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C Of e I S'\^ t^a fh'zahei-h Th oy rs. . 



THE ROYAL . 
BERKSHIRE MILITIA 

(NOW 3R() liATTALION ROYAL BERKS REGIMENT) 




lUaHtng : 

KLNLKL) KiK THK ALTHOKESS BV JOSEPH HAWKLS 
MAY UK OliTAiSKI) FMOM MISS THOYTS, SUI-HAMI 
E'AKK, KI.KKSIItKK, AL.SO THKOUCH IIOOKSI'IE.I.KKS. 



r^-5^- 



TO 

LORD WANTAGE 

OF 

LOCKINGE 

LORD -LIEUTENANT OF BERKSHIRE 

I 
DEDICATE THESE PAGES FEELING SURE 

THAT 

SO DISTINGUISHED A SOLDIER 

WILL TAKE INTEREST IN READING THE 

RECORDS OF A REGIMENT 

WHICH 

HAS ALWAYS BORNE THE HIGHEST REPUTATION 

AND WITH WHICH 

AS LORD- LIEUTENANT OF BERKSHIRE 

HE IS CONNECTED. 



MAY, 1 897. 



PREFACE. 



You who are kind enough to read these pages, be lenient, I 
pray you, to the many errors doubtless contained therein ; 
remember I am an antiquary, not a soldier, and the first 
woman who has ventured to write a Regimental History ! 

The search for information has been difficult ; none was 
forthcoming from the regiment itself, as the only records 
they possess consist of a Register of Officers and two 
Court-martial Books, dating from i8o3-i8i5,and two others 
of 1855-1861. An application to the Clerk of the Lieuten- 
ancy of Berkshire revealed nothing ; an enquiry at the 
Bodleian Library gave the same answer. I wasted an hour 
at the British Museum, waiting vainly for books, or an 
answer as to whether they were in the Library. 

The Record Officials were most courteous and prompt ; 
I there found the old War Office papers, but alas! as 
regards Berkshire, they were somewhat scanty. After this 
I returned to my search nearer home, in our splendid Free 
Library at Reading. The following pages are the result of 
my various researches and enquiries, and I feel sure they 
will prove of interest to past, present, and future Berkshire 
Militiamen. 

There are already written histories of several Militia 
Regiments : the 2nd Royal Surrey, ^he Cambridgeshire, the 
Bedfordshire, the Northampton and Rutland, the Hamp- 

A 



VI. Preface. 

shire, etc., etc. All these give the origin of the English 
Militia from Saxon times, with plentiful extracts from 
Grose's Military Antiquities, Palgrave, Blackstone, and the 
State Papers^ and, though all this is most interesting, I shall 
try to treat the subject, as far as possible, as entirely 
" Berkshire.** But all Militia histories must bear a strong 
family likeness, as they can only be compiled from the few 
existing MSS. and books on the subject. 

To write any history thoroughly would mean the work of 
a lifetime, to the exclusion of all other occupations. My 
life is far too busy for me to give up more than a few spare 
moments for any literary work ; even while writing this 
short preface, I have been interrupted half-a-dozen times. 
Also as regards research, I have not been able to go 
thoroughly into the matter for the same reason ; but if my 
readers will be so good as to send me any notes relating to 
the regiment or its officers, it will be of great use and value 
for future editions. 

It has been a great pleasure to me, searching out and 
chronicling the exploits of the Berkshire Militia, in which my 
father served from its reorganisation in 1852, until a serious 
illness, of two years* duration, compelled him to resign his 
commission in 1873. 

From my earliest childhood I can remember the 
regiment; and the study of its past history, I am glad to 
say, is one long record of praise, without containing a 
single blot or blemish, throughout the many eventful years 
which have elapsed since 1640, the earliest date at which 
I have found the term Militia used in reference to the 
regiment. 



Preface. vii. 

This regiment was generally called the " Berkshire Regi- 
ment of Militia," often abbreviated to " The Berkshire 
Regiment." This appellation is claimed for the 66th 
Regiment, but the latter regiment was only raised in 
1759, and consequently is comparatively modern to the 
Berkshire Militia, which also enjoyed the privilege of being 
a " Royal " regiment more than seventy years before the 
present Dcp6t system of Linked Battalions came into 
existence. 

EMMA ELIZABETH THOYTS. 
Sulhamstead Park^ 

1897- 



A 2 



X. Introduction. 



of society grew up and the Art of War became scientific, yet 
it underlies at the present day our own Militia system, and is 
recognised by the law of ballot for our Militia, which, though 
now in abeyance, is the law of the land. 

This theory is more evidently adopted by all the great 
nations of the Continent of Europe, as will be per- 
ceived on consideration, with their universal liability to 
compulsory service ; for, of the prodigious forces available 
in their armies, though they keep up always the cadres 
and organization of the whole, yet only a part, are so 
to speak, in training at a time; the remainder being held in 
readiness to be called up to their places in the first line, or to 
form, according to their age and qualifications, a second and 
third line. It may almost be said then that they form an 
enormous National Militia, but with part permanently em- 
bodied and the organisation of the whole kept complete. 

England is in a somewhat different position, chiefly owing 
to her Foreign possessions, to India, and her Colonies. To a 
certain extent also, this applies to France, who in a sense has 
a separate Colonial army, at any rate in Algeria. In our 
own case then it is manifest that the same system as that 
pursued in other countries, based, as I think we may say, 
upon the Militia theory, would not do by itself, for it has 
always been part and parcel of that theory that the Militia 
should not, at least in time of peace, be called upon to serve 
out of their own country. It has been found absolutely 
necessar>' therefore, for England to have an Army, a standing 
Army of another kind, one recruited entirely by voluntary 
enlistment, to meet the exigencies of all our foreign 
service. 



It is, however, the opinion of many thinking men that we 
are in danger, from not sufficiently recognising in these 
modern days what I have called the Militia theory, of some 
day courting disaster. Our standing army is not a large one, 
barely in fact large enough for all it might at any time be 
called upon to do out of the country, and it must be remem- 
bered that though in times past over and over again, in 
National emergencies, the country, in its need has fallen back 
upon its Militia Forces, neglected in time of peace; yet, that 
now when things move so much more quickly, and means 
of communication are so much greater and speedier, when 
with the present arms of precision a soldier wants so much 
more training and our possible opponents are so much 
better trained and equipped, a large addition to our Militia 
or defensive forces cannot by any possibility, however great 
the patriotism of the moment, be organised and trained at a 
moment's notice. 

Of course, a compulsory Militia service is in the nature of a 
tax upon the country. England, however is perhaps the 
most lightly taxed country in the world, as well as the 
richest, and such a tax is after all only in the form of an 
insurance on our riches, and one which, I believe, the 
people of this country would be content to pay, if con- 
vinced of its necessity before the day comes when it may be 
too late, and when all our frantic endeavours and cxpendi- 
I turc at the last moment may be unavailing. I believe, 
I also, that the individual benefit of the Military training to 
our people would be great, I will only add that it is the 
opinion of those best able to judge that the natural defence 
given by our insular position is not so great as once it was. 




xii. Introduction. 



To turn to the MiHtia question in this country in earh'est 
times and thenceforward, we know that it was the custom of 
the Romans to turn what form of Militia or fighting power 
they found in conquered tribes or nations to their own use, 
calling on the tribes to find a quota of men for Militia service, 
in addition to such men as went to serve permanently in some 
of their legions ; no doubt, therefore, they pursued some such 
policy during their occupation of Britain. 

In Saxon times, however, we find under the various Kings 
of the Heptarchy a very complete Militia, under the name 
of the Fyrd, and fines were imposed on those who shirked 
the duty, in addition to the scorn with which they were 
regarded by their neighbours. It may be interesting to 
note that the word " Fyrd " or " Frid " is an Anglo-Saxon 
word, with the double meaning of peace and freedom, and 
** Frid-gegild," a protection society. When the Heptarchy, 
after continuous wars among themselves, came to an end, and 
the Kings of Wessex became Kings of all England, Alfred 
the Great, in danger continually from the Danish invaders, 
reorganised the Fyrd and made it a very valuable defensive 
force, defeating again and again the Danes with it. 

This is of special interest to men of Berkshire, for Alfred 
was a Berkshire man, and doubtless many a Berkshire 
Militiaman of those days served in his defensive wars and in 
the battles fought in the county from Reading westwards. 

The Fyrd seems to have been kept in a fairly efficient 
state for long after Alfred's time, and, indeed, down to 
the Norman Conquest, fighting with all their Saxon 
obstinacy under Harold at the Battle of Hastings, and 
though opposed to the better armed chivalry and the 



fntrodncHon. 



» 



greater warlike genius of the Normans, yet giving the 
invaders hard work to defeat them, and dying in enormous 
numbers with their faces to the foe, and all their wounds in 
front, around the last Saxon king. 

With the advent of the Normans was introduced the 
feudal system, into which it is not necessary to enter here, 
but side by side with it the shrewd Norman monarchs kept 
up the Militia system to a great extent, doubtless finding in 
it as time went on a counterpoise to the power of the great 
barons. We find from time to time statutes and ordinances 
for the better mustering, arming and regulation of the local 
forces, which it may not be out of place briefly to refer 
to here, though many of the later ones are dealt with at 
more length in the body of this work. 

To go back to King Alfred's time, about the year S79, 
when by the aid of the local forces of the Fyrd he had 
established the Sa.-ion kingdom, we read in Grose's Military 
Antiquities that every ten families made a tj-thing. and all 
the males of those families of military age were commanded 
by the borsholder, called conductor. Ten tythings con- 
stituted a hundred ; the soldiers of the hundred were led by 
the chief magistrate of the hundred, sometimes called the 
hundredary. Several hundreds formed a trything, com- 
manded by an officer called a trything man ; the force of 
the whole county was commanded by the dux. or duke, in 
peace time, and by the king himself or his appointed 
officer in time of war. The hundred elected their own 
officer, and, it would seem, acknowledged his authority by 
touching his spear with theirs. Up to the early part of 
this century the hundred was still recognised as a Military 




xiv. Introduction. 



division of the county, the tything man's duties having 
devolved on the parish constables. In Saxon times the 
penalty for not serving was, in the case of owners of land, 
forfeiture and fines of varying degree ; at the beginning of 
Alfred's reign the fine seems to have been sixty shillings for 
a landowner and thirty for a churl, a large sum in those 
days. 

After the Conquest, as we have seen, the Fyrd, later on 
called the/^jj^ comitatus^ was still continued by the Norman 
kings in addition to or as supplementary to the feudal 
system. In it all men between fifteen and sixty were liable 
to serve in their own county, and, in case of emergency, any- 
where in the kingdom. Once a year there was a review of 
arms in each county ; every owner of land had to provide 
armour according to his possessions. The posse comitatus 
was placed under the sheriff, who had to keep the king's 
peace, and times were fixed for instruction in arms. 

In the Assize of Arms of Henry II., 1181, all the free- 
holders and burgesses were bound to provide themselves 
with armour and weapons according to their degree, so that 
they not only had to serve, but to find their own offensive 
and defensive arms ; the arms to be found by the different 
degrees will be found in Grose's Military A?itiquities,\o\,\. 
No one could sell, give away, or otherwise dispose of his 
arms, neither could a lord seize his vassals' arms. 

Then came, in 1285, Edward I.'s Statute of Winchester, 
much on the same lines, but with somewhat different 
provisoes ; all were by this statute (13, Ed. I., c. 6) ordered 
to produce their arms twice a year on penalty of being 
'* presented " by the constables of the hundred. 



Tntroductlon. 



In 1553, arms and other circumstances having altered, 
the Statute of Winchester was repealed, in the reign of 
Philip and Mary, and fresh regulations enacted in place of 
the old ones ; still, arms and armour had to be provided in 
the different degrees until the reign of James I,, when the 
providing of armour was abolished. The richer men under 
these enactments had to provide horses and accoutrements 
for mounted men. 

In the reign of Henry IV, we find certain persons called 

Commissioners of Array, a term synonymous with the more 

modern Lords-Lieutenant, who had to muster the men and 

issue the County Muster Rolls, which will hereafter be found 

alluded to. In the reign of Henry VIII, the Lords-Lieu- 

, tenant had succeeded to their duties, and the command of 

the Militia was vested in them under the sovereign on two 

I occasions, in 1558 and during the Long Parliament, and 

they had power given them to press men for the Militia; 

I but, in each case, it was specially enacted that these men 

■ should not be compelled to go out of the country. No 

I doubt this proviso was inserted for Constitutional reasons, 

I for some of our kings had endeavoured to assert their right 

I to take the men for foreign wars, though, when this was 

I done, they seem to have received pay. 

In the early part of the reign of James I., when the 
I provisions as to finding armour were repealed, the command 
I of the Militia was taken from the Lords- Lieu tenant ; and in 
I the reign of his son, Charles I., the dispute as to the control 
I of the Militia, which the Parliament wished to usurp, was 
I one of the principal causes of the Civil War. 

We now approach the time of the first formation of any 
I Standing Army, unless we look upon the feudal retainers, 



XVI. Introduction, 



the Knights of the Hospital and various bands of mercenary 
troops from time to time employed, in that light. The 
feudal system had disappeared ; and I think it may be said 
that, up to 1660, the Militia was the only Constitutional 
force of the country. Even long after this the people 
looked somewhat askance on a Standing Army, as putting 
too much power into the hands of the Crown. 

On the Accession of Charles II., the King was confirmed 
in control of the Militia, with the Lords- Lieutenant under 
him in their several counties, and times for muster and 
training were appointed, once a year for complete regiments 
and four times a year for single companies, but not to exceed 
twelve or fourteen days in all. 

Still the people had to provide arms and accoutrements, 
and, in some cases, horses for mounted men, according 
to their degrees ; but a rate was levied for the supply of 
ammunition, drums and colours. 

The inadequate time for training, however, and the money 
spent and attention given to the Standing Army caused, 
by degrees, the Militia to become very much neglected, 
and in some counties even the musters were made very 
irregularly. 

This went on till 1756, when, there being a fear of in- 
vasion, the King (George II.) proposed to bring over some 
Hanoverian troops. This the people could not stand, and 
the attention of the Government having been already for 
some time previous called to the state of the Militia, the 
force was then reconstituted much in the form in which it 
existed down to the time of the modern territorial system, 
when it was taken out of the hands of the Lords- Lieutenant 



Tntroduclion. 



XVII, 



i linked with the Line battalions, under territorial desig- 
nations ; the officers, at the same time, being placed 
permanently under the Army Discipline Act One curious 
efiect of the new organisation is that no one knows to whom 
it would fail to enforce and carry out the Ballot, if required ; 
the old power of the Lords-Lieutenant having been taken 
away. 

Most of the Militia regiments now in existence date, in 
I their present form, from about 1756 or later. 

This «ummary would hardly be complete without some 

' slight allusion to the martial regulations, now represented 

by the Army Discipline Act, under which, from time to 

I time, tlie force has served. The earliest of which there is 

( direct record is that of King John, entitled, "Constitutions 

I to be made in the Army of our Lord the King." Next, 

those of Richard 1 1., twenty-six in number (Grose's MilUaij 

Antiquities, vol. 2). Of Henry V., made chiefly for his 

feudal Army abroad. Of Henry VIL and of Henry VIH., 

I 1513. These last form the basis of the modern Acts. Then 

I we have those drawn up for the King's forces and also those 

I for the Parliamentary forces, in the Civil War, which were 

I very severe, according to the customs of those days, though, 

I by the old Court-martial Books of the Royal Berkshire 

Regiment, it appears that, even at the beginning of this 

' century, tremendously severe floggings were imposed and 

actually inflicted, as many as four, five and six hundred 

lashes being not infrequently the sentence, for what we 

should now-a-days inflict a few hours' imprisonment with 

hard labour. The last of the old ordinances connecting 

modem times with old are those of James IL, more lenient 




ItttrodudioH. 



than the old ones; they were called the Articles of Ws 
were sixty-four in number and under them no one was 
to be punished during peace lime by loss of life or limb, 
though such punishments were authorised in time of war. 

Finally, to summarise the services of the Militia forces of 
the country, without again referring to the days of Alfred or 
those of Harold and the Conquest, they took part in all the 
internal troubles and invasions of the feudal times ; in 
putting down the various insurrections; in the long Wars 
of the Roses ; in the preparations to resist the Spanish 
Armada ; and on both sides, often in duplicate as it were, in 
the great Civil War; at the Restoration; at the time of 
Monmouth's Rebellion ; in the " 15 " and the "45 ;" almost 
continuously from 1760 to iSj6; and, finally, during the 
Crimea, and Indian Mutiny time, both at home and abroad. 

May we hope that when our Queen and country want 
the services of the Militia Battalions in the future, they may 
be found with the men, the discipline and organisation, to 
enable them to perform such services as they have in the 
past. Given the means and the opportunity, [ feel sure 
they will not fail the country at need. 

T. J. UOVVLES. 



I 



CONTENTS. 



A KILF^ACE «•• ••• ••• ... ... 

Introduction 

Chapter I. 
Militia and Berkshire Levies 

Chapter II. 
Early Entries of Soldiery, 17th Century 

Chapter III. 
The Civil War — 1640-1649 

Chafier IV. 
Under the Commonwealth — 1650-1659 

Chapter V. 
Return of the King — 1660-1715 

Chapter VI. 
The Hanoverian Dynasty — 17 15-1757 .. 

Chapter VII. 
Reorganization and Embodiment — 1 757-1 763 

Chapter VIII. 
When George III. was King — 1764-1792 

Chapter IX. 
Wars and Rumours of Wars— i 792-1803 

Chapter X. 
Nineteenth Century Warfare — 1803-1852 

Chapter XI. 
Changes and Improvements— 1852-1872 



PAOIC. 

v. 
ix. 



16 



^5 



42 



51 



63 



75 



93 



122 



157 



177 



Contents. 



Chapter XII. 
Twenty-five Years in the Regiment — 1873-1897 ... 191 

Chapter XIII. 
Places where the Regiment has been — 1614-1896 ... 232 

Chapter XIV. 
Lords-Lieutenant of Berks, and Colonels of the 
Regiment — 1640-1897 ... ... ... ... ... 245 

Chapter XV. 
Officers who have served in the Berkshire Militia 248 



Authorities Quoted from 

Index of Names 

Index of Places 

Index of Regiments 
Officers in 1897 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Portrait of Colonel Bowles ... 

Colonel Whichcote 

Joseph Andrews 

John Wilder 

A HE 3XAKv«n ... ... ••• ... 

Portrait of Colonel Loveden ... 
The Colours of the Regiment... 

Corfu and Vido 

The Parody 

Regimental Plate 

The Regiment on Parade 

Group of Officers 

Colour Sergeants 



• • • 


m 


• • • 


336 


• • a 


344 


• • • 


348 


• • • 


351 




I'At.E. 


to face Title. 


• • • 


43 


• • • 


76 


• • • 


96 


• • • 


126 


• • • 


I 28 


• • • 


181 


• • • 


186 


• • • 


189 


• • • 


190 


• • • 


204 


a • * 


226 


• • • 


230 




■ 



IRE MILITIA. 



:^i^r^ 




Page 1. _ 

» igC 2oi, Laie i ■; 

Pige 2S1. Lac - -g^ ^ ^ - 
P««e 2& Lee :* ju-.^*^ 

^^ -land which have 

v»* ^ ry than Berkshire 

has always done from the earliest ages until 

modem times, and the Berkshire Militia may 

fairly boast they possess a longer consecutive 

history than any other Militia regiment, for 

they were recognised as a Militia regiment from 1640, and 

their longest period of inactivity was for some twenty years 

prior to 1852. 

