If any VBCW Royalist player is seeking a historical basis for fielding rather colourful infantry sections armed solely with halberds or longbows, read on:
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The Yeomen of the Guard (colloquially known as 'Beefeaters') - the reverse of this 1937 cigarette card states:
"This ancient Corps was formed as a band of fifty archers, under a Captain to attend His Majesty. Soon after the accession of Henry VIII the number was increased to two hundred. The same held good in the reigns of Queen Elizabeth and James I, but under Charles II the number was reduced to one hundred, at which figure the Corps now stands. For the Coronation Ceremony, detachments of the Bodyguard will be on duty at Buckingham Palace and the Abbey, a third forming part of the King's Procession to Westminster Abbey."
So much for halberds. As for bows -
The Royal Company of Archers. The reverse of this 1937 cigarette card states:
"Although of even earlier origin, the Royal Company of Archers, as at present constituted, came into being in 1676, when it was formed for the encouragement of archery, "the noble and useful recreation being for many years much neglected." It received a new charter from Queen Anne at the beginning of the 18th century and, under George IV, the Company was given the additional title of "The King's Bodyguard for Scotland"; it has acted in that capacity on visits of the Sovereign to Edinburgh. The Captain - General is the Gold Stick for Scotland and takes his place at Coronations and other Ceremonies. We show a Gentleman of the Body Guard in field dress."
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| The Yeoman of the Guard on ceremonial duties. Or possibly VBCW re-enactors waiting for "long range archery support". |
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| On receiving news that "the Royal Company of Archers hasn't been converted yet", the Yeomen march off towards the sound of gunfire in any event. Long live King Edward VIII... |
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