Fyvie Castle
27th/28th July 2002

A Civilian's View

I'd better start off by introducing myself; I'm Harriet the daughter of Mr. Rabbitts, who is captain of the regiment.

We started our journey on the 25th July at 9pm, with many miles and towns to pass; it was destined to be a long journey north. We stopped numerous times to re-fuel the car and ourselves. My sister and I slept most of the way as it did take us 13 hours to get to the hills of Scotland. This meant we arrived at Fyvie castle at 10am on the 26th July and it was freezing, as you would expect. There were a few people there from our regiment and several more were expected to arrive the same day. I was quite shy at first as this was my first muster for many years, and I only knew a few people, so I just sat in the car and listened to my cassette player, while dad set up the caravan. The first battle did not start till the Saturday so the rest of Friday was spent lazing around.

Finally, Saturday came and the weather had changed dramatically, it was boiling hot, and I was worried about looking silly dressing up, but then I realized I wouldn't look silly because every one else was dressing like me and I wouldn't be different. Once I was wearing the clothes I got used to them and they became comfortable to wear. Then my dad signalled for the troops to form up. That means get ready to march onto the battle field. A few others and myself had to walk behind either because we were to young to fight, like myself, or they were women who chose not to fight. It was only a short walk to the battlefield and I realized how many people had come to watch the re-enactment. Our regiment walked off to face the royalists, we took our place at the side with a clear view of the clash against the parliamentarians and the royalists.

The moment had arrived the battle started with lots of musketeers firing, then both armies advanced on each other. With our regiment on the left hand side trying to get as far up the hill as possible, as we had the disadvantage of being at the bottom end of the occupied hill. They did not succeed being pushed back further and further. The royalists then started firing their cannon, which let off the biggest bang I've ever heard. With many casualties the parliamentarians eventually retreated.

After the battle it was time for food and everyone formed a circle and started passing various drinks around. One member who I later found out was called Lucy was given a regimental depth charge because it was her birthday, the depth charge consisted of every one putting a bit of what ever they were drinking into a tankard, and Lucy having to drink it in one go.

Later that night the beer tent was on everyone's agenda, with a live band playing the atmosphere was great. Most of the adults were dancing which was quite funny because most of them couldn't dance, but they didn't care, they just wanted to enjoy themselves and they did just that. I saw many people staggering out the beer tent, laughing and joking.

The same thing happened on the Sunday with the battle. Overall this was a great experience and has helped me with the coursework I am now doing. I am definitely looking forward to taking part next year.