P'or the origin of the Militia it seems to me more probable 

to search back to the Roman Period, when 

England was under military rule. We know that 

the Romans recruited their armies from every country they 

conquered, consequently many Britons must have served 

under their standards both at home and abroad. 

Curiously, Berkshire possesses few relics of the Roman 

occupation. In this county no large town has ever been 

found, the sites of camps are pointed out and many large 

villas, although the nearness of Berkshire to London, and 

the fact of the River Thames flowing through it, must have 

made it an important district in all ages. 

n 



200 A.D. 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



Both Saxons and Danes fought here. King Alfred's 
birthplace is said to have been at Wantage. This king, so 
popular in history, has the credit of organising the Militia or 
"Fryd," a statement for which the antiquary Grose is mainly 
responsible. The Saxons soon adopted England as their 
home; they lived in tribes or settlements, and that they 
possessed some system of raising troops on emergency was 
inevitable. Perhaps King Alfred found some arrangement 

existing, which he reorganised on fixed rules and 
^^' stated lines. From then to the Norman Conquest 
such matters are vague. We can get no information, as the 
few writers of the period were chiefly ecclesiastics, who dealt 
with history from their own point of view, and did not 
trouble about military affairs. In the Battle of Hastings, 
the English Militia, though brave in the field, were conquered 
^^^ by the superior military skill of the Norman troops, 

for a disciplined body of men can always gain the 
day over masses of raw recruits, however superior they may 
be numerically. Glancing through the pages of English 
History, wc see a long succession of wars, in all these 
Berkshire men took part. First comes the Empress Maude's 
gallant struggle to secure her father's throne. That king, who 
had founded Reading Abbey, choosing it for his last resting 
place, must have been well known by the men of Berkshire ; 

we may be sure they rallied round his daughter 
^^' and supported her interest. 
After this, for several generations, the Crusades excited 
the military feelings of the whole then known world. Many 
Englishmen perished in these Holy Wars ; there is no 
means of ascertaining the number of the soldiers who went 
out from England at that time. Then King John and his 
Barons disagreed, and all the 12th, 13th and 14th Centuries 
were full of fighting at home and abroad, till a long civil 
war, the war of the houses of York and Lancaster, distracted 
England. 



Berkshire Levies, 



"Arrays "and "Musters" are not fully entered into in 

' history. They were ordinary matters of no interest and 

must have taken place periodically, as we know that in every 

war the troops who fought were raised by levy from the 

I towns and counties of England, equipped and paid for by 

special taxes levied for the purpose all over the country. 

The men were retainers or followers of whoever leafl them to 

battle ; they wore special liveries or uniform to distinguish 

them; these liveries were originated from the heraldic device 

' or coat of arms of the leader, which was borne on the 

I standard. Scarlet has always been the English colour — 

I except, perhaps, in the Tudor days, when it is said the 

T royal livery was green and white. Red, white and blue, 

\ were the colours of Mary, Queen of Scots, chosen from the 

I combined coats of arms of England, Scotland, and France. 

Our Union Flag, called the Queen's Colour, bears the 

\ crosses of St. George. St Andrew, and St. Patrick, as repre- 

[ scnting all parts of the United Kingdom, it was re-arranged 

iSoo, when the Union was declared ; previous to that 

I date it bore only the two crosses. 

1 do not trouble to seek every notice of military affairs 
I during the earliest days of history, indeed, it would not be 
I poissible to find many entries of local interest; I confine 
myself strictly to those only in which Berkshire is distinctly 
mentioned. To search for such would be a long and expen- 
sive matter. The " Arrays " developed into the " Musters " 
[ and " Views " (query, is our word Review taken from this 
obsolete word?); these in turn became "Trained Bands," 
I though the " Trained Bands " were chiefly town troops, 
I who had more opportunity of drilling than the Militia 
[ recruit from the county. The word Militia, then spelt 
" Milicia," is found as early as the reign of Queen Elizabeth, 
but it did not come into genera! use until the Restoration of 
Charles II.. when the formation of a standing Army began 
to be thought of, and new regiments of regularly trained 



Royal Be7^kshire Militia, 



soldiers were embodied permanently, and recruited from all 
over England. 

But under whatever name they might be called, the Militias 
are, undoubtedly, the oldest corps in England and are justly 
proud of the fact. Their origin goes back hundreds of years 
before any Line Regiment was thought of Previous to the 
17th Century, the Nation depended entirely upon them for 
defence, they fought both at home and abroad, and, though 
there remains but scant information as to individual regi- 
ments, we know that then as now " England expected every 
man to do his duty," and she could not have occupied and 
held the high position she did among other Nations, unless 
her soldiers had been loyal and brave. 

In the second year of the reign of Edward III, at a 
meeting of the Town Council of Reading, before 
^ *" Thomas Beke, Mayor, Friday (November 17th) 
next before the feast of St. Clement, there was reserved for 
the hands of Stephen Donster, 5s. lod ; to be paid for 
arrows (arrys), 6d.; and for the Mayor, Thomas Beke, of his 
accounts had for soldiers that last went to the King, I9d.; 
also for Robert Stapper the same day, 3s., owing, 2s. These 
men had advanced the money which was to be repaid them 
out of special rates leived for the purpose. 

This was in the War of the Roses, Edward IV. being 
crowned at Westminster after the battle of Mortimer s Cross 
in 146 1, but fighting continued for many years after. 

A Parliament was held at Reading in 145 1, and again in 
1452, owing to an outbreak of the plague in London. 

Edward IV. also held Parliament there in 1466, which 
was probably the last Parliament ever held in the town, for 
though Henry VII. and Henry VHI. both visited it, no 
mention is made of any councils held, and the 
^ * splendid Abbey where kings and princes had been 
royally entertained ever since its foundation, ceased to exist 
in 1539 ; and Charles I., when he came hither was without 



Berkshire Levies, 



a Parliament, his policy being to govern the nation by the 
Divine right of kings, without interference from Lords or 
Commons. 

The Battle of Barnet, 147 1, was quickly followed by the 
death of Henry VI., this, and the imprisonment of Margaret 
of Anjou, at last terminated in 1485 that long and terrible war 
which had affected England. The fighting in these wars 
was in the middle and northern parts of England : that 
portion of the country which lay between York, the northern 
capital, and London, the capital of the South of England ; 
but the soldiers who formed the two armies were levied from 
all parts. Berkshire probably sided with the Lancas- 
trian party. The Duke of Suffolk, a prominent leader, 
married Alice, daughter of Sir Thomas Chaucer, 
^' ' and from her he acquired much Berkshire property. 
William dc la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, had been instrumental 
in arranging the marriage of Marguerite of Anjou, he was 
popular, not only as a courtier, but more so as the General 
of the Army in France ; but his popularity ceased when 
ill fortune attended his army, and his tragic death by 
beheading in a tiny boat in the midst of the English 
Channel is one of the most extraordinary episodes to be 
found in history. 

August 22nd. Henry VH. An Inventory was 

^ ' made of the Armour in Reading. Four pairs of 

brigantines, two covered with russet fustian and two with 

black fustian. (This was armour composed of small pieces 

of metal sewn on leather and covered with cloth.) 

Another pair of brigantines covered with black : a jack ; 
four sallets. (These were the head pieces.) Two pairs of 
gossets ; two aprons ; three standards ; one pair of splints ; 
a black bill ; two sheafs in the bundel gyrdclcd (girdled). 
(This consisted of forty-ei^ht arrows, as a sheaf contained 
twenty-four arrows). 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



Reading was certainly not well provided, if this was all 
they had in the town ; as half-a-dozen soldiers 
^ ' could not do much for the defence of a garrison. 
But according to the Statute of Winchester passed in 1285, 
every householder was obliged to keep armour, so that in 
cases of need, each town would have been defended by its 
inhabitants, each armed at their own expense, and the 
weapons, etc., belonging to the Corporation only appertained 
to its own special guard of soldiers. 

A Tax of £y was levied to provide harness for six men 
in Reading. This again evidently refers to the 
^ "* Town Guard, whose equipment the previous year 
had been examined and was far from complete. 

War with France was begun by the English King, who 
pledged himself to aid the Duchess Anne of Bretagne, a 
defenceless girl of twelve years old, to protect her kingdom 
against the claims of the French King. One of the terms 
on which this aid was sent, was that Anne of Bretagne 
should not marry without Henry VIII. 's consent, but 
Charles VIII. of France forced her to marry him, despite 
her bethrothal to Maximilian, King of the Romans. It 
needed but slight excuse in those days to create war 
between England and France, so in 1492, Henry laid siege 
to Boulogne, but the English were impoverished by the long 
wars of the 15th Century, and the King soon after wisely 
secured a treaty of peace, together with a large sum of 
money. The next event in English warfare of interest was 
the pretension of Perkin Warbeck, the " White Rose of 
York," to the Crown. His first attempt ended in defeat 
near Deal. From thence he went to Ireland and Scotland, 
(the Scotch King finding him arms and money), and led an 
army over the border to support his claim. In Cornwall 
there was a rising in his favour, and the Insurgents marched 
to Salisbury'. But though Perkin had to fly to Ireland, he 
did not despair. His next venture was in the West of 



Berkshire Levies. 



1496. 



England; again at the most critical point his courage 



Tailed, he left his army and fled, and his chance of 
a Crown was gone for ever, for he was taken prisoner. 
Twenty-nine soldiers were provided by the Town of 
Reading for the King. Nine of them were 
'*' bowmen, the weapons of the rest are not men- 
tioned. Each town was taxed in proportion to its wealth 
and population. It is not known on what terms the soldiers 
served, or whether at the end of a war they were sent home 
again ; possibly few survivors lived to return. 

County districts as well as towns had to provide soldiers. 
Thus if Reading sent 39 men, and the parts were taxed in 
proportion, several companies must have been raised, over 
and above those kept for local defence. 

Soldiers were sent from Reading to Scotland, 1 3th Septem- 
ber, when Henry VI 1 1, and James of Scotland were 
''''"^' to have met at York, but the latter did not come, a 
breach of promise which Henry made an excuse for warfare. 
In August, 1542, the English troops crossed the border. 
Two months later, in October, Henry issued a fresh 
Manifesto claiming the sovereignty of Scotland, the real 
object of his quarrel with the Scotch King, being to annex 
that kingdom to the Crown of England. Twenty-four 
I horses and their harness and a soldier to each, were sent by 
I inhabitants of Reading to assist the King. The names of the 
I soldiers were : — John Seagrove, Lewis Baker, John Taff, John 
' Gateley, Nicholas Norres, John Withwall, Richard Ryce, 
Thomas Evett, William Coker, Moses Cutler, William Rows, 
' William Mayle, Thomas Alyn, Henry Frcman, Richard Est, 
Kichard Hcnsman, Matthew Hoskyns, Nicholas Gent, John 
I Dole, Roger Statham. John Cordery.John Hopton, William 
I Pulleyn, John White. 

All the inhabitant-; were taxed to provide this troop, both 
I Clerical and Lay. 



8 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Some authorities say Henry VIII. gave power over the 
Militia to the Lord Lieutenants of Counties. Others assert 
it was not granted them till Queen Elizabeths reign. 
Perhaps both statements have foundation in the fact that 
the Lord Lieutenancy gradually grew into a more responsible 
office. 

May 1 2th. The Town of Reading sent to the King, to 

help in the French wars, thirteen men well harnessed 
1 544* 

and horsed, and twenty foot men well harnessed 

at the charge of the said town. They cost about 40 marks 
to equip. The Duke of Suffolk, a King's Lieutenant and 
Captain General summoned all captains, vice-captains, men- 
at-arms, armed men, archers, and others of the counties 
under him, namely — Berks, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex, 
Bucks, Hants, Wilts, Oxford, Worcester, Hereford and 
London. The siege of Boulogne was the chief incident of 
this war, after the success of which Henry returned home. 

Shortly after, Francis raised the French Fleet and started 
to conquer England. The two navies met in the Channel, 
but after a cannonade of two days, the French returned 
home, finding England was too fully prepared for war to 
fall into their hands. 

The Privy Council orders of Henry VIII. as given to the 

^ ^ Duke of Suffolk, as the King's Lieutenant and 
1 544" 5* • -» 

Captain General of the Forces, to raise troops 

to carry on the war with France, are minute and curious. 

The first thing ordered relating to musters, was to ascertain 

the number of able men in each hundred, and " how many 

of them were archers, how many billmen, how many 

furnished with harness, bowes and arrowes, and weapons 

convenient to serve in case of need," and care was to be 

taken that men, horses and weapons were ready to be used 

**upon one hour's warning," not only for the defence of that 

immediate ]^art of the country, but elsewhere, where the 

King might require them. The coasts were to be examined. 



Berkshire Levies. 



Any places likely to afford a safe landing to invaders were 
to be repaired and fortified by trenches and earthworks, 
beacons being set up near at hand to give warning of the 
approach of an enemy. The dwellers near the sea coasts 
were to take notice if they saw any number of ships 
hovering about searching to land, and if the landing were 
effected, the country people were to break the bridges, and 
cast up trenches to prevent a further progress inland. 
Watches were set in towns and villages along the coast 
ready to give the alarm and muster the soldiers. Itwas the 
business of the Lieutenant of the Shire to give notice to the 
Justices of the Peace, and instructions were issued to them 
for this purpose. It is very clear in reading of these warlike 
preparations, that Henry VIII. momentariiy expected an 
Invasion from the French, if he failed in the bold attempt 
to reduce that nation himself; for in the expedition thither 
he took with him the bulk of the English Army, so that this 
country was entirely dependent for defence on the careful 
carrying out of the orders for musters. For the training of tJie 
men, if not carried out by the gentlemen of Che neighbour- 
hood, the Lieutenant was to appoint from the King, certain 
chosen captains for the purpose, " To teach and train the 
people how to wear tlicir arms and use their weapons." 
This instruction being most conveniently arranged for the 
afternoons of holy days at some given spot, for two or three 
montlis' space. Even the prices of the ammunition arc 
given, so the Lieutenant had only to carry out his orders, 
and similar letters of instruction were issued in the succeed- 
ing reigns of Edward VI., Queen Mary, and Queen 
Elix^beth, becoming more and more detailed and explicit, 
February 4th. A certain captain was appointed by the 
King's Majesty, and by his honourabie Council to 
take within the Borough of Reading, fifty soldiers 
to be weaponed with bills, swords, daggers, and certain 
bows and sheaves of arrows at the cost and charge of tiie 



1550. 



■^ bows ant 



lo Royal Berkshire Militia. 

inhabitants, to every soldier I2d. in money, over and besides 
their coats and pressed money at the King's charge. This 
was probably the first payment of bounty or conduct money. 
Hitherto the soldiers had been more of the nature of 
retainers raised on the feudal system of forced labour, than 
hired servants. The direct payment from the Crown was 
the step towards a regular army, as previously the men 
had been clothed and paid out of taxes levied for the 
purpose. 

July 2 1st. The Mayor and inhabitants of Reading sent 
out of the Borough of Reading to aid the Queen 
against the Duke of Northumberland, ten soldiers 
well harnessed and weaponed, at the expense of the Mayor 
and inhabitants. Troops were being raised and sent to 
quell the fatal Rebellion, which ended in the execution of 
poor Lady Jane Grey. The prompt measures of Queen 
Mary's Council and their unanimous declaration in her 
favour, frightened the Duke of Northumberland. He 
declared for Queen Mary, but this did not save his life, for he 
was taken prisoner, his army disbanded, and himself conveyed 
to the Tower where he was executed, August 22nd, 1553. 

On i6th August, the Mayor and inhabitants of Reading 
sent six men well harnessed, well horsed, and well apparelled, 
to attend and wait on the Queen's Majesty at Richmond 
for her Coronation. The men returned to Reading, August 
25th, when the ceremony was over. 

This is the only occasion on which I find a notice of 
Berkshire men taking part in London ceremonies. London 
was better provided with soldiers than any part of the 
Kingdom, yet it is curious, that as Windsor was a Royal 
residence, the County should not have been called upon to 
find a Royal Bod}- Guard on state occasions, such as 
Coronations or birthday processions. 

July 9th. The Reading people sent to King Philip and 
Queen Mary forty men in blue coats with red crosses, which 



Berkshire Levies. 



cost 6s. 4d. each man. They had forty new 

" ■ bills, each worth iSd. and conduct money i6d. 



ting to £\% 6s. 8d. which the 



per man. The total i. 
inhabitants had to pay. 

This allusion to uniform is interesting, as little if any 

information is obtainable as to the uniforms, or livery, of 

. the Trained Band.s, though each Troop was distinguished 

by a special colour. The Red Cross Knight of the old song 

[ at once comes to one's mind : — 

" And on his breast a bloodie cross he bore. 
The deare remembrance of his dying Lord, 
For whose sweete sake that glorious badge he wore, 
And dead as living ever, hijn ador'd 
Upon his shield, the like was also scor'd." 

Spencer's Faerie Queen. 
The Red Cross was undoubtedly the badge of St. George 
' for England, our Patron Saint, which forms so conspicuous 
I a part of the Union Flag. 

No doubt in the middle ages the different troops bore the 
livery or colours of their leaders. Each officer 
could then easily pick out his own men by their 
I dress, and was responsible for al! who wore his colours. Our 
■ servants" liveries of the present day are remains of this 
I custom. 

The war with France was declared June 7th, 1557. The 
Queen levied 1,000 horses and 4,000 foot soldiers, 
'"' and 3,000 pioneers, and sent them to Flanders in 
I July, under the command of the Earl of Pembroke, with 
1 Lord Robert Dudley as master of the Ordnance. The 
I English Army joined the Foreign Troops of King Philip's 
I Army under the Duke of Savoy. 

The war terminated in the loss of Calais, which it is said 
I broke Queen Mary's heart; hers was a sad loveless life, 
I from cradle to tomb. By historians she has been blamed, 
I not pitied, and her name handed down to posterity with 



1558- 



12 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

ignominy. Now looking back, without any of the prejudices 

of contemporaries, we see clearly the trials and difficulties 

surrounding her on every side. Her death took 

^^ * place November 17th, 1558, after 'a reign of five 

years and a few months. 

Formerly in the Parish Register of Cholsey, there was a 
curious loose paper, since lost. It contained instructions to 
the young men of the parish to practice the long bow twice a 
week, at Butts on a piece of ground set apart for the 
purpose. 

The Butts in Reading are so called to this day, but it 
must be borne in mind that the word " Butts " was also 
used for a measure of land. Perhaps the archery grounds 
were called " Butts " from being a certain measurement. 
The old yew trees in churchyards were, it is said, planted 
by royal command, to ensure a supply of yew timber, for 
the making of bows. 

May 19th. At a meeting of the Burgesses of Reading, 
they referred to Thomas B\'ggcs old account, and 
'^^^' the account and reckoning for sending soldiers to 
St. Quentins, Robert Tylby, Richard Gilbert, Walter 
Berrington, and William Lyppescombe having stood surety 
for the money expended, which had not been repaid to them. 
Walter Berrington and Robert Tylby arc named among the 
cofferers of Reading. Their names appear too in the list of 
Burgesses as does also William Lyppescombe, but not 
Richard Gilbert. 

