more to tell you about us than can be described on the web-site and we invite you to contact us in order that we can arrange for you to meet and chat to members of the Regiment before joining. 

How do I join?

• You can download a joining form from this website. Click here.
• You can contact one of our members by e-mail - find out more and ask for an information pack and joining form to be sent to you. Click here.
• For details of types of membership and costs please click here.
• For further information and details on how to join, please click here.