With Oucen Elizabeth a new era bc":an. She was un- 
married, free from foreign alhance, with clever advisers to 
direct and counsel her. Her subjects were weary of 
religious persecutions, they desired peace at home and 
abroad, and all Kurope was anxious to be friendly with the 
Queen, who, it was generally supposed, would seek a 
husband from one of the Courts of Kurope, as her ancestors 
and predecessors on the Knglish Throne had done. 



Berkshire Levies. 



The reign of '" Good Queen Bess " is remarkable rather 
for diplomacy than war. She ruled by stratagem instead 
of military force, but none the less she was ready for war or 
defenct when necessary. Martial Law was em- 
""' ployed in those days against civilians as well as 
soldiers; its method was prompt and severe. The Sovereign 
had absolute authority, which none dare question, and she 
used her prerogative. 

A GeTieral Muster was ordered ; this shewed 



I S 74-5- 



the militiary resources of the country, and the 



Militia of England was at this time established at 182.929 
I men. 

This army, although large, was undisciplined. The men 
I seldom met for drill and were unaccustomed to moving in 
I bodies. At this time Lord Lieutenants of counties were 
I placed at the head, and practically in command, of the 
) MUitia. 

In this Muster it is said that the men fit for service 

I amounted to 172,674. but it was believed this did not give 

the full number, as th? returns were imperfect Queen 

I EliKabeth by calling this Muster was endeavouring to obtain 

an estimate of her available forces, and organize her army, 

I which, without doubt, required much reform and discipline. 

I The gathering together of the countrymen as soldiers 

taught many valuable lessons ; furthermore, it 

restored the confirience of the country, and avoided 

I the panic consequent upon threatened invasion. Thus, 

I some years later, the Queen was able to organise a line of 

I defence all along the coast of England, when the long 

I deferred invasion of the Spanish Armada became imminent. 

The troops assembled at Tilbury, some 22,000 

' '■ in number. The Berkshire " footmen " were i,ooo 

I strong ; the Light Horse of Berkshire numbered 200. 

The army to guard Her Majesty's person consisted both 
\ of horse and foot soldiers. This was under the charge of 



1575- 



14 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

the Lord Chamberlain. The Berkshire contingent of the 
Queen's bodyguard was 230 horsemen. The Queen's speech 
to the troops inspired them with loyalty, they were ready to 
defend their country and their Queen against any foes. 
Even if the Spanish ships had conquered the English fleet, 
they would have found it no easy matter to effect a landing 
on the coast, despite the want of military training which 
must always mar an army hastily gathered together for 
defence ; but the English troops then raised had been pre- 
paring for many years for home defence. Queen Elizabeth 
was too wise a sovereign not to have attended to such 
matters. The Musters of 1574 shewed the resources of the 
counties. Although not mentioned in history, we may 
safely assume that annual exercise took place, very 

^ * much as that of our own Militia at the present day. 
Queen Elizabeth ordered a Special Muster of the 

^ ' Troops of each county to guard the coasts during 
the threatened Spanish invasion. The Lords Lieutenants 
sent in returns of the Militia forces, and without any troops 
from London, the number amounted to 130,000 men, whom 
a little drill would soon have made into good soldiers. 

Two thousand foot and 200 horse were sent to Milford 
Haven, S,ooo Cornish and Devon men guarded Plymouth. 
From Dorsetshire and Wiltshire, Portland was protected, 
and at all other important points of the coast were soldiers 
quartered. The celebrated Review at Tilbury, when the 
Queen in person inspected her Army, took place in July ; 
the arrival of the Spanish Armada was then hourly expected. 
The delays, misfortunes, and ultimate annihilation of that 
splendid navy are graphically described by Froude. Our 
soldiers from the English coast must have watched with 
anxiety the movement of the Fleets. When the great ships 
had gone, the Camp at Tilbury was disbanded in August, 
although the Captains and Officers were not discharged 
until later, when all fear of further invasion was at an end. 



Berkshire Levies, 15 



One hundred and forty men were furnished by 
^^* Reading, August 9th, against the intended invasion 
of the Spaniards. The English Army being in Spain under 
the Earl of Essex, the Spanish thought this a good 
opportunity to revenge their previous defeats, but this 
expedition ended without any result. On the other hand 
after some success in Spain, the English Fleet and Army 
returned home, and Philip of Spain died soon after. 

As a Military Leader, the Earl of Essex was beloved by 
his soldiers, he was a better soldier than politician. It was 
sad that so brave a commander should fall a victim to 
political intrigue and suffer death as a traitor. On Ash 
Wednesday, 25 th February, Robert Devereux, Earl of 
Essex, was beheaded in the Tower. He was only 33, 

The long reign of the Virgin Queen was nearly over ; the 
death of her favourite Essex preyed on her mind. She 
had ruled her people wisely and well for many long years. 
It was best she should die before her powerful intellect 
failed. 



CHAPTER II. 

EARLY ENTRIES OF SOLDIERY. — 17th CENTURY. 

'^^T is most difficult to work out any Military matters 
^^ during the early part of the 17th Century. Historians 
are silent on the subject, save a few notes here and 
there. Regiments were then more of the nature of Private 
Troops, called by their Commander's name. Though raised 
or called out by the Lord Lieutenant's, or Deputy 
Lieutenant's Warrant, only the King appeared to have any 
actual authority over them ; indeed, James I. took away the 
power previously granted to the Lord Lieutenant, and 
reserved to himself absolute control over the soldiers of 
England. 

The struggle between the King and the Commons was 
smouldering for years, the billeting of soldiers in private 
houses, the tax called Ship money — although it was partly 
expended on the Army — and, finally, the question as to 
whom belonged the right of calling out the Militia, all 
purely military matters, were looked upon as grievances by 
the people, who dreaded a standing army. Soldiers were 
*' pressed " from the lowest of the people, " idle 
persons," as some of the records quaintly call 
them, and military discipline and organization, though 
severe when administered, was faulty, not being fixed by 
law or Act of Tarliament. Nor is it surprising that the 
soldiers were lawless, seeing that they were pressed for 
service, clothed and sent out without any training or drill ; 
nor were their officers educated in any way to organise or 
command large bodies of men. 



The preceding eight reigns had been fairly peaceful. It 
s said unless foreign wars occur at intervals, to exercise 
[ the military ardour of the people, civil war will inevitably 
I resulL The absolute despotism of the Tudors had given 
t place to the milder government of the Stuart dynasty. 
1 None of the Stuarts were successful as Military leaders, 
I they lacked the firmness and self-confidence necessary for 
I such duties. 

When the Scotch King James VI. became James 
^' 1. of England, he does not seem to have troubled 
I about military aflfairs ; his coronation was at Westminster 
I Abbey on zstli July. In his speech to the House of Lords, 
J he speaks of the horrors of civil war, the blessings of peace, 
I and the benefit which would come from the union of England 
land Scotland. Articles of Peace with Spain followed the 
incxt j-ear, but of Military matters we have nothing until 
\x6i4. 



1614. 



A general Muster of hor.se and foot all over 



England was commanded by the King, after 
Phan>'est, in which every county took part. In many places 
vtfacy had to buy new weapons and clothing ; most had 
■ decayed and some had gone out of fashion. 

The London soldiers were considered so excellent that 

Imany countrj' gentlemen went to see them exercise in the 

vArtillcry Garden, without Bishopsgate (which had been used 

Vfir practising artillery from the year 1586). They returned 

3 their own counties to model the Militia on the same lines 

B these London Trained Bands. 

From this period, until Charles I. became monarch, history 

jives no further information as to soldiers or musters. 

i only reasonable to assume that the Trained Bands 

England met at certain periods, especially in those 

unties which were able to pay for their maintenance — 

—in Berkshire we know they exercised annually — for when 

Civil War broke out, both King and Parliament were able 



1 8 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

to raise troops, which could not have been done unless the 
Militias had been kept together to some extent previously. 

The old town armour of Reading was sold and 

1624. , , . 

^ new bought. 

Even at this date the Musters were held in the Forbury in 
the springtime. In some evidence in a law suit, given before 
the Mayor, the witness mentions "the Muster in the 
Forbury," which must have taken place the middle of June 
that year. 

17th and 22nd November. A warrant in Reading was 
issued to impress fourteen strong and able men fit for the 
wars, to serve under Count Mansfield, and 40s. of money, 
being 5s. each man, for eight of them. All charges were 
to be paid until they were delivered into the hands of 
their Captain. This was done under the Lord Lieutenant's 
warrant to the Mayor, and the inhabitants had to pay ; 
the corselets cost i8d. each man, and the muskets I2d. per 
man. Count Mansfield, or Mansfeldt, was a hero of the 
Palatine war ; he was employed raising troops on the Con- 
tinent to expel the Spanish from the Netherlands. He 
embarked in the autumn from Zealand to collect the English 
money and troops promised him, but was wrecked ; his 
English captain and crew were drowned, he and a few 
followers escaped in the long-boat, and landed in England. 
He was promised ;£"20,ooo per month, and 12,000 soldiers, 
by King James, and these men were levied by press. 
Untrained and undisciplined they were sent to Dover 
(where several were hanged for misdemeanors and mutiny) 
thence the army embarked. A landing at Calais was 
refused them. From thence thc}* were taken to the Island 
of Zealand, where the Dutch were as little ready to welcome 
them as the French had been ; sickness broke out,- for the 
transports were miserable and ill-adapted for large bodies 
of soldiers, who were crowded together between decks. At 
last the expedition reached the Rhine, and the border of 



■ the Palatinate. By this time one half of the army had 
I perished from disease, and warfare was impossible. Part of 
1 the expense of the Reading contingent was paid by the 
I town, and part by the county. Alas! very few of the men 
I thus sent lived to return home, and those who did must 
I have had terrible tales to tell of the privations and 
1 horrors they had endured, 

December i6th. Two hundred soldiers had been raised 
I in Berkshire, and were commanded by Captain Francis 
I Bassett The King sent his Council of War a list of their 
I names and the places they had come from in Berkshire. 

The names of the men impresfcd, December, 1624, were : 
I For the Town — Hugh Sherwood, Thomas Johnson, Justman 
J Edmondcs, William Webb, Edward Hudson, Andrew 
' Browne, John Jerome, John Cowber>', William Berry, 
Nicholas Addams, Thomas Taylour, Thomas Wigmore, 
alias Ingieton for Tilchurst, William Collett, Patrick Hac- 
Lkett, John Hoodd, John Dolman, William Bewell, John 
iMuIlyns, Sacarye (Zacharias) Max, John Bardyc, George 
l-Wylmore. 

For the Country — George Willyamson. John Hatt, 
I Anthony Belgrove (Blagrave?), John Perse, John Woodare, 
I John Moyie, Roger Tubbe, Thomas Wirge, Edward Bulley, 

■ But the country did not pay towards keeping the eighteen 
ftmen the thirteen days. The total expense came to £2% of 
livhich £2^ came from the Town, 40s. from the Hall cofferer, 

|of which was paid to the receiver for coat and conduct 
noney, £22. 
By taking them to Newbury in June, 1625, it looks as if 
Kthc Muster took place there that year. 

The Warrant for the Muster of the Trained Band, was 
issued in Reading, Monday, June 27th, and ten 



1625. 



men for supplies appointed, and the four to be 



rained for the Hall also appointed. The plague was bad in 
iReading, and every precaution was taken to prevent it 



20 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

spreading. This may account for the soldiers being sent to 
Newbury. 

May 7th. Eighteen men of Reading were raised 
*'^" for service. Two years late^ thirty more were sent. 
The Military history of Berkshire is only the history of 
England in another form ; for every war, men and money 
had to be found. There was no regular army, the trained 
bands being the Militia under another name. The safety of 
England as well as her honour and glory depended upon 
the loyalty and good conduct of undisciplined soldiers. 
The eighteen soldiers above mentioned in 1625, were only 
the Reading contingent, the whole regiment of Berkshire 
men numbered 200 under Captain Reade Wildgos, they 
were ordered to proceed at once to Plymouth. 

May 29th. William Lord Wallingford was at that time 
Lord Lieutenant of the County. Shortly before, Berkshire 
had been dismayed by a demand for 3,000 armed men for 
the King's service, but there were only 1,000 soldiers in the 
whole county, and those the trained bands, there was no 
money to pay a large body of men, and even if the money 
had been forthcoming, it was impossible to provide arms. 
Further it was said, if men were to be levied and sent out 
of their own county they ought to be given a month's pay in 

« 

advance. 

June. The Deputy Lieutenant, Sir Francis Knolles, and 
Sir Richard Lovelace sent a warrant for the impressment of 
eighteen strong and able men in Reading fit for service, 
(but none of them to be of the Trained Band), 40s. per man 
for eleven of them was to cover the cost of coats and 
conduct money, etc. They were kept in counter thirteen 
days, and were then sent to Newbury. 

September 9th. The constable of Reading sent in his 
bill for impressing ten men. These also went to Newbury. 
Their coats cost i6s. each. 



Earfy entries of Soldiery. 



1626. 



The men were Isaac Croome, John Nichotis, John Belson, 
Edmund Daling. Anthony Porter, Richard Poole, Thomas 
Powell, Christopher Pryer, Roger Camyll for Benham 
(Beenham), Henfy Woman for Whitley. 

January 30. By direction of the Deputy Lieutenants, Sir 
Francis Knollis and Sir Thomas Vachell, the Mayor of 
Reading reviewed the arms of the Town, and warned all 
defects so that ihej' might be ready at an hour's notice. 

March. The soldiers pressed in Reading were 
William Littlepage. William Pearse, Thomas 
Creed. William CoUett, Luke Payne, William Boone. 

August. The return of all able men between sixteen and 
sixty in Reading, made by the Constables to the Depu^ 
Lieutenants, amounted to i,oSo men. 

October, A tax was made among the inhabitants of 
Reading to pay for the lodging of thirty-seven soldiers at 
Sd. each, and their horses and carriages, and ail other 
charges. Troops on the march were paid for by the 
I Cofporations of the Towns at which they halted <:« rauU, 
I the expenditure was paid by a tax levied on the inhabitants. 
These taxes were difficult to raise, being looked upon in 
the light of war taxes levied in times of peace. 

A Warrant from Deputy Lieutenants of Berkshire in 
I November. Captain Gifford and his company of eighty- 
j eight soldiers billeted in the Town of Reading. Every 
I .soldier and serjcant was allowed 3s. a week, the Hnsign 5s., 
1 the Lieutenant /s., and for the Captain and other superior 
I officers as they agreed for themselves. Estimated to cost 
I £y a week, which had to be repaid by a tax levied in the 



These soldiers went from Reading towards Winchester, 
[ April, 1627. 

May. Soldiers were again furnished by the 

'■ Town of Reading. Six soldiers by name — Edward 

I Cooper, John Lidyard, William Polman. John Assone, 



22 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

Thomas Clifford, Robert Cooper. Fifteen others pressed 
were for the Town and Country. 

Out of five soldiers, three took the press money and then 
ran away. The men had to be at Newbury by September, 
1627. 

In October of the same year, ten able men had to go to 
Newbury by 20th of the month, at the cost of £(), £6 pay- 
able by the Town, and £3 by the Country. Henry Ingane, 
a tapster ; Richard Gayger, a weaver ; John Webster, 
shoemaker ; John Kenton, weaver ; Peter Harvey, tooth 
drawer ; Thomas Powell, a vagrant, were thus impressed ; 
and for the Country — Ebson, Coanes, and Carter. 

March 7th. There was a controversy between the young 
men of the town, led by two apprentices, Joseph Fillett and 
John Richards, against the soldiers billeted in the town. 
Apparently the apprentices were in the wrong, as they had 
to find sureties for good behaviour, and not being able to do 
so were committed to the counter, in other words, sent to 
prison. 

Two young men, John Barker, junior, and William Booth 
interfered with the soldiers who were playing football in the 
Forbury, and tried to take their ball. It caused much trouble 
to the constables and officers, and danger of hurt to many 
others, for naturally the soldiers resented such uncalled for 
interference, and a general free fight ensued. 

^ ^ Warrants from Deputy Lieutenant for billeting 

and lodging ninety men, part of Colonel Ramsey's 

Company in Reading, at 3s. 6d. per man every week. 

Captain Roger Powell was Commander of these ninety men, 

no doubt on the march to join his Regiment. 

The billeting of soldiers in private houses was one of the 
subjects of offence between Charles I. and the English 
people. They dreaded the soldiers, who were under very 
little command, for this reason the establishment of a 
standing army was regarded as dangerous to public peace. 



Early entries of Soldiery. 



Ship money — that hated war tax levied in a time of peace — 
[ was used to pay for the soldiers. Its unpopularity was 
I greatly due to this dread of a permanent army, whicli also 
1 was looked upon as a slight on the protective powers of the 

old regiments, who in former times had done good service 
1 for the Crown. 

June 9th. The shopkeepers in Reading were privately 
I warned not to sell any match or powder to any soldiers in 

the town, or any other person for the soldiers' use, Every 
' man in the Town had to provide match, powder, and shot 
I ready in his house. 

December gth. Warrant from the Deputy Lieutenants 
I of Berkshire. Colonel Ramsey's Troop of ninety men, part 
I of the Troop billeted in the Borough from 22nd January 

to 26th July, 1628. Twenty-six weeks and four days at 

j6'3 ios. per week. 

Soldiers were sent from the West of England to Kent, 
I Surrey, Sussex, Bucks, and other Eastern parts, passing 

through Reading. These were paid for partly by the town 

and partly by the county. 

Forty shillings was collected in July to pay for the Beacons 

at Cutchinsloe being watched. Other Beacons there must 
I have been in the county, but none other is named. 

The third Parliament called by Charles I. was only held 

I/th March of this year. Previous to its assembling, the 
I King had levied his War Tax. Besides having a large 
I number of soldiers at his command, he suggested the pro- 
I bability of bringing over German troops of horse to England. 
I Martial Law had been introduced, the King and his people 
I were on bad terms ; Parliament was determined to assert 
L its privileges, while the King was equally determined to 
I yield none of his. For eleven years he would have no 
I J'arliament, and during this time he levied taxes at his own 
I discretion, and the discontent of his people was growing 
I more and more visible. 



24 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Six thousand English Volunteers were levied 
^ ' for service of the King of Sweden ; among these 
Berkshire sent its share. 

June. Ten or eleven voluntary soldiers were apparelled 
for Captain Hammond^s Company, of Colonel Hamilton's 
Regiment in Reading. 

Colonel Robert Ham^S^Avas, in 1647, Governor of the 
Isle of Wight, when Charles I. was taken a prisoner there. 
He was Military Governor of Reading, 1648, High Steward 
and Member for the Town, 1654 ; he died that same year. 
That the King was not unmindful of the Army 
^^' and its improvements is certain, from the fact that 
he issued an order that the time and step of the marching of 
regiments should be the same, both for regiments at home 
as well as those on foreign service. Negligence and want of 
time on the part of the drummers had caused much confusion, 
which was felt directly troops were put to work together. 
This order is the only one I have found regarding marching, 
or relating in any way to the bands of any regiments. 

The old armour in Reading was not to be sold, but 
repaired and kept clean. In the unsettled state of politics, 
it was necessary to be ready. 

A petition by Sir Edward Clerke to the Justices 
^^' at Sessions, shewed that for eighteen years past 
the Town had paid 8s. rent for housing a parcel of gun- 
powder for the County, also, in another room, matches, 
mattocks, shovels, and other things, worth then i8s. 4d., 
now 20s. per annum. Thus in that space of time there 
was a decided rise in house rent in the Borough of Reading. 

The County Magazine is mentioned, 1637, 21 barrel of 
gunpowder being sold to the Town of Reading from it. 
Each troop though raised in the county, was trained in the 
town of their division. Even as late as the 19th Century, 
the Berkshire Militia was divided into companies, each 
known by the name of the division in which it was raised. 



CHAPTER III. 
THE CIVIL WAJi.— 1640-1649. 

£N 1640, the Abingdon Division had to find 240 men 
g for the Army, but as neither coat nor conduct money 
was properly collected, it is not surprising that the 
force was in a bad way, and only about 120 men who came 
rrom the neighbourhood of Radley came forward. The 
Reading Deputy Lieutenants promised to send their men to 
' Abingdon (then the County Town), as soon as possible, but 
they named no day, the promise was a vague one, 
dependent upon how soon, if at all, they could gather in 
sufficient money to cover the expenses. 

Captain Helloes (Hellasis) was sent to Reading to hurry 
them, and brought back word that a hundred men were 
ready, and the rest would soon follow. 

In the Forest division the state of Militarj' alTairs was 

>ad, Captain Andrews who commanded that part was a 

I iccusant. Moreover, he had had a dispute with one of his 

I soldiei? named Bates, and an inquiry had been held on 

] the subject. Neither Captain nor Lieutenant appeared to 

\ defend themselves. Bates had been imprisoned for a week, 

and the Captain had evidently been much to blame. Only 

jC120 out of ;£"300 had been raised ; the constables returns 

I were imperfect and neglected. 

In Oxfordshire, things were even worse, for 1 16 men were 

I farced into the King's service, otherwise they would have 

' been dismissed again to their homes, so with great difficulty 

the autliorities were obliged to get coats made for them. 

No mention is made of any other item or garment, evidently 

the outfit was extremely scanty, and probably consisted 



26 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

only of the coats, which the authorities lay so much stress 
upon. Perhaps the officers of the troop had to provide the 
men with clothing, for certainly no mention of any is made 
in the accounts, and as the men were so poor they could 
not have clothed themselves. However, by July ist, the 
Regiment was officered, and thus gathered together was 
sent off at once, without drill or discipline, under Colonel 
Sir Jacob Astley, to join the Royal Army on its march 
northwards to repulse the Scotch Covenanters under Leslie, 
who had crossed the border and were marching with all 
speed towards York, the northern capital of England. The 
Scotch Army was well drilled, a contrast to the English 
troops ; they were well organised, and though the English 
Army numerically was far superior, yet as we shall presently 
see, it was stronger on paper than in reality. The Lord 
Lieutenant of Berkshire, the Earl of Holland, had com- 
mand of the Horse in this expedition. 

The Berkshire men advanced with all speed northwards, 
but all along the route they met with discouragement from 
the country people where they halted. Ill clothed, ill paid, 
and doubtless ill fed, they resented being taken against their 
will away from their own county, to fight what almost 
amounted to a civil war, and by many was regarded as 
wrong from a religious point of view. 

July 13th. When they reached Northamptonshire the 
spirit of discontent and unwillingness took definite shape. 
At Brackley, and at Davcntr>', the men of the Reading 
division, under Colonel Sir Jacob Astley, refused to be 
taken any further, saying they " would not fight against the 
Gospel," and knew they " were going to be shipped and 
commanded by Papists." Neither threats nor persuasions 
availed : when a Berkshire man does make up his mind, he 
never changes it. The spirit of revolt was rife among the 
whole army. Finally the men of Berkshire and Oxford- 
shire left their officers and, disbanding themselves, set ofif 



The Civil War. 



homewards. It is said that afterwards they were sorry for 
this act of insubordination, and would fain have returned, 
but they feared the severity with which they would have 
been punished. 

Martial Law was proclaimed in the Army. Seven of the 
ringleaders were cjptured, imprisoned, and executed as 
examples. Sir Francis Knolles called a special meeting of 
the Deputy Lieutenants of Berkshire and other places, to 
consider the situation, and they decided to arrest the men 
as soon as they returned to their homes, but this the men 
bad expected, for it was said they all went towards Somer- 
setshire and the West of England, instead of returning to 
their own counties. 

Thus the King found himself minus about 1,000 men, his 
airoy weakened, and the discontentment spreading. He 
issued fresh orders for more Militia men to be raised, and 
Lord Holland, the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, again 
endeavoured to execute the commission. At heart, he 
probably was on the Parliamentary side, for some two years 
later, soon after the Civil War broke out, he left the King's 
party and sided with the Commons, A troop was raised, 
however, though the Deputy Lieutenants had great 
difficulty, especially with the Vale men who were less ready 
to come forward than the other divisions of the county. By 
this time the rupture between the King and the Parlia- 
ment had assumed a serious aspect. Parliament had again 
, been summoned after a lapse of eleven years. Politics ran 
I high. Cavaliers and Roundheads became recognised party 
I names. The King refused to yield any thing of his power 
I over the Army. When a definite answer was demanded by 
] Parliament, as to the right of calling out the Militia, he 
i deferred his answer; no remonstrances were of any use, and 
the situation grew worse and worse. 

Preparations for Civil War began long before the 

^ ' actual fighting. The King and Parliament were 

[ both arming themselves. In Berkshire, the Earl of Holland 



28 Royal Berkshire Militia, 



raised the Militia for Parliament. Probably some of those 
very men joined him who had seceded from the Royal Army 
at Daventry in 1640. 

It is said the real point of contention between King 
Charles and his Parliament was the right of calling out, and 
having full power over, the Militia. Any way, it was the 
Militia Troops of England who fought the war and settled 
it, for there was no standing army of any strength at that 
time. 

The actual outbreak of the Civil War began in July, 1642. 
Parliament sent a Commission to King Charles at Beverley 
entreating him to forbear his hostile preparations. He 
retorted by telling the Commissioners that Parliament oug^ht 
first to submit to him. Neither side would give way, thus 
war was declared ; fighting began at Hull, where the 
Governor closed the gates and refused to admit the King. 
At Nottingham the Royal Standard was unfurled on 25th 
August, and two months later the battle of lidgehill was 
fought between the rival armies. Sir Jacob Astley's prayer, 
as he advanced to the battle was short, fervent, and to the 
point, " Oh Lord ! thou knowest how busy I must be this 
day. If I forget thee, do not thou forget me. March on 
boys ! " 

Winter was fast approaching, by this time each town and 
county had declared for one or the other side. Reading 
belonged to the Royalists, and was garrisoned by them, 
although the townspeople, with the exception of the Mayor 
and Magistrates, sided with Parliament, but had not openly 
declared. 

Failing to get near London, Charles made his winter 
quarters and garrison at Oxford. 

Sir Jacob Astley still remained with the Royal troops, 
and was made Major General under the Earl of Lindsey. 

Apparently the Militia was entirely reorganized by the 
Parliamentary Militia Commissioners, as Major Evelyn 



The Civil War. 



29 



seems to have had sole command, and no other Colonel 
appointed to it after Sir Jacob Astley. 

During the Civil War the troops were kept as garrisons 
for the diflbrent towns, and the battles or skirmishes were of 
the nature of sorties from the garrisons. 

Berkshire was much divided in politics during the Civil 
War. On both sides prominent leaders and officers were 
natives of the county. The Eari of Holland, the Earl of 
Berkshire, Sir Robert ?ye, Daniel Blagrave, Edward 
Bayntun, and many others, figure in the various accounts 
of the time. 

Wednesday, February ijth. About this day a warrant, 
directed to the Mayor of Reading, from the High Sheriff of 
the County of Berks, touching the speedy raising and 
advance of the Berkshire Regiment for his Majesty's service 
and defence of this County was openly read, and then it was 
agreed that Mr, Mayor should make a return according to 
the meaning of the said warrant, 

June, The King and Prince Rupert sent requiring 
contributions from Reading and the neighbouring hundreds 
to pay for the fortifications and garrison at Wallingford. 

The Reading division of the county had to find 500 men 
for the King's service, and twenty-five of that number were 
ordered to be at Abingdon immediately. 

July, Charles I, made the Marquess of Hertford, Lord 
Lieutenant General of the Southern Counties and seven 
Counties in Wales. 

July 1 2th. Parliament voted the raising of an army, 
professedly, for the safety of the King's person and the 
defence of the country and Parliament. Essex was created 
Commander-in-Chief, under the title of Captain-General ; 
to him was entrusted, with the aid of committees, the 
nominations of Colonels, Field-Officers, and Captains, to 
serve under him. Many members of Parliament volunteered 
their services as soldiers. The King, meanwhile, issued a 




30 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

" Commission of Array," and moved about the country 
collecting men and levying taxes for the equipment of his 
army. 

October ist. O'Neal, Sergeant-Major to Count Robert, 
better known as Prince Rupert, sent a letter to Mr. Vachell, 
the High Sheriff of Berkshire, commanding him in the 
King's name to raise the power of the country (in other words, 
the Militia) to conduct the King through it, but the SherifT 
stayed the messenger, refusing to obey the order. Hamp- 
den, one of the principal leaders of the Parliamenteiry party, 
married an aunt of Mr. Vachell. 

In October a skirmish took place at Kingston in Surrey. 
The Trained Bands of Berkshire, as raised by Lord Holland, 
and those of Surrey formed part of the Earl of Essex's army 
against Prince Rupert ; the former were victorious, although 
they lost about 300 men in the fight. 

November ist. A party of horse from Abingdon 
advanced to Reading. The Parliamentary Governor, Henry 
Martin, evacuated the garrison without orders from head- 
quarters, an act due, it is said, to cowardice on his part. 
Thus for awhile Reading was again in Royalist hands. 

November 4th. King Charles himself came to the town 
on his way to London, and again at the end of the month, 
when he made Sir Arthur Aston Governor, with a garrison 
of 2,000 foot and a troop of horse. 

The old difficulty of clothing the soldiers still gave great 
trouble. On November 8th, the King issued a warrant to 
impress tailors in Reading and within six miles of the town, 
to make clothes for the soldiers; the constables of the 
district had the unwelcome task of seeing that the order was 
enforced. 

The Mayor and Aldermen were also ordered to seize as 
many carts or boats as might be necessary, so as to send 
the suits of apparel as quickly as possible for the soldiers, 
and for the transport of provisions for the garrisons. 



This warrant, no doubt, caused immense discontent, for 
later on the clothiers were promised that no more clothes 
should be seized without payment being made for them, if 
they in return promised not to send any of their goods to 
London. 

November 7th. The King ordered that the inhabitants 

of Reading should bring all their armour and arms to the 

Town Hail by one o'clock. Any house In which arms were 

found after that hour was to be given up to the soldiers to 

I plunder. • 

Another sortie from the town of Reading took place in 

I February-. Some 500 Dragoons and three troops of horse 

I met the Parliamentary forces in Henley, when the Royalists 

\ were defeated and lost two officers and several men. About 

1 week later Sir Jacob Astley, the former Militia Colonel, 

\ with a party of men made a raid out of the Reading garrison 

far as Old Windsor, taking away all the horses and 

cattle they could find ; which they did without the garrison 

at Windsor Castle knowing anything of their visit till after 

it was over. 

Taxes were levied in Reading for the support of the 
f different garrisons in the county, Waliingford, etc., but the 
Ltown pleaded too great poverty to pay tlicm. 

After the battle of Alresford, Lord Hopton brought his 
lop back to Reading, from thence to Abingdon ; they had 
Originally been drawn from Berkshire by levies, 

November loth. There was really a chance of cessation 

The Commissioners of Parliament advanced to 

■meet the King with conditions of peace; an interview took 

place at Colnbrook, but the King delayed an immediate 

Jiswer, and instead of waiting for further conference, 

idvanced as quickly as possible towards London. The two 

iforces met at Brentford and a skirmish ensued; and the 

hbllowing day at Kingston the two armies met face to face. 

^Indecision on both sides saved a terrible battle, but only to 



32 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

prolong the war. The King withdrew to Hampton Court, 
where, after spending two nights, he retired to Oxford, via 
Reading. 

December. Hampden had hurried towards Reading, 
hoping to intercept the Royal forces, but Prince Rupert 
fearing this, left his baggage in Reading garrison with a 
guard under Colonel Lewis Kirkc. 

As Hampden's connections belonged to Reading, and 
Kirkc was a stranger, the chances were in favour of the 
former, but a determined stand was made to retain the 
garrison for the King. 

After four hours battle the Parliamentary army again 
took possession of the fortress. Some 400 men were slain, 
and Colonel Kirke fled with such remains of his garrison as 
had not been taken prisoners, to join the King at Oxford. 

The account of this attack is to be found in the 
Life of John Hampden^ but it is evident that the 
Parliamentary party must have lost the town again, for in 
the following April the Earl of Essex appeared 
^^' before Reading. The garrison then contained over 
3,000 foot and 300 horse soldiers. The Governor, Sir 
Arthur Aston, refused to surrender, although they were 
short of provisions and ammunition, and the attacking force 
was more than double in number, the whole of the Earl of 
Essex's army being brought thither. After a siege of four 
days the garrison surrendered ; thc\' were allowed to retire 
to Oxford with colours flying and bands playing. The 
Governor, Sir Arthur Aston, having been badly wounded in 
the head by a falling tile, and so prevented from active duty 
by concussion of the brain resulting from the blow, the 
command of the garrison devolved on Col. Fielding, the 
oldest ofiict-r there, who, taking fright at hearing of Essex's 
advance, hung out a white flag and agreed to capitulate. 
Reading then became a Parliamentary stronghold until 
after the first battle of Newbury, fought September 20th. 



Tke Civil War. 



33 



September 30th. The first battle of Newbury took place. 
rOf the Militia wtio fought there one can only judge by the 
L names of the commanding officers, namely : Sir Jacob 
lAstley, Major General; Lord Hopton's Brigade, to which, 

. we know, men had been sent from the garrison at 
[Reading; Colontl Bcllasis' Regiment; Colonel Bowles' 
Regiment, both these Officers had been stationed in 
Reading, All these names have been mentioned in con- 
nection with Reading soldiers and its garrison. Captain 
I Robert Hammond was also a Governor of Reading later on. 

Both sections of the Berkshire Militia fought in the battle, 
rthat raised by the King, as well as the Parliamentary 
I divbion. The Earl of Holland left the latter and took the 
I side of the Royalists shortly before the battle. 

Though this battle was an important one, it was not 
lecisi^'e; the King's losses were severe, but he was left in 
Kjssession of the town of Newbury and the battle-field, 
iwluM Essex marched along the Kennet Valley on his way 
■ towards London. It may have been then the skirmish 
I took place at Theale, in the lane still called " Dead Man's 
1l.ane," Prince Rupert attacking his rear guard, slew many 

\ took others prisoner. Essex reached Reading the same 
K evening, but only remained there two days, continuing his 
kniarcb to London. Whereupon Reading was rcgarrisoned 
iby the King's forces, some 3,000 men and 500 horsemen. 
Builder Sir Jacob Astley. Another authority gives the 
|numbcr as 2.500 men. 

Two daj's after this date John Hampden died from the 
I'Woands received in the battle of Chalgrove. The news of 
Ibis deatl) was received with universal sorrow. His regiment 
ailed the "Green Coats," no doubt from their uniform — 
Ivnsone of the best in the Parliamentary army. The tide of 
I war again set towards the North of England, where Cromwcl! 
I was with his soldiers. In the West, Prince Rupert took 
I Bristol, and, at this time, it seemed as if the Royalist party 
I would carry all before them and gain complete victory. 



34 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

April. The garrison was in the Forbury or 
^* Abbey ruins. Coals and firing were provided 
by the Corporation for the Guard, which nightly kept watch 
all round the town to protect it from surprise. 

Part of the garrison joined Lord Hopton, so the King, by 
letter from Oxford, requested a certain number of Towns- 
men to keep watches, and a levy of men to be made to 
replace those who had gone with the army, as Reading was 
an important stronghold, lying as it docs midway between 
London and other points of vantage. 

April 14th. A regiment of auxiliaries were ordered to be 
raised by well-affected persons in the town and neighbour- 
hood of Reading, under the command of Colonel Richard 
Neville, the High Sheriff, to be kept entirely to garrison the 
town. Sir Jacob Astley was ordered to return there at once 
with arms and ammunition, and they were to provide 
muskets for the me» at 12s. each. 

In May, the King, finding his supplies failing, demolished 
the fortifications of Reading, evacuated the town, and 
marched to Oxford. * 

Once more Essex sent and took possession of it, he being 
then at Windsor. For the rest of the war Reading remained 
a Parliamentary stronghold. 

June 26th. The contributions for the garrison at 
Wallingford, due from Reading, were not forthcoming, so a 
party of horse came — June 3rd — and carried away the 
Mayor of Reading. William Hrackstone, a prisoner to 
Wallingford until the contributions of ;^5o weekly, due from 
June 3rd, were paid up. The Alderman wrote their utter 
inability to pay the money and this letter was Lieut.-Col. 
Lower's reply : 

'* Their letter gives him little satisfaction since they do not 

so much as promise their endeavours to raise what is required. 

If they will send ;^ 100 he will forbear the rest and abate the 

weekly sum of ^50, till then the Mayor will be detained. If 



The Civil IVar. 



35 



C shall hear you contribute anything underhand to the Rebells, 

c shall require it double, but I have a better opinion of your 

I loyaUie and affection to the King's service." 

The King's methods of raising money were decidedly 

1-handed. The fact was, he was so impoverished that 

. difficulty the troops were kept together; clothing, 

bod, and raiment being scarce sufficient for the needs of the 

my. 

It is said that each company of a regiment carried a 
olour until the iSth Century. The Berkshire Militia were 
Bivided into companies, called after the division from which 
hey were drawn. The standards were most likely the 
faeraldic devices of each town. At this time the Regiment 
Kas so split up that its history is well nigh impossible to 
, There were two distinct "Berkshire" Regiments. On 
E King's side, probably little reliance was placed on it, and 
e men were, perhaps, drafted into other regiments or 
oounanded by strangers ; the old Regiment was with 
lex's army, 

July 26th. Parliament ordered a genera! Muster to be 
pekl in Reading, at three o'clock that afternoon, of the 
TiaiDed Bands ; fighting having again begun in the Royal 
lUnty. 

Basing House and Donnington Castle held out obstinately 

r the King, who seemed still to have some small chance of 

ss, a hope crushed after the battle which was fought at 

Newbury in October, whence the King had to fly to Oxford 

T safety. 

June 3rd. Proceedings at the Committee of 

^5" both Kingdoms. To write to all the com- 

inders of the Parliament's garrisons in Counties Oxon, 

erics, and Bucks, to obey such orders as they shall receive 

rom Major General Browne. 

Major-General Browne being by ordinance of Parliament 

lippointed to command in chief the forces within the three 



D2 



36 Royal Berkshire Militia, 



Counties, Oxon, Berks, and Bucks, to the end that he may 
the better carry on the service in those parts, we desire 
you to receive and obey his orders. Sent by Major-Gencral 
Browne. 

June nth. This day Captain Goddard brought word 
from the Governor of Reading, that he would not protect 
any soldier from being arrested but those that were in his 
own company, or that did receive pay from the Committees ; 
thereupon Mr. Thomas Harrison proceeded in his action 
against John Webb. This, probably, refers to the petition 
sent by the Reading Corporation to Parliament, December 
2nd, 1644, for the relief of the town against the insolencies 
and violence of the soldiers. 

A tax, ordered for the relief of the British Army in 
Ireland, was levied in Reading. 

Charles 1., Vol. DXI., No. 29. October 25 th. The 
Committee of both Kingdoms to Colonel Martyn : 

" We wrote to you yesterday to march with your whole 
regiment to Donnington Castle, and these are only to signify to 
you that the rendezvous of all the forces of the three counties, 
Oxon, Berks and Bucks, that are appointed for that service is to 
be at Reading upon 28th present, whore we desire you not to fail 
to be, lest that service of so great concernment be retarded." 

Writ against Capt. Curtis and James Maynard, to enforce 
payment of ;f 50 which they owe the Corporation of Reading. 
The former was probably an officer of the garrison who 
lived in a private house in Reading, rented from the 
Corporation. 

November 29th. At this time was produced before the 
Corporation of Reading a writing signed by Colonel 
Fortescue, in these words, viz. : 

** You are to march five companies of my Regiment to 
Reading and to quarter there till further order. 

"RICHARD FORTESCUE. 
** 28th November, 1644. 
** To Captain Leverington or the chief officers present." 



The Cnni War. 



37 



It is possible this name ought to be Levingston, and that 
I he was of the same family who inherited Tidmarsh later on 
I from Sir Peter Valore. 

The Berkshire detachment of Horse was 300 strong. It 

ras under the command of Captain John Blagrave, of 

J Reading, who was promoted to the rank of Major. They 

I fought for Parliament in the second Battle of Newbury and 

I at the Siege of Donnington Castle. 

1&16 Money was raised in Reading for the relief of 

the British Army in Ireland ; again this tax had 
■to be paid. 

July 8th. The Mayor of Reading determined to attend 
■Sir Thomas Fairfax about the aspersions laid on the town, 
ind about freeing it from the Military. 

Captain Robert Aldridge complain.s through his Cornet, 
William Ivery, that his horse had been seized as a deodand 
. bj' mistake ; and this complaint, being just, was corrected. 

The Corporation were anxious to get rid of free quarter- 
ling of soldiers in Reading. The plague had broken out in 
iie town. So many soldiers had been sent there that they 
nuLd not find quarters in the inns, and the old grievance of 
billeting in private houses had never been given up, at 
ivhich the people murmured. 

Captain Morris required allowance for free quartering 

I the birough of three sergeants, two drummers, three 

als, one gentleman of pikes, one gentleman of arms, 

■c-scorc common soldiers. 

The sergeants were allowed Js. 6d. per week. The others 

■ per week, and the 60 soldiers each 2s. 8d. per week. 

Jfotal, j£^io 4s. 6d. 

Upon Captain Morris being asked by what order or 
iUthority he required this, he said he had no order under 
tony man's hand, but would bring an order some time the 
yiext week, whereby to enable the Mayor and Aldermen to 
c and levy tliis money upon the inhabitants ; and for the 



38 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Company's discharge, £<^ was advanced to Captain Morris 
for immediate necessaries. Captain Morrfs brought the 
warrant as he promised from Thomas Barham, Quarter- 
master-General to Major-General Browne, for quartering 
Colonel Baxter's soldiers in the town, whereon it was agreed 
to pay £\o 4s. 6d. for three weeks. At the end of the 
three weeks the tax had not been gathered to pay this sum, 
so the Corporation resolved that the money already paid 
and the names of those who had not paid should be 
delivered to Ensign Larkin, and that he or some other 
officer should collect this rate and pay the soldiers, or else 
place soldiers in the houses of those who refused to pay. If 
the money was not forthcoming the Mayor was to pay it, 
and then repay himself out of some other tax. At last 
a 2d. rate was levied for the purpose. The Colonel's name 
is spelt Bacster, Baxter, or Barkstead. In 165 1 his name is 
spelt Barkstead, for a letter was sent to him relative to some 
business connected with the lease of John d Larder's lands, 
the tenant, Mr. Thomas Harrison, having died ; he also 
expressed his readiness to promote the business of the 
Corporation as regards Keiuirick's Charity, being at that 
time Military Governor of the town. 

Colonel Barkstead was one of the eleven Major-Generals 
appointed by Cromwell after the riots of 1656, and finally 
had to flv from Eni^^land at the Restoration. 

A dispute arose in Reading about coals having been taken 
for the soldier's use by some of the King's officers, but the 
charge was dismissed on enquiry into it. 

The plague in Reading again was bad, and caused much 
anxiety to the Corporation. 

There was a meeting of churchwardens and overseers 
from each parish in Reading to decide how many soldiers 
were to be quartered in each parish, and lists were drawn 
up of each ward, with the accommodation it afforded for 
billeting. 



The Civil War. 



39 



Reading was furtlier taxed for the disbanding of the 

garrisons of Abingdon and Reading, the sum of ;£ 170 13s. 4d. 

The petition of William Hill, Symon Costen and Michael 

\ Holman, being of the Sub-committee of Accounts for 

I Count)- Middlesex : 

"That by ordinance of Parliament, i8th July, the Com- 
nilcee of Middlesex without the line was charged wiih 20 light 
horse and ii dragoons, towards the keeping of the garrisons in 
Counties Oxford, Bucks, and Berks. That the Committee have 
charged each of us towards this number one light horse or 
j£i3 in lieu thereof, represent that this charge is unreasonable 
and dispro portion ate," 

October 9th. A tax was levied for quartering Captain 
tMonis's company, consisting of three sergeants, two 
Idrummers, three corporals, one gentleman of pikes, one 
ligcntlcman of arms, and 60 common soldiers in Reading. 
JThej' had been three months in the town. 

August 30th. It was agreed by the Town 

Council of Reading that a petition should be forth- 

l-with presented to the Hon. Sir Thomas Fairfax, for the 

Ivindication of the Company and town from the aspersions 

Blajd upon them by Captain Goddard and others, and that 

■tlie Company or the greater part of them should go to Sir 

iThomas Fairfax. This "aspersion," whatever it was, had 

xin troubling the Corporation of Reading for a long time. 

August 14th. Copy of an order from Sir Thomas Fairfax 

I Colonel Vincent Goddard, to take account of the arms 

a the custody of the Mayor of Reading. On August 1 8th, 

Hr, Curtis went into the Armour House under the Hall, but 

|(bund no arms there. 

The King was now completely in the hands of his enemies, 

flis imprisonment began in the Isle of Wight, at Carisbrook 

istle, where Hammond was Governor. He did not despair 

nreo then, as various attempts were made to rescue him 

■ from Uis adversaries, but these were without avail, 



1647. 



40 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



i6j.8 ^^y 8th, Windsor Castle. Letter from Sir T. 
Fairfax to Colonel Harrison, " or the chief officer 
with his Regiment at Gilford " : 

** I have received information this morning, from some of 
the well-affected in Reading, that there hath been of late several 
meetings of cavaliers and other affected persons in a hostile 
manner in that town, and that they have threatened to make the 
same a garrison for the King. I desire you would, upon receipt 
hereof, send two troops of your Regiment into Reading, and to 
quarter them until the Major (Mayor) and well-affected may put 
themselves into a posture of defence to preserve that town for 
the service of the Parliament." 

This order was to be communicated to the Mayor of 
Reading, who was to be assisted in apprehending such 
persons as might disturb the peace. 

August 2 1st. Domestic State Papers, Charles I. Vol. 
DXVI. Proceedings of the Committee of both Houses 
at Derby House : 

" No. 2. That Quartermaster-General Fincher do go down 
into r»crks to-morrow after the Houses are risen, taken with liim 
2o horse of his own troop; and that letters be written to Counties 
Surrey, Wilts, Hants, l>erks, Oxon, Bucks and (the garrison at) 
Wallin^ford for forces to assist him, and he is to carry them with 
him. 

** The Committee of both Houses to the Committee of 
Surrey, Wilts, Oxon, l»erks. and P»U(:ks. The Commons having 
notice that there are some forces risen in Berks, under Colonel 
Marten Kyre (or Ay re) and others which commit great outrages, 
have apucinted the horse of several counties, including yours, 
for the suppression of ihem, and th'rected Quartermaster-General 
Fincher to be sent down to command the party appointed for 
this service. 

*' Vou are therefore to repair to such rendezvous as he shall 
appoint, and receive and execute his orders in the prosecution 
thereof." 



The Civil War. 



41 



1649. 



About this time the Earl of Holland transferred his 
I allegiance from Parliament, whom he had assisted all 
I through the war," and he joined the King's side, only to be 
I made a prisoner like his Royal master ; like whom, also, be 
I suffered death on the scaffold. 

The trial of the King was begun early in the 
year. Its tragic ending finished with the King's 
k execution on January 30th, after which England was 
ideclared a Commonwealth, with Oliver Cromwell as its 
fhead with the title of Protector. 

The Royalists evidently never repaid the Corporation of 
I Reading for money spent on the soldiers, nor could any 
■ redress be obtained by going to London, for Parliament did 
■not hold themselves responsible for the King's debts. 

The Corporation advanced money, nevertheless, to a troop 

Bof horse soldiers in the town (September 14th, 1649, and 

f too to the foot soldiers on November Sth), to avoid free 

■quartering, and of course the inhabitants had to pay the 

1 same back in inevitable taxes. 

November 14th. It was agreed that all troopers and foot 

K}Idiers then quartered in the town, which had been there 

bcven nights already, should be forthwith billeted in the 

Knns, alehouses and taverns of the borough, except such 

private houses as they can agree with. 

The war was at last over, and Reading settling down 
;ain in peace, to recover the terrible effects of Civil War. 



CHAPTER IV. 

UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH. — 1650-1659. 

Mf.-glHIS day, February 5th, 1650, the Mayor of Reading 
(T^K (Mr. James Arnold), having received a warrant from 
the Commissioners of the Militia of this County of 
Berks for the assessing and collecting of ;^56 5s. in the 
borough, for the furnishing drums, colours, trophies, ammu- 
nition, and other emergencies for the safety of this county, 
did sign a warrant for this assessment. 

No sooner was the Commonwealth actually established, 
than they set to work to bring about those measures which 
they had tried to force upon the King for many years. The 
Militias were placed under " Commissioners." 

In the past years of fighting and confusion, there appears 
to have been two separate Militia corps in Berks, one raised 
on the Parliamentary side — the other recruited for the King. 
That re-organization took place in 1650, there is ample 
proof in the appointment of officers made that year. 

The alteration in the Government of the country changed 
everything, just as ihe Mayor and Corporation had to 
icplace the Royal Arms by those of the Commonwealth, so 
the Mililia had to march under new standards, clothed in 
new uniform ; no longer governed by the Lord Lieutenant 
of the County, but by a Parliamentary ** Council.** The 
cavalier soldiers are always represented as wearing armour, 
and differing in many points from the Roundheads. After 
this time, we hear no more about the town ** armour " of 
Reading. 







1 








1 




'. 









Under the Coinmomvcallh. 



43 



STATE PAPERS, DOMESTIC. — 16501660. 

August 23rd. Militia Commissions granted by Council 

of State: — "Berkshire: Troop H, Captain Arthur Evelyn, 

Lieutenant William Stephenson, Comet Richard Greene ; 

Troop F, Captain Vincent Goddard, IJeutenant Andrew 

. Keepc, Ensign Arthur Home. October 30th, Colonel 

J Arthur Evelyn. Lieut. -Colonel John Blagrave, Major 

I Vincent Goddard." 

The re -organisation under the Commonwealth was, 

Iperbaps, as far as the officers were concerned, merely a 

I matter of re-appointment, with additional commissions 

I granted ; Major Evelyn had been connected with the 

Regiment many years, as had also Captain Vincent 

Goddard. All the names above-mentioned sound local. 

Major Evelyn was raised to be Colonel. The ISlagravcs 

were rich clothiers of the town, and so too were the 

Goddartls. The other officers I have not been able to identify. 

VoL IX. Council of State, Day's Proceedings, April 4th. 

I No, 6 : " That the names now given in by the gentlemen 

I of Berkshire to be commissioned for the new Militia in that 

I county be approved of." 

Note the term, " New Militia," above. The name, \\ iliiia, 
I is supposed only to date from the time of Charles 1 1. ; but 
I all Encyclopcedias are most vague and incorrect on the 
I subject 

August 33rd. No. 7 : " The names sent in by Major- 
I General Harrison for a troop of horse, and a company of 
I foot for Berkshire, approved and commissions issued." 

Vol. IX. Council of State. Day's Proceedings, October 
list No. 6: "Colonel Christopher Whichot (or Whichcott), 
I Governor of Windsor, Sir John Thorowgood, of Billingbcar, 
land Mr. Day, of Windsor, added to the Militia Com- 
oissions for County Berks." 
Vol. IX, Council of State, Day's Proceedings, October 
' 30th. No. 3: " Commissions to be issued to persons named 



44 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



by Major Evelyn, for command of the Militia forces in 
Berkshire." 

It seems as if the nominations for commissions were 
entrusted to a committee, of which Major Evelyn was chief. 
The Regiment was evidently brought up to full strength. 

State Papers, Day's Proceedings. December 2ist. No. I : 
" One troop of lOO horse to be kept in County Berks." 

This troop of horse was probably kept up, or at least the 
power of calling it out existed, until the i8th Century. 
That it formed part of the Militia of Berkshire is undeniable, 
which is curious, as no other parallel case is discoverable. 

The bells of Reading were joyously rung on hearing of 
the prosperous success of the Army in Scotland, when the 
Scotch were so completely defeated and routed near Edin- 
burgh. The chief towns of Edinburgh and Glasgow at once 
surrendered to Oliver Cromwell and his victorious army. 

A few months later Charles 1 1, was crowned at Scone as 
King of Great Britain, having signed the solemn League 
and Covenant demanded by the Scottish people. At the 
head of his troops he marched into England. But Corona- 
tion did not make him a King, for, in the fighting which 
followed, he was vancjuished. 

^■^ Colonel Hammond desired to set up a gate and 

stiles at the entrance into the Forbury, and asked 
permission of the Corporation to dc) so. The garrison was 
still in the P'orbur\', where it had alwavs been in former 
days, close to the i^'air ground, between the river and the 
old Abbey ruins. 

January 6th. Allowance was asked for the poor maimed 
soldiers who daily passed through Reading. No provision 
seems to have been made for the victims of warfare, who 
were left to private charity when unfit to march with their 
regiments, ambulances were unheard of, and surgery being 
of the roughest description. 

February Sth. Commissions granted by Council of State : 
— "Berks: Troop E, Captains Benjamin Burges, Jos. Claver, 



Under Ike Commonwealth. 



45 



I John Bumin^liam, Richard Goddard, Nicholas Badcock, 
I — Doe,John Lush, under EvcIj.ti," 

Previous to this, apparently, the troops had been named 
I from the divisions they were raised in ; but some fresh 
I arrangement was evidently attempted, as this troop is 
I distinctly called Troop F. I fancy it was an attempt to 
I arrange the regiments into brigades. 

These eight captains were placed under Major Evelyn ; 
I perhaps he was captain-lieutenant, and the three officers 
I named (October 1st, 1650) were tlie field officers. 

March 19th, Vol. XV. Council of State to the Militia 
\ Commissioners for County Berks : 

"As the state of affairs now stands, the troop of horse 

raised in your county should be continued for the safety of 

L the county. We, therefore, desire you to keep it up and to 

I forbear proceeding with further levies upon the Militia, until 

{■order from Parliament or Council, — Whitehall." 

August 21st. Vol. XVI. Council of State sent to Lord 
lGre>' and to the Militia Commissioners of Berks the 
pfollowuig : 

" You have had notice of the enemy's great marches, and 
Ipreparcd accordingl>> March with all expedition with all 
Kthc force you have to the rendezvous, or as directed by 
1 Major-Genera! Lambert or Lieut-General Fleetwood, 

" It seems the enemy intends fur London, and it therefore 
Kpoticems us that they have some check before they come loo 
■ oear. Give Lieut. -General Fleetwood an account of the 
I way of your march towards him. and at what places you 
I Intend to quarter and the time of your quartering as near as 
Kyou can, — Whitehall." 

August 22nd. Council of State to Colonel Whichcott, 
iGovemor of Windsor Castle, and the Militia Commissioners 
f for Berks: 

" We have ordered Captain Cannon to march to 
|FIcetwood. and. for supply of that force, draw into the 



46 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

castle one of the foot companies now raised in Berkshire, 
they being such as you can be assured of, to continue until 
further orders. — Whitehall." 

August 23rd. Vol. XVI. Council of State to Lieut- 
General Fleetwood : 

" By intelligence fronn the Major-General,we find that the 
Scots' Army bend their march towards Worcester and 
Gloucester ; and as it would be inconvenient for the forces 
of Sussex, Surrey, Hants, and Berks to march to Dunstable, 
we have given them orders to march to Oxford with all speed, 

and there to expect your orders 

—Whitehall." 

Council of State to the Militia Commissioners of Sussex, 
Surrey, Hants, and Berks. To same effect. 

August 28th. Vol. XVI. Council of State to the Militia 
Commissioners for Berkshire : 

" By yours from Aylesbury, we sec your great pains for 
completing your regiment, and are sorry you meet with 
those difficulties from the people fit to serve requiring such 
great sums for bearing arms, — a complaint which has come 
to us from the other counties, and a mischief which must be 
provided against hereafter. For the present, improve all the 
power the Acts have given you to give the best remedy you 
can to this mischief We like voluntary soldiers if they can 
be had, rather than men compelled, but leave all to your 
care to finish that regiment with all expedition. — Whitehall." 

On September 3rd, near Worcester, was fought the battle 
which finally annihilated the hopes of Charles 11. and he fled 
for safety out of his kingdom. 

September 13th. Vol. XVI. Council of State to the 
Militia Commissioners for County Berks : 

" We have received yours from Wallingford concerning 
the horses of the Militia troops, to be delivered to the riders 
who were in actual service upon them, and who charged and 
did good service there, and have referred the same to con- 



Under the Commonwealth. 



47 



ptderation ; but you are to adjust it meantime if you can, 
aking care that none be admitted to such pretensions 
whose case docs not apply, and that no cliarge grow by 
OtUinuing them in service until their pretensions are cleared. 
-Whitchaii." 
The Berks Militia Horse Troop must have been sent for- 
M'ax'd and actually been engaged in the Battle of Worcester. 
Rhat battle was decisive. Charles' Army was scattered and 
he fled in disguise ; for more than a month he was wander- 
King about the country till at last Shoreham, in Sussex, was 
«achcd, whence he crossed the channel in a coal boat to 
iF&hamp, in Normandy. 

ifica May. Letters from ihe Council of State and 
the Mayor of Marlborough, to the Mayor of Read- 
ungand tlie Marshall-General : 

" Sixpence apiece daily was allowed for each one of the 
Dutch prisoners." 
June 7th. A letter was sent to the Commissioners for the 
*Utch prizes, and for a fortnight's more allowance for the 
Dutch prisoners. It cost the town of Reading over .£'65 to 
keep these prisoners. Anotlier detachment of lOO Dutch 
prisoners was quarterod in Newbury, much to the annoy- 
: of the inhabitants, who resented having to pay for 
heir keep, and were somewhat doubtful whether Parliament 
MTould, in the end. refund the expenses. 

These prisoners had been captured in the fighting which 
K>k place between the English and Dutch Fleets ; a war 
Eextending from 1652 to 1654, when peace was concluded. 

August 9th. Vol. C. Council of State. Day's 
Proceedings. No, 10: 
" Major Butler was appointed to command the Militia in 
• Counties Rutland, Huntingdon, Northampton, and 
Serks," 

February 27th. Vol. CXXIV. Council, Day's 



1655. 



Proceedings. No. 7 ; 



48 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

" Order, on report from the committee on the business of 
the Major-Gencral, to advise His Highness to reduce the 
Militia troops in Counties Oxford, Bucks, Herts, Berks, 
Hants, Sussex, Kent, Cambridge, Suffolk, Norfolk, and 
Rutland to 80 in a troop, and pay them off till that time. 
Approved March 20th." 

16-8 ^" September 3rd, Oliver Cromwell died — the 
anniversary day of the two greatest victories he 
had ever achieved. His rise from the position of a country 
gentleman to that of Ruler, a king in all but name, was very 
remarkable ; but his chief power lay as a military com- 
mander. The concluding months of his life were full of 
troubles. 

His son Richard was proclaimed Lord Protector of 
England, in the Market Place at Reading, September 6th ; 
but the days of the Republic were over. 

Richard Cromwell was not capable of governing the 
nation : he had neither the will nor the power for such a 
task. The Army, under General Monck, took the lead in 
affairs of State. Although Richard was proclaimed Protector 
and acknowledged as such, he allowed the Army to rule him 
and he was dethroned. 

^, April 22nd. From that time England was ruled 

by her Army and a Council of Officers, Parliament 
being unable to carry any measures disapproved by them. 

July 23rd. Whitehall. President Johnson to Major 
Arthur Evelyn, captain of the Militia troop in County Berks: 

" Council learning by yours of the 22nd the condition of 
the Militia troop under your command, determines to keep 
it up for 14 days mcire and no longer, unless you find 
especial cause ; and if you will send a list of officers and 
soldiers who have served, they will send a warrant for 
payment" 

August I. Warrants for payments by the Council of 
State. By J. Frost to Henry Symball : 



Under the Comvionwca/t/i, 49 



" For four of Major Evelyn's troopers who brought 
prisoners from Berkshire to London, £/^J* 

August 8th. Vol. CCIV. Index entries of proceedings 
in the Council of State. Letter to Berkshire Militia. 
Warrants for payments by the Council of State to Captain 
Kingdon : 

** These are to will and require you, out of such moneys as 
are, or shall come, into your hands upon account of the Council's 
contingencies, to pay unto Henry Symball the sum of four 
pounds, to be disposed of by him to four troopers of Major 
Evelyn's troop that brought some prisoners in custody out of 
Berkshire to London, viz., to each of them twenty shillings. And 
for so doing this, together with the acquittance of the said Henry 
Symball, shall be your warrant and discharge. 

'* Given at the Council of State at Whitehall this second 
day of August, 1659. 

** James Harington, President. 
(Signed) ** Ro. Wallop. 

*'JOHN DiXWELL. 

"H. Vane. 
** A. Jhonston. 
•* To Gualter Frost, Esq., for the Councirs contingencies.'' 

August loth. Further instructions were sent for the 
Militia Horse Troop to be taken care of 

September 5th. Council of State. Day's Proceedings : 

" Order, since there is now no need for the troop of horse 
raised in County Berks that the Militia Commissioners 
there dismiss the troopers to their homes and return the 
horses to their owners, both to be a^ain forthcoming if 
wanted." 
ficQ fin "January 5th. Berks Militia t(j pay their men. 
Berks Militia horse to be returned, and to levy 
money for the payment of the troops." 

January 29th. Vol. CCXIX. Council of State to the 

Militia Commissioners for County Berks : 

K 



50 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

" We think it exi^cdient that the Militia horse raised in 
your county by the Militia Act, should be returned to their 
owners until further notice, and you are to levy in a fair and 
nnoderate way such moneys as are further leviable by virtue 
of that Act, for paying the forces there up to this date. — 
Whitehall." 



CHAPTER V. 
THE RETURN OF THE KING.— 1660- T? I 5. 

3HE return of Charles II. happened in the early part 

^ of the year, but his Coronation was delayed till May. 

The King was brought back by the Army under 

iGcncral Monck ; all tlic country was weary of the Common- 

ivcalth, for, during the ten years it had lasted, it had shewn 

disadvantages of a Republican Government. All 

iabsctice of Court ceremonies ; the unsettled and divided 

treelings of the rival parties ; the want of position among 

Koreign Powers : all these reasons made the people wish 

1 to restore Monarchy, and they welcomed Charles with 

pxtraordinaiy fervour. It was, of course, a critical moment : 

(for if any powerful leader had arisen on the Parliamentary 

fcidc, after the death of Oliver Cromwell, there must have 

Ifollowed another Civil War. 

At once the King set about re-organising the Militia ; he 

also began to form a standing Army, feeling that the Crown 

needed the support of an Army entirely under its own 

[control. He placed the Militias again under the Lord 

Lieutenants, a power which had not been enjoyed by them 

■since the reign of Queen Elizabeth, for her successor re- 

rv'cd the supreme control of the Army for himself, although 

{he left the Lord Lieutenants to call out the Militias and 

[range all minor details connected with it, under his 

^direction. 

Among the State papers of Charles II. reign is found a 
Vdistribution of the charge of ten Regiments of Horse, 
li:onsisting of 500 each (besides commissioned officers and 
pion -com missioned officers) with the staff officers, colours, 



52 Royal Berkshire Alilitia. 



iruinpcts, and banners, as it may be raised out ul' the several 
counties, cities and towns yearly, after the rate of 70,000 in 
all: 

The County of Worcester and City of Worcester 

The County of Oxford ... 

The County of Berks 

The County of Gloucester 

The City of Gloucester ... 

The County of Wilts 



£ 


s. 


d. 


ter 1244 


8 


10 


... 1127 


15 


6 


... 1088 


17 


ID 


1626 


6 


8 


162 


II 


2 


... 1944 


8 


10 


;£7,i94 


8 


10 



Also copied from the Calendar, 1660-61, page 560. 
March (?) List of the officers of the said regiments, with 
notes of the places where they are to raise their men (by 
Nicholas) : (Ninth Regiment ?) Lord Herbert of Raglan, 
Colonel in Gloucestershire ; George Vane, Esq., Major 
in Berkshire ; Lord Tracy, Captain in Gloucestershire ; 
William Cope, Esq., Captain in Oxfordshire ; Sir Thomas 
Dolcman, Knt., Captain in Berkshire ; — Erneley, Esq., 
Captain in Wiltshire. 

This list is curious, as only two officers of the Berkshire 

Regiment arc named. Sir Thomas Doleman was Colonel 

of the regiment, and he died in 171 1. The date of his 

promotion, however, is not forthcoming. 

^^, War against Franct? was declared in Februarv, 
1005. ** 

after several encounters in the Channel between 
the two Navvies, one of which lasted four days. 

July 25th. The Dutch Fleet was driven from the mouth 
of the Thames, and following up the victory, the English 
ships carried the war into the enemies' country with fire 
and sword. 

^^ July. In answer to the appeal for soldiers for 
coast defence, Berkshire sent three lusty well- 
armed companies, under Major Peacock, which arrived at 



The Rdtiri, of the King. 



53 



ftthe Isle of Wight on July 25th, more being expected to 
■foUou'. By July 29th the Berks Regiment at West Cowes 

■ Tiumbered jcx). under Major Peacock, of whom Lord 
I Lo%'elace spoke very well ; but the danger was over. Never- 
Krtieless they were not immediately sent back, for, on 
I August 2Sth, the Trained Bands of the Isle of Wight (Major 

■ Peacock's companies from Berkshire and two others) were 
Ifnustered and were in a good posture. While the treaty for 

■ peace was still being argued out, the Dutch Fleet again 
(attacked the English coasts, this time with success : for they 

niocceded in passing the fortifications on the river Medway, 
land, by every tide, were expected to sail up the Thames. 
l_Aciivc preparations were made all along the banks of the 
Irivcr, and the local forces were summoned with all ^pced to 
■'arm and proceed to the coasts. An order in Council was 

■ sent to tlie Lord Lieutenant of Berks, to cause three 

■ companies of fuot and one-of horse to march for the defence 
l^nT the Isle of Wi^ht, such as had not been drawn the 
I previous year. The Dutch Fleet, however, altered its course, 
land made for Portsmouth ; again they failed, nor at 
I Plymouth were they more successful, and once more they 
Isailed for the Thames, getting as far as Tilbury. The 
rw^iole English nation was by this time roused to a state of 
■lUnic. 

An Army of 12,000 men was levied hastily. The crisis 
fBA serious, when the innounccmcnt of the signing of the 
iTrcaty of Breda on July lOth brought peace, and England 
I'was saved from invasion. 

Lord Clarendon was made the scapegoat to appease his 
Bcoiintr)-men's rage at the defeat they had suffered and the 
Idangerous position m which England had been placed, 
Ithrough want of expenditure in Army and Navy matters. 

July 27th. The three companies of trained 

bands and troop of horse sent from Berkshire to 

|the Ule of Wight, on invasion of the Dutch, had done duly 



1667. 



54 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

more than a month. The apprehensions of further attempts 
being over, His Majesty consented, at the instance of Lord 
Lovelace (the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire), to their return 
home ; and authorised him to dismiss them, after examining 
what pay is due to them for serving beyond the month, and 
to answer for their debts or borrow money in the Island 
to pay them, which was to be repaid without delay. 

July 29th. From West Cowcs, John Lysle to Williamson 
sent an account of captures at sea and the Dutch advance 
towards London : 

" The drums were beating for the Berkshire soldiers, 
under the command of Lieut-Colonel Saunders and Captain 
Kenrick ; but, upon a letter from Lord Colepeppcr, that the 
foreign plenipotentiaries have signed the articles of peace 
and His Majesty the like, they are ordered to be at 
Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, to-morrow for their transportation 
home." 

August 5th. No time was lost in sending back the 
soldiers, for the same correspondent at West Cowes in- 
formed Parliament that " The Berkshire 

and Wiltshire forces departed this day to their own 
homes." 

^ An Address was presented to the King to raise 

the Militia to show detestation of Popery : 

" That the Militia of the City of London and the County 
of Middlesex may be in readiness at an hour's warning, and 
the Militia of all the other counties of England at a day's 
warning, for suppressing all tumultuous insurrections which 
may be occasioned by Papists or any other malcontent 
persons." 

To this address His Majesty (Charles H.) gave this 
gracious answer : 

" That he would take a special care, as well for the 
preservation of their persons as of their liberties and 
properties." 



The Rctunt of the l^ing. 



55 



16;;. 



l67«. 



Charles had an Army encamped at Blackheath, 

under Mareschal Schomberg ; many of the officers 

Mrere Roman Cathohcs. No wonder the King made prcpara- 

I tions to defend himself, remembering as he must have done. 

I the reverses his father had suffered through procrastination 

[ and insufficient miUtary organization. Parhament passed 

the Test Act, but further fighting between the Navies of 

England and Holland distracted public attention from 

I religious controversies for a while ; constant warfare with 

L Holland and France occupied the next few years. The 

English Navy was =trengthened, and in the spring 

an Army of more than 20,000 men was raised in 

' a few weeks, all eager to invade France, The Duke \<\ 

Monmouth was sent to Ostend with 3,000 men, and a 

Quadruple Alliance was anticipated between the Powers of 

Kiirope. All this, however, was frustrated by the Commons, 

who had not been consulted. The Peace of Nimequen 

^followed, after which home affairs again occupied the King 

land his subjcct-s. 

October i8th. A Petition (among the Reading Corpora- 
ftion M.SS.) was prepared, to be presented to the Duke of 
Monmouth for easing the Corporation of that town by 
removing two out of the five companies quartered in the 
L town. The Earl of Clarendon was requested to assist. This 
Ipetition occurs again on March 5th, 1679, Whether it was 
lever presented it mattered little, for in November there were 

■ still soldiers quartered in Reading. The soldiers on guard 
Kirerc supplied with one bushel of sea coal every night, at Sd. 

■ per bushel. 

Mr. Powle delivered an address in Parliament, prepared 
ihy the Committee appointed for that purpose, most humbly 
lu> desire His Majesty that he would command all the 

■ Trained Bands to be in readiness, and that one part might 
Ido duty for 14 days and after they were dismissed, the two 

others. And to require them to be very vigilant in the 



56 Roya/ Berkshire Militia. 

seizing all suspected persons, especially such as travel with 
arms, or at unseasonable times or in unusual numbers, and 
likewise to command the Sheriffs to be readv with their 
posse in cases of insurrection, etc. 

It was resolved to send this address to the Lords for their 
concurrence. 

The Lonls reply was that they appointed a Committee to 
consider the Laws relating to the Militia ; who reported 
that upon inspection of the Statutes they found that, with- 
out f.irthcr authority, the Militia cannot be kept up above 
12 daws in one \car — thereof f«»ur davs to be for general 
nuistcrs. and two and two and two and two, viz., eight day.s 
f(^r particular nuistiM-^. -that these 12 days in many counties 
the Lieutenants have alrcadv mustered their men .some of 
these days this pr^'^ont year, not but that by His Majesty's 
direction (as appears by the Statute) they may be kept up 
longer. Hut ihcir Lordships do not find that there is any 
power to laise the money to pay them. 

,^ The King furthermore promised to recall all 

connnissioiis given \,o rapists. At heart it was 
believed that i. harles 11. favoured the Roman Catholics; he 
certainl\- had ni> prejudice against them, and his successor 
(Jame< II.\ who came to the throne in February, 1684, was 
avowed l\* of that persuasion, and owed his dethronement as 
much to his reliijion as anv other cause. 

^ o. A Debate on the Militia was held in the House 

of Commons. Hv this time these local forces were 
beginning to reiuiire more careful attention. James IL, 
being a Catholic, was viewed with suspicion by his people. 
They feared a renewal o\ Paoacw and resisted any attempts 
at such with energ\'. The King seemed blind on this point. 
He carried out his own ideas, without realising the con- 
sequences, and he would not yield. General excitement 
j)revailed. The King had every summer encamped his 
Army at lIouns!i«\\ Ile.ith to review it. and bring it into 
proper order and di.^cipline. 



The Return of the King. 



57 



A general Muster was called on account of the Duke 
of Monmouth's invasion, the news of which reached London 
while Parliament was sitting. They at once promised to 
support the King with their lives and fortunes, and the 
Ouke was publicly proclaimed a traitor. This declaration 
was read out in Reading Market Place. 

An Aiiny was raised by the King, amounting to 15.000 
men. The Militias were called out and warned to be ready 
for active service. 

June 5lh. The Duke of Monmouth crossed from Holland 

with three ships, and landed on the nth of June on the 

western shores of England at Lyme, in Dorsetshire, with 

scarcely a hundred followers ; but he was so popular that 

the countr>' people flocked to join his Standard, and he 

L soon found himself head of an army of over 2,000 men, 

■ foot and horse. The Militia of Devonshire assembled for 

ithe King, who sent to Holland and re-called six regiments 

I ofEnglish soldiers, and drew together all the forces he could 

to oppose the rebels. Moreover, it was feared the French 

would aid the rebellion by landing on the South-eastern 

[ coast of England. The Battle of Scdgemoor, fought on 

I Jnly 5th, was the last Civil War fought in England. It 

I crashed the rebellion, and on the 15th of July Monmouth 

I was beheaded as a traitor. 

James \l. had made this rcbellinn an excuse for retaining 
I his Army in an efficient condition. Every summer the 
I camp at Hounslow was reviewed by him in person. 

168S he tried to proselytise the soldiers, a Popish 
I Chapel being erected in the midst of the camp at Hounslow. 
I On June 17th, the very day the Bishops were acquitted, the 
J King had reviewed the troops. He had retired to the tent 
I of the General Lord Feversham, when a great uproar and 
I cheering was heard in camp. The King suddenly inquiring 
I the cause, was told by Fevcrsham. " It is nothing but the 
I rejoicings of the soldiers for the acquittal of the Bishops." 



58 Royal Berkshux Militia, 

" Do you call that nothing?" replied the King, " But so 
much the worse for them." 

What he meant by this remark does not appear plain, 
unless severe martial punishment was to follow. 

James II. grew more and more unpopular. His subjects 
at last openly declared for Prince of Orange, and invited 
him to come to defend the Protestant Religion. Prepara- 
tions were quickly made by the Dutch ; and their old 
enemies, the French, actually offered to assist the English 
King against the formidable intrigues impending, which 
offer was however refused, for James did not believe his 
son-in-law rcallv had hostile intentions. 

The Kin<j had relied on his own Armv, which numbered 
some 30,000 regular troops; but these declared against him, 
with the exception of the Catholic soldiers. In vain he 
retracted unpopular measures, it was too late. The Prince 
of Orange's Declaration was openly circulated, and the 
expedition set sail for the shores of England. 

^m^ November 5th. William of Orange landed at 

Torbay. The Royal Army was still at Hounslow 
Heath ; whether it had remained embodied all the year, or 
had been re-asscmbled, does not appear clear. From the 
Devonshire coast the Prince of Orange marched to Exeter ; 
here he issued his Declaration, inviting supporters to join 
him. All England was in commotion. The Lord Lieuten- 
ants raised the ** j^ower of the country " 

King James made Salisbury the headquarters of his Army; 
he hurried thither, and there learnt what a large following 
had gathered round the Prince of Orange. Day by day 
fresh desertions were announced. James took fright, retreat- 
ing towards London. Even his daughter, Anne, withdrew 
herself from London in her anxiety to escape from politics. 

Meanwhile anarchy and confusion reigned supreme. Lord 
Feversham disbanded the Army without disarming or 
paying them ; this made matters still worse. 



The Re/ urn of I he King. 



59 



A panic arose in Reading, that the Irish Papal soldiers of 
I James II, were pillaging and burning the villages. How 
pthis originated no one could say; but somehow the story 
I got about, one told the other, until lliey believed that the 
I town was on the verge of destruction. 

The song, " Lillibullero." was then written, deriding the 
f.Papists and the Irish, and it became the party song. 'Tis 
I said by Walpole, in his Ne%v British Traveller, that the day 
[■(December 21st) was kept up yearly afterwards by the 
rinhabitants of Reading, in remembrance of the " Reading 
I Fight." 

This skirmish between the Prince of Orange and King 
Bjames's troops happened at Reading, December gth (O.S.) 
■fae King's .Army was in Reading. The inhabitants, being 
l.ttred of the expense they had caused, sent out inviting 
E'thc Prince of Orange and his soldiers to enter the town. 
iThc Earl of Fcversham was present himself with some 
llrish Dragoons, and a Scotch Regiment. They were soon 

■ routed and fled from the town in dismay. Victory was 
declared for the Prince of Orange. It is only surprising 
more were not killed in this engagement, as the townspeople 

I'SOpported the invading force and fired on the King's troops 
K&oii) their windows, who, after their defeat, retired to London, 
la distance of about 30 miles, On December 12th the King, 
Tin despair, went from London under cover of darkness on 
■tKtard a ship prepared for him. He only reached Feversham, 

■ being there recognised he was compelled to return to London. 

William advanced towards the Metropolis. James re- 
maining at Whitehall, powerless and terrified. At last the 
Dutch Guards entered the City and the King was ordered 
Ito Rochester. After a few days he embarked privately for 
;, on December 23rd ; and William of Orange reigned 
1 his stead. 

Fighting stiil continued in Scotland and still 
nore seriously in Ireland, where King James set 
bp his Standard, and was not finally defeated till July, 



169a 



6o Royal Berkshire Militia. 

General Musters were held at intervals, one took place in 
1697. 

The increase of a Regular Army had tended to diminish 
the importance of the Militia as a National defence. 

1607 ^ Cieneral Peace was signed at Newbourg 

House, in Holland, where William of Orange had 

gone to personally arrange the terms of the Treaty of 

Ryswick. After this, William HI. returned to England to 

attend to home affairs. 

December 17. The Commons, among other Bills, 
appointed several members to prepare and bring in a Bill 
to regulate tlic Militias, and make them more useful. They 
resolved that 10,000 men were necessary for a summer and 
winter guard at sea for the year 1698. 

The French King had a powerful standing Army of 
skilled soldiers, so that William HI. feared to reduce his 
land forces to any extent ; yet the people had a horror of a 
standing Army, the bare proposal of such a formation 
excited all parties. They preferred to re-organise and 
regularly train the Militias for home defence. They tried to 
get other regiments disbanded, which had been raised since 
1680. At hngth the sum < >f ;{^3 50.000 was allotted for the 
support of 10,000 men. The King resented this measure, 
for he did not consider that force sufficient, still he was wise 
enou:rh not to insist on anvthincf ai^ainst the wi.shes of hi.s 
Ministers. Thus certain troops of Horse Dragoons, and 
Foot, were c.uised by the King to be disbanded ; while 
others w(Me reducetl, or sent to Ireland (jr Scotland, which 
was done to appease the anxiet)' of Parliament again.st a 
standing army. 

. ^ The next year, \\\ December, Parliament again 

discussed the Army question. The King had not 

disbanded suriicient troops to satisfy them. The Commons 

decided that all forces in ICngland, \\\ English pay, exceed- 

7,000 men, should be at once disbanded ; and that this 



6i 



^sliuulJ cuiisiat utily <>t imiive soldiers, by which clause 
hey aimed at the discharge of the Dutch Guards and the 
^imcnts of French Refugee?^. 
The Army was at once reduced to these limits for guards 
I garrisons. All William's efforts to retain the services 
f his faithful Dutch fnllowcrs were useless, and they were 
lit back to their native country. 

Speeches were delivered by Sir Charles Sedley 

m various rjccasions rcfjarding Military affairs. 

Pin one speech in Parliament, on the Bill for disbanding the 

lArmy, he again declared that 10,000 men he considered 

nough for defence. Nothing of any special interest was 

Bsed that Se.ssion with regard to the Militias. 

Queen Mary died of smallpox in 1694. William III. 

wrvivcd her eight years ; he died from the results of a fall 

Lfrom his horse at Kensingtou, Though a prudent ruler, he 

■HKts not ]Jopular as a King, nor was he regretted by his 

Wbjects, who, to the last, regarded him as a foreigner. 

During Queen Anne's reign England had a peaceful time 
t home, and there seemed little need of considering the 
lArmy. The yearly grants by Parliaments, and Acts regard- 
ling the Militias, were passed as usual. 

Queen Anne's consent was formally obtained 

to the Act for better recruiting Her Majesty's land 

xfand the Marines, for the year 1705 ; also the Act for 

casing Militia for 1705 (although the months pay formerly 

lodvanced had not been repaid). The Act was also annually 

I passed for punishing mutiny, desertion and false musters. 

land for better payment of the Army and quarters. This 

lAct was passed every .Session down to recent times, because 

a law existed on the subj,;ct; as were likewise the Acts for 

khc paying and clothing of the Militia, which were renewed 

jinualiy for the same reason. 

The hopes iif the English Jacobites were raised 
by the fitting out of a Squadron at Dunkirk, under 



1704. 



1707. 



62 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

the Comte Le Forbin, with the intention of placing James 
Stuart on his father's Throne as James III. The superiority 
of the English Navy however frightened the French Admiral, 
who dared not give battle and fled back to Dunkirk. 

At that time England was badly garrisoned and Scotland 
in a still worse condition. Most of the English troops were 
on the Continent A panic ensued, and preparations for 
defence were made. The French had not the pluck to make 
a more determined effort ; doubtless they felt that it would 
only mean defeat and a terrible waste of lives for no purpose. 

Queen Anne was failing in health. It was thought she 
favoured the Stuart cause and would nominate the exiled 
King as her successor. Her death came sooner than was 
expected, and at the crisis the Hanoverian partisans were 
prepared ; while the Jacobites had not a sufficiently power- 
ful leader to support the party. 

Riots ensued, which in many places in the Midlands and 
Northern Counties were serious. The Militias were raised ; 
but the Hanoverians meanwhile crowned George I. as King, 
and the English people accepted him as their ruler, dreading 
another war. Besides, the Chevalier St. George had been 
brought up in France and was supported by the old National 
enemy, the French King, to say nothing of the Pope. Sir 
Thomas Dolman, of Shaw, commanded the Berkshire 
Militia about this time. He died in 171 1. 

George I. landed at Greenwich at 6 o'clock, on 

I 7 14* 

the evening of September 17th. Among the 
changes of Ministers, etc., was the dismissal of the Duke of 
Ormond, and the restoration of the Duke of Marlborough. 

The Berkshire Lord Lieutenant, the Duke of St. Albans, 
was created Captain of the Band of Pensioners. As a 
descendant of the Stuarts it might have been expected he 
would have favoured the Jacobites ; but, by accepting a post 
under the new dynasty, he must have advocated Hanoverian 
politics. 



CHAPTER VI. 

THt: HANOVliRlAN DVNASTV, — 1 7 I 5- I757. 

3II-] E year 1 7 1 5 is metrorable for the first actual attempt 

on the part o( the Stuarts to regain the Crown of 

England. The Pretender, otherwise known as the 

Chevalier de St. George, or. as he desired to be styled, 

James III., although he had failed in the expedition of 

■ 1707, was deterhiined id oppose the Hanoverian succession, 

■His Scotch subjects were eager for rebellion. By the end 

Bof August their plans were matured, and the Standard of 

[James 111. was raised by the Clans on September 6th, at 

Aboyne, and within a few days he was proclaimed King in 

c chief towns of Scotland. 

The English Government were aroused. All leaders of 

Jthc Jacobite faction were promptly seized and imprisoned. 

ti^utch troops were imported to help the English Army ; a 

■reward was offered for the Chevalier's head, and every 

■measure was taken to prevent disorder. 

Troops were sent to Oxford, the University being 
Bavowcdly in the Jacobite interest. Bristol was also 
garrisoned, and such precautions were taken in the West 
[of England, that the Duke of Ormond's attempt to land 
(.there was frustrated. 

The Militias were embodied in accordance with the 
breparations agreed upon in the Parliamentary Sessions of 
nuly. 

October 25th. The Duke of St. Albans, as Lord Lieu- 

[enant of Berkshire, i-ssucd strict orders to the Constables 

[pf his county to bring the Militia up to its full strength and 

Eciency. Similar directions were sent to every part of the 



64 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



country. Here again the " Militia Horse Troop" is distinctly 
referred to. The Uuke's order states : 

■' That relative to the Acts of Parliament for ordering ( 
Ihe forces of that part of Great Britain, called England 
I hereby charge and require you, the said High Constablea 
and everyone of you, forthwith to call together or delivt 
precepts to the several petty constables, tything men i 
head borouf^hs of every tything, town, parish, village, hamlef 
or other place within said hundred, directing and requirinj 
them and everyone of them respectively, by virtue thereol 
forthwith to make return to you in writing fairly writtefl 
and subscribed by each of the said officers, making the sam 
a true and perfect list of the name of the cat)tain w 
manded them and the Christian and surnames of the perse 
or persons who are to find and set forth or contribute to t 
finding and setting forth by each foot soldier now to 1 
found by each and every town, parish, village, tything at| 
other places within the said Hundred, according to 1 
number charged upon such town, parish, village, tything an) 
other place respectively at the last establishment, togett 
also with the number of soldiers to the Militia horse of t 
said county which each such town, parish, village, tythia 
and other place found and set forth or contributed to ' 
finding and setting forth at the said last establishmei 
and the name of the captain who commanded them and a 
the name of all and everyone of the persons who are now I 
find, set forth, and contribute to the finding and sett 
forth of each and every horse soldier, according 
number and proportions charged upon each town, parish. S 
within the said Hundred at the time of the said l«j 
establishment and the respective places of abode of su( 
contributorics to the horse and where their estates do 1 
lor which thej' shall so contribute, and you the said Ht^ 
Constables are hereby required personally to appear i 
deliver all and to everyone the said returns thereoT \ 



The Haum'erian Dynasty. 



65 



I me and my deputy lieutenants, at the house of Eleanor 
I Garraway. called the ' Three Tuns ' Tavern, in Reading, in 
; the said county, on Saturday, 5 th November next, at nine 
o'clock in the morning, in order for the more speedy and 
I effectual forming into companies and troops and putting in 
readiness His Majesty's said forces ; and you are then and 
I there to attend the service to receive such further orders as 
I shall be thought necessary on that behalf, whereof you are 
) not to fail as you will answer the contrary at your peril, 

" Given under my hand and seal this 25th day of October, 
I second year of the reign of George I., 1715." 

Robert Lee, Esq., sets out a foot soldier (Edward Dentry, 
I of Binfictd). Mr. Jenkinsoii, Rector, and Mr. Holloway, 
\ sets out a foot soldier (John Giles, of Binfield). William 
I Angel!, Esq., Mr. Moody, Henry Deane and others, a foot 
I soldier (George Boyce, of Wingfield parish). Richard 
I Hannington, Gent., Mrs. Linscome, Thomas Southey and 
I other contributors, a foot soldier (William Coate, of Oaking- 
n). Mr, Toovey, Mr. Thacham, Mr. Lamport and others, 
I a foot soldier (Thomas I'untor, of Binfield). Mr. Baker, 
iMr. Rhodes, Charles Cowell and others, a foot soldier 
[(James Barns, of Warficld). Mr Barker, Mr. Warneford, 
IMr. May and others, a foot soldier (Walter Elkins, in the 
I Liberty of Earley, in the parish of Sonning). Sir William 
ICompton, Mr. Ray, Mr. Draycot and others, a foot soldier 
I (Richard Golden, of Binfield). John Pocock, Daniel Pocock, 
tMr. Griffin and others, a foot soldier (John Turner, of 
I Sandhurst). 

The lists for the other divisions, Reading, Abingdon, 
I Newbury, etc., have not been preserved. Each parish had 
[to contribute one or more soldiers, or substitutes, according 
I to its population. 

Abingdon at this period was garrisoned by Major-General 
[ Pepper's Dragoons, after they had quelled the rioting in 
I Oxford, where they were succeeded by a regiment of foot, 
I under Colonel Handasydc. F 



66 Royal Berkshire Militia, 



Meanwhile the Pretender and a small party of his High- 
landers crossed the Border, from Penrith they advanced to 
Preston, the English Militias of that part of the countr}' 
refusing to oppose them. General Willis was sent against 
the invading force, with an Army of six horse and dragoon 
regiments, and one battalion of foot, commanded by Colonel 
Preston. The English Army was repulsed at Preston 
November 12th ; but when General Carpenter arrived next 
day with three regiments of dragoons, the Highlanders were 
obliged to surrender. 

In Scotland the Jacobite Army was less unfortunate. 
The arrival of the Pretender in person at Peterhead, on 
December 22nd, again aroused enthusiasm in his cause. He 
was proclaimed King. A regular Council was formed ; but 
want of money and arms, and the severity of the season, 
rendered his efforts unavailing. The English people felt 
that the Government was too strong to be opposed : they did 
not dare join the rebels. Sentence of death was passed and 
executed upon the imprisoned Jacobite Lords, others 
escaped and took refuge abroad. While on February" 4th 
the Chevalier deserted his Army, embarked on a small 
vessel, and, after a circuitous voyage of five days, landed 
at G ravel ines. 

Thus ended the rebellion of 1715. Soldiers were still 
kept at Oxford, and their presence was much resented. The 
townspeople declared the soldiers to be unruly, and tried to 
get rid of them on this plea ; further riots ensued there, but 
by degrees the people settled down peaceably again. 

In 17 1 7 the House of Commons voted £2\fyoo for the 
payment of four battalions of Munster, and two of Saxe 
Gotha soldiers which the King had taken into his service to 
supply the place of such as had been, during the rebellion, 
drawn from the garrisons of the States General to the 
assistance of England ; also they granted £ I00,000 for the 
maintenance of guards, garrisons, and land forces. The 



The Hanoverian Dynasty. 



67 



annual Bill relating to Mutiny and Desertion was also 
passed. The standing forces were, in the winter Session of 
this year, fixed at 16,347 effective men. 

The number decided upon for land forces was 
12435 nien. Although no direct mention is made 
of Mililia musters, I feel convinced some training took place 
annually, for the land forces above decided upon could not 
have been composed entirely of regular regiments. 

The South Sea Scheme occupied all men's 
minds to the exclusion of other topics for several 
Sessions, till the crisis came in 1730, and ruin fell upon the 
t unhappy speculators. 

The Mutiny Bill exercised Parliament greatly during the 
reign of George II. (1720-9), and the discipline of the Army 
ls evidently little or nil, as is shewn by the horror evinced 
I at the idea of a standing army in times of peace. 

The Militia of England was commuted at 
200,000 horse and foot soldiers. They mustered 
I once or twice yearly- The horsemen being allowed during 
I time of muster 2s. per day, and the foot soldiers is. daily. 
I The Lord Lieutenant had full power over his regiment, both 
I as to levying taxes to pay it (according to the rate fixed by 
1 Act of Parliament), and also as to calling out and arming 
I the soldiers. 



1718. 



1726. 



1733-34- 



Dcbatrs took place in Parliament about the re- 



moval of officers By the two Militia Acts, passed 
13th and 14th (Charles II.), the King could remove officers of 
I Militia. The Militia were pronounced of no use, after other 
I nations began to keep standing Armies, and there was .some 
I truth in the assertion. Yet the House of Commons still 
\ steadily resisted a regular Army being established, and so 
long as there was no regular Army, England had only the 
I Mililia to rely upon. 

In tlic House of Common.s, Mr. Andrews (the Deputy 
I Paymaster of ihc Forces) moved for an addition of i,8oo to 



68 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

the land forces, such as had been added the previous year, 
when the unsettled state of European politics drew attention 
to the condition of the English Army. 

The land forces were again augmented by the 
King and were estimated at 27,744 effective men. 
Europe was in a state of wars and rumours of wars. Yet 
in the following year the English forces were reduced, for 
economical reasons and national prejudice. 

The Porteous Riots in Edinburgh, and other 
questions relating to smuggling, occupied Parlia- 
ment ; but in 1736 the land forces numbered 17,704 
effective men. 

In a debate on the Army in the House of Lords, 
1 740. ^ 

the Duke of Argylc expressed his opinion that the 
Army ought to be under the control of one man. Com- 
plaints were made of the want of discipline. The way the 
levies of previous years had been tyrannically administered, 
and Colonels appointed unsuitable and bad ; these were 
serious matters, and it had to be considered whether it was 
advisable to raise new regiments to increase the force or 
add new men to the old existing regiments. The chief 
difficulty being a question of pay. 

Our Army as compared with other nations, especially the 
French Army, was at a disadvantage, tiic latter for years 
had had a standing Army of veteran soldiers ; and the 
raising of new regiments was condemned as dangerous to 
the peace and welfare of England, yet it was felt on all sides 
that some effort was necessary for the safety of the United 
Kingdom. 

1740 was one of the years celebrated for a long frost. 
It began at Christmas and continued till the end of 
February. The Thames was thickly frozen over. The cold 
was terrible, and many persons died. Prices rose, and 
poverty among the poorer classes was cruelly felt. Prepara- 
tions for war were being carried out by the English 



The Hanoverian Dynasty. 



69 



Ministry. Camps were formed at Hounslow Heath, the 
Isle of Wight, Colcliester, and in nther parts. 

Secret meetings were taking place among the Scotch 
Jacobites, ivho were only waiting for arms and money to 
again rise in rebellion. 

The Duke of Newcastle spoke on this same question of 
the Army ; as did also Lord Carteret of the troops of 
Ireland, Sweden, Hanover, and France as compared with 
England. The Earl of Cholmondeley and other noblemen 
also spoke on the Army, each apparently ajjainst the estab- 
lishment of a standing Army. The motion for rejection : 
Content, 42 ; not content, 59. A protest was entered, to 
this effect : one point being, that as new regiments had 
been proved more expensive and as a new Parliament was 
so near, no additional regiments had better be raised. And 
it was alleged the fate of the war had been left to raw 
new levied troops, in order to keep others at home only for 
evil purposes. 

The King determined to send troops to the 
Netherlands, and, by this unwise move, involved 
England in the Continental troubles. Of this war, the chief 
remarkable point was that the Battle of Dettingen 
was the last time an English King led his own 
army into the field of battle. 

Soon afterwards the British Army returned from the 
the Netherlands. 

The English now made a protest against the Hanoverian 
I troops in British pay. Parliament was determined to 
[ economise by disbanding them. 

An expected invasion of the French, in support of the 

Stuart family, again threatened Britain. Regiments were 

sent to the South coast. Governors and Commanders were ■ 

l< ordered to their posts. The forts on the Thames and 

1 Hcdway were strengthened, and the Kent Militia was called 

I out 



I74I. 



>743- 



JO Royal Berkshire Militia, 

January. Troops were raised and collected ; the French 
preparations to support the Young Pretender causing 
general alarm. The Jacobites were only waiting for an 
opportunity to rise in favour of the Stuart family ; niean- 
while they were holding secret meetings and planning an 
invasion. While Howard's Regiment of Foot was being 
recruited for service in Flanders, a fine young woman of 
5ft. 6in., in man's clothing, came to the Sergeant in Reading 
to be enlisted. Before they left the town, however, her sex 
was discovered ; but she refused to return the marching 
guineas, as she had spent half 

On March 31st, England declared war against 

France and France against England. Thus 

hostilities commenced. An Act of High Treason was passed 

against the Stuart family and all who supported their cause. 

July 25th. The long threatened invasion of the 

Stuarts at last came to a crisis. Prince Charles 

in person landed in the Isles on the northern shores of 

Scotland, at a moment when most of the English troops 

were away serving in the Netherlands. 

By degrees the chieftains gathered round his Standard. 
He was proclaimed Prince Regent, under his father, King 
James VH I. of Scotland and Hl.of England. After an extra- 
ordinar}' victory over the English Army at Preston Pans, the 
Scotch Clans were led southwards across the Border to the 
conquest of England. So sudden and unexpected was this 
advance that everyone fled before them, and without opposi- 
tion the Rebel Army marched through Northumberland, 
Cumberland and Lancashire, moving towards Cheshire, 
where Jacobitism had been actively kept up. Few recruits, 
however, joined the Army ; and the noblemen of those parts 
could not realise that the Prince had actually arrived in 
England. The march continued until Derby was reached 

on December 4th. King George's Army, under the Duke 
of Cumberland, then being only nine miles distant at 

Newcastlc-undcr-Lync. 



The Hanoverian Dynasty. 



A large Army from France was prepared to effect a 
landing on the South coast. The whole of the Eng-lish na- 
tion was aroused and frightened into activity. Militias and 
Trained Bands were called out. A camp of 5,000 or 6,000 
troops occupied Greenham Common. Curiously, the old 
Reading Mercury of that date, although giving an account 
of the movements of the rebels, says little or nothing of the 
efforts made locally ; perhaps the editor was a Jacobite ! 
The King assembled the bulk of his Army at Finchley ; 
while, as on previous occasions, regiments were sent to 
guard the southern and western coasts. A sudden panic 
seems to have seized the Jacobite leaders. They were 
disappointed at the lack of support given them in England, 
and, with one accord, insisted on a speedy return to Scotland. 
, In vain, Charles Edward urged them to advance on London : 
he was powerless to influence them, and the fatal retreat 
began on December 6th. If only they had delayed a few 
days, support would have come. Messengers had been sent 
lo Derby from several powerful noblemen, among others Sir 
t Watktn VVynn and Lord Barrymore of Hurley ; but too late 
lo be of any use. 

On Uie 8th of November, 1745, the Jacobite Army had 

first entered England. The only fighting took place on their 

I retreat at Clifton Moor, not far from Penrith, and it resulted 

\ in victory for the Highlanders, who, however, still con- 

I tinned their retreat nortlnvards. re-crossing the Border 

December 20th, tlosely pursued by the Duke of 

I Cumberland. The Battle of Culloden Moor took place 

on April isth. Prince Charles Edward was obliged to 

disguise himself, and. after many adventures and hairbreadth 

escapes, sailed for France on September 20tli. It is said 

that several years afterwards he re-visited England incognito, 

but all hope of regaining the Crown was at an end. There 

is a tradition, for which no foundation can be traced, that he 

visited Berkshire secretly. 



72 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Gentleman's Magazine, May, 1746. Vol. XVL, page 237 : 
" In a Bill for the regulation of the Militia, the number of 
private foot soldiers to be annually raised in the counties of 
England as follows : Berks, 700 ; &c." 

^ After the failure of this rebellion, the land forces 
were 60,000, including 11,500 Marines. Sonne 
regiments of Life Guards were disbanded for economical 
reasons, and other regiments reduced. 

In March, 1746, John Heddige was tried at the Assizes 
in Oxford for desertion in the late rebellion. 

j> War still continued on the Continent until the 
articles of a general peace were signed at Aix La 
Chapelle on October 7th. 

The land forces of England again occupied the considera- 
tion of Parliament ; one question being whether half-pay 
officers were subject to martial law. The new Mutiny Bill 
and the old fear of a permanent Army was again discussed. 
The land forces, as in the previous year, were continued at 

18,857 n^^"- 

Peace was publicly proclaimed in London, on February 
2nd, 1749. 

This year was chiefly remarkable for storms, 
thunder, wind, hail, and rain. A strong shock of 
earthquake was felt in February in and about London, and it 
was prophesied that the end of the world was near at 
hand. The death of the Prince of Wales was another 
calamity of this year, which came aS a sudden disaster on 
the nation. 

The year 175 1 passed without event ; but 1752 
will ever be remembered as the year in which 
eleven days were taken out of the calendar, and from 
September 2nd the following day was reckoned as 14th of 
the month, so that the year was thus made to commence on 
January ist, not March 25th, as it had formerly done in 
England. 



The Hanoverian Dynasty. 



11 



^,, Universal Maga::iite Supplement, Vol. XXII. 

gives "An abstract of an Act to explain, amend, and 

oTorcc an Act made the last Session of Parliament, entitled 

lan Act for the belter ordering of the Mititia forces in the 

weral counties of England, an extract from which is 

■inserted in our Magazine, Vol. XX., p. 323." The extract is 

» long for me to copy, but it gives the following points : 

—First, that Militias shall be raised at once, where not 

■already- done. Certain estate or income qualifications, a 

Itwenly-one years' lease of an estate or £joo a year, being 

|thc minimum for officers. Every captain might appoint 

■or displace corporals and drummers, and sergeants, to fill 

■vacancies ; but the colonel or commanding officer could 

■remove such sergeants. Lists of inhabitants, to be made 

(etween the ages of eighteen and fifty, to be placed on 

^church doors. Enrollment to be for three years, with a 

lenalty of £10 for not serving. No peer, &c., was liable to 

rve personally. Men ill on march were to be provided 

por, &c. Allowances were to be made for families, &c. 

«vies, &C. Training and pay were all discussed with a 

^iew to improvement. 

Two years later another article in the same 

Magazine is to be found, on the flourishing state 

of Great Britain. It refers to the question of a standing 

Army being necessary, as such are kept on the Continent, 

specially France. It compares the Militia with a standing 

uy and the organisation of the former, so as to avoid 

Realousy. Evidently, from the wording, there was jealousy 

Etween the Militia and the Army, as it alludes to tho 

pinions of " those who urge that the officers of the Army 

ought not to be admitted into the Militia." The Militia 

ounty money was higher than in the Army, and later on 

ihe payment of substitutes was raised, as also the allowances 

Jfor the wives and families of men serving. Those points 

all rendered the Militia the more popular service of the 



I7SS. 



74 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

two ; for, whereas the Government paid for the Army, the 
Militia was to a great extent supported by the liberality 
of its officers, who prided themselves on the efficiency of 
their regiments and did all in their power to keep them 
up to a high standard. 

\ntf\ ^" ^^ Winter Session of Parliament, a new Bill 
was prepared and brought in, for the better regu- 
lating of the Militia forces of the English counties. It was 
passed by the Commons on May lOth, but opposed by the 
House of Lords. Nothing further was done until another 
threatened French invasion was being prepared. Whilst 
Parliamentary debates were being carried on, as to whether 
the Militia forces were sufficient to protect England, George 
11. sent for a body of Hessian and Hanover troops, which 
duly arrived and were encamped in different parts of 
England. 

On February 3rd, a Proclamation was issued. All 
officers, civil and military, were commanded to watch the 
coasts, and, on the first sight of the enemy, to announce the 
same by beacons and the beating of drums. All articles of 
food and all cattle were to be taken away twenty miles 
inland. Bridges were to be broken down and roads barri- 
caded, to hinder the advance of a hostile force if it 
succeeded in landing. These orders are almost identical 
with those issued 200 years before by Henry VHI. 



CHAPTER VII. 

"reokuanisation and embodiment. — 1757-1763. 

VKOBABLY the arrival of the German troops con- 
g tributed more than anything to the improvements 
which shortly after took place in the EngHsh Army. 
I New regiments were raised and the old ones re-modellcd ; 

■ recruiting was actively carried out. The number of private 
men to be raised by each county was fixed. A total of 

■ Militia in England gave 32,000 men. The Lord-Licutciiant 
|pf Berks was the Uuke of St. Albans, and the number of 

m to be raised in the Royal county was fixed at 560. 
" Where a town lies in two counties, the inhabitants shall 
(erve in the Militia of that county in which the church is 
utuated. Workingham (? Wokingham) is to join the Militia 
lof Berks." 

the Army List of 1762 it is stated the Berkshire 
lifiUtia were embodied July ^jth, 1757. Unless this date 
B« wrongly given, the regiment was embodied before that of 
pther counties, whether it was 1757 or 175S. At any rate, 
he Berkshire Militia were among the first called to arms ; a 
ict worthy of record, considering the difficulty experienced 
1 some parts of England. 

December 10th. Militia Letter Book (204) 
Record Office, Whitehall : 



I7S8. 



" ra the Duke of St. Albans. 
"My Lord.^Having laid before the King the list iransmilted to 
B by William Broolcland, Esq., Cleric of the General Meeting for 
s County of Berks, of the names of ihe several gentlemen who 

uve offered themselves 10 serve as officers in the Militia for the 



76 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

said county. I have His Majesty's commands to acquaint your 
Grace that the King does not disapprove of any of the gentlemen 
therein mentioned, lo be officers in the Militia of the said County 
of Berks.— I am, &c., HOLDERNESSE." 

*' The names of the several gentlemen who have offered them- 
selves to serve as officers in the Militia for the County of Berks: — 
Sir Willoughby Aston, Baronet, Colonel ; Arthur Vansittarty jun., 
Lieut.-Colonel ; John Dodd, Major ; John Blagrave, Captain ; 
Thomas Draper Baber, Captain ; William Mackworth Praed, 
Captain; Joseph Andrews, Captain; Richard Sellwood, Captain : 
John Reeves, Lieutenant ; John Walter, Lieutenant ; John Wilder, 
Lieutenant ; I^wrence Head Osgood, Lieutenant ; Peter Floyer, 
Lieutenant ; Edmond Seymour, Lieutenant ; Thomas Justice, 
Lieutenant ; George Hatch, Ensign ; Thomas Buckeridge Noyce, 
Ensign ; John Boult, Ensign ; William Towsey, Ensign. 

*' Examined by me the seventh day of December, 1758. 

''' WILLIAM BROOKLAND, 
*' Clerk of the General Meeting for the County of Berks." 

The following extract is fronn a pamphlet entitled, " Re- 
flections on the different ideas of the French and English 
in regard to cruelty." The humble petition of the prisoners 

in the for debt, addressed to the humanity of the nation 

in Parliament assembled : 

" at home we are shrinking into de- 
population to a degree melancholy to those who observe and 
reflect. What difficulties do we not find in raising the few 
forces necessary to our defence ! Can anything but the 
absolute scarcity of men account for the incompletion of our 
Militia? For it cannot be supposed that we, everyone of us, 
wished for it with so much zeal and ardour, with an ex- 
ception of our own particular service in it. A kingdom like 
this, when it has not a hundred thousand men to spare upon 
an emergency, is an estate that can only make shift to 
support its owner until he has a fit of sickness, but then 
cannot pay the doctor's bill " 



Reorganisation and Eviboditnail. 77 

I I7SQ March Sth. The return of the officers, &c., for 
I the Militia Regiment lor the County of Berks, 

\ T« the King's Most Excellent Majisty. 

" Wc, whose names are hereunto set and subscribed, three of 

he Deputy I.ieuteiianis of the Couniy of Berks, in the absence 

r George Duke of St. Albans, your Majesty's Lieutenant for and 

n ihe said County of llerks, do hereby humbly certify and return 

\ your Majesty tliat, in pursuance of two several Acts of Parlia- 

leni made and passed in the thirtieth and thirty-first years of j'our 

hlajesty's reign, the one intituled ' An Act for the better ordering 

f the Militia forces in the several counties in that part of Great 

Kihain called England," and the other being ' An Act to explain, 

lend, and enforce the said first mentioned Act.' Three-fifths 

if the Militia men of the said County of Berks have been chosen, 

, and enrolled; and that three-fifths of the commission 

FEcers of ibe Militia forces raised, and to l)cf raised in and 

ihe said county have been appointed, taken and out. 

ind accepted their several qualifications, as by the said several 

^Cls of Varliameni in that case made, they are directed, viz. : — 

eld Officers: Sir Willoughby .'\ston, Bart., of Wadley ; .\rthur 

fransitlart, Esq, of Shoitesbrooke ; John Dodd, Esq.. ofSivailow- 

Held. Captains: John Blagrave, Esq., of Southcote; Thomas 

praper Baber, Esq., of Sunninghill Park ; William Mackworth 

ro«d, Esq., of Warfield ; William Andrews, Esq., of Shaw ; 

itichaid Sellwood, Esq., of Peasmore. Captain Lieutenant : 

'hotnas Blagrave, Esq.,of Larabourn. Lieutenants; John Keeves, 

. of Arborfield ; John Walter. Esq., of Swallowfield ; John 

(Vilder. Esq., of Nunhide; I^awrence Head Osgood, Esq., of 

rkbam; Peler f'loyer. Esq, of Shinfield; Thomas Justice, Esq,, 

r Suiton Courtney; Edmund Seymour, Esq., of Lamboume 

[Voodlands. Ensigns : George Hatch, gent., of New Windsor ; 

[^ohn Dean, gent., of Ruscomb ; Thomas Buckeridge Noyes, gent., 

rSouthcoie; John Boult, gent., of Charridge ; James Pettit 

jKndFews, Esq.. of Shaw ; William Towsey, the younger, gent., of 

jVanUge. 



!• Dated March 5lh, 1759. 



" Wii.i.ouGHBY Aston, 

"John Dodd. 

■' Arthur Vansittakt." 



78 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Militia Correspondence. Record Office, Board of Ord- 
nance, Whitehall, April 4th, 1759 : 

** Gentlemen, — Three of the Deputy Lieutenants of the County 
of Berks, in the absence of His Grace the Duke of St. Albans, His 
Majesty^s Lieutenant for and in the said County of Berks, having, 
agreeable to the Acts of Parliament for the better ordering of the 
Militia forces in that part of Great Britain called England, certified 
and returned to the King that three-fifths of the Militia forces for 
the said County of Berks have been chosen and enrolled ; and that 
three-fifths of the commission officers for the same have been 
appointed and taken out their commissions, and entered their 
qualifications ; and they, the three Deputy Lieutenants, having in 
consequence thereof desired that the necessary arms, accoutre- 
ments, &c., may be delivered for the use of the said Militia, I am 
to signify to you His Majesty's pleasure that you do accordingly 
direct the arms and accoutrements agreeable to the list enclosed, to 
be provided and delivered free of any expense of carriage, at such 
places in the County of Berks as the Duke of St. Albans, His 
Majesty's Lieutenant thereof, or the three Deputy Lieutenants 
aforesaid shall judge most convenient, and to such person or 
persons as shall be duly authorised by them or either of them 
to receive the same. — I am, &c., HOLDERNESSE." 

'* A return of arms, accoutrements, and ammunition necessar)' 
for the Militia for the County of Berks, commanded by His Grace 
Ihe Duke of St. Albans, consisting of 30 sergeants, 20 drummers, 
and 560 rank and file, formed into eight companies: — Silk colours, 
the one an Union, the other a blue sheet with the arms of His 
Grace the Duke of St Albans, 2 ; oilskin cases, lined with bays 
(baize), 2. Rnnk and file : Muskt-ls with wood hammers, bayonets, 
scabbards with tanned leather slings, 560 ; cartouch boxes, with 
belts and frogs, 560 ; brushes and wires, 560 ; small hangers with 
brass hilts, scabbards, and tanned leather waist belts, 560 ; iron 
wiping rods with worms, 30. Sergeants : Halberts, 28 ; large 
hangers, wiih brass hilts, scabbards, and tanned leather waist belts, 
2tS. Drummers: Foot drums comj)lete, with the arms of His 
Grace the Duke of St. Albans, 20 ; drum sling or carriages, 20 ; 



■ 

I 



Reorganisation and Embodiment. 



79 



u ticken drum cases, 20 ; hangers with brass hilts and scabbards, 
I including one for the dnini-major, 31 ; waist belts the same as the 
[-drum carriages, 21, Ammunition: Powder— service, 4 barrels; 

:, 4; musket-ball, S cwt. ; flints, 2,240; formers, 30 
I Une paper, 4 reams; leather powder bags, 30. — H. BEAUCLERK." 

In June, 1759. the Company of Berks Militia, com- 
I manded by John Dodd, Esq., Major, was drawn up at 
I Whitley Wood, near Reading, where they were exercised 
I for the first time, and received their arms, clothing, &c. 

The Militia of several counties were reviewed that month 
I by their commanding officers, in the presence of the Lord 
I Lieutenants and a great number of persons of distinction. 
I They all performed their exercise amazingly well, behaved 
1 dutifully to their superiors, soberly in their quarters, and 
I seemed full of cheerfulness and alacrity, and ready to march 
I wherever they were ordered for the defence of their country. 
J An order in Council was published on July 1 ith, declaring 
■ ""that all His Majesty's faithful subjects who enlisted them- 
1-Sclves in the land service from that day, should not be sent 
\ out of Great Britain, and should be entitled to their discharge 
I at the end of three years or at the end of the war, whichever 
[ Ibcy preferred, and all deserters who rejoined before August 
LaOth their respective regiments or any other corps, if their 
vere out of the kingdom, should be pardoned." 
STATE OF THE MILITIA OF THIS KINGDOM. 

Universal Magasine. July : " Berks, Lord Lieutenant, 

>uke of St. Albans, Number to be raised, 560. Officered 
^od near completion, 560 now on duty." 

Several counties had then their full strength and are 
veported as on duty, while in other parts neither men nor 
pflficers could be found willing to serve. 

Marching Orders : 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the Berkshire 
KeginicnC of Militia under your command to assemble with all 



8o Royal Berkshire Militia. 

convenient speed at such place or places as you shall think proper, 
and march from thence by such routes and in such divisions as 
you shall think most convenient to Marlborough, Hungerford, and 
the Devizes, where ihey are to be quartered, and follow such orders 
as they shall receive from Major-General Holmes. — Given at the 
War Office this 26th day of July, 1759. By His Majesty's com- 
mand, BARRINGTON." 

This probably was in consequence of a report that the 
French had already landed at Dover, which arose from some 
stran^je ships bein^j sighted off the coast. Special messengers 
were sent to London and the whole country prepared for 
active defence. The land forces of Great Britain consisted 
of two troops of Horse Grenadier Guards, seven regiments 
of Dragoons, three regiments of Foot Guards, thirty-four 
regiments of foot, thirty-two independent companies, and in 
Ireland four regiments of horse (six of dragoons and twelve 
foot regiments). 

"To His Grace the Duke of St. Albans, His Majesty's Lieutenant 

for the County of Berks, or, in his absence, to any three 

Deputy Lieutenants for the said county. 

*' It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause two companies of 

the Berkshire Regiment of Militia, under your command at 

Hunperford, to march from thence by the shortest and most 

convenient route to Marlborough and Preshute, where they are to 

be quartered and remain until I'urther orders — Given at the War 

Office this 29th day of August, 1759." 

*' To Lieut.-General Holmes, or officer commanding the two coqjs 
of the Berkshire Regiment of Militia at Hungertbrd. 
"It is His Majesty's pleasure that you send such detachments 
of the Berkshire Regiment of Militia at Marlborough, as you shall 
think proper from time to time, to the Devizes, where they are to 
be quartered and remain until further orders. — Given at the War 
Office this 29th day of August, 1759" 



Reorganisation and Embodivient. 8i 

•* To Lieut.-General Holmes, or officer commanding the Berkshire 
Regiment of Militia at Marlborough." 
" It is His Majesty^s pleasure that you cause the Regiment of 
Berkshire Militia under your command to march immediately from 
their present quarters by the shortest and most convenient route 
to Winchester, where they are to be quartered in the barracks and 
remain until further orders. — Given at the War Office this 25th day 
of October, 1759." 

Universal Magazine^ 1760, gives a song called 

**0N THE MILITIA^S EXPEDITION." 

** Bellona spreads her dire alarms 
And calls the Britains forth to arms ; 
With eager haste behold them fly, 
Resolved to conquer or to die. 

With joy the glorious call obey. 
For glory points them to the way ; 
Undaunted they their foes will meet 
And triumph over GauFs defeat. 

Let dastard foes be aw*d by fear 
And trenible when no danger's near ; 
The gallant heart no danger knows, 
But pants to meet great George's foes. 

Britannia raised her drooping head 
And smiling thus, the Goddess said — 
' My sons, the glorious task pursue. 
Maintain your rights and France subdue.'" 

The Commons passed a Bill to enable His Majesty's 
Lieutenants of the several counties, ridings, and places, to 
proceed with the execution of the laws relating to the 
Militia, notwithstanding any suspension of the same, and for 
other purposes relating to the said laws. All provisions of 
the Mutiny Act extended equally to Militia. 

^- June. Regulations were issued as to officers in 

each regiment, and the maintenance of Militiamen's 
families, while the regiment was embodied. 



82 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

** To Lieut.-General Holmes, at Portsmouth. 

*' It is His Majesty's pleasure that (notwithstanding any former 
order to the contrary) you cause the Berkshire Militia under your 
command at Winchester to march from their present quarters on 
Tuesday, the 17th instant, to the place of encampment near 
Winchester, where they are to encamp and remain until further 
orders. — Given at the War Office this 13th day of June, 1760." 

There were, besides the Berkshire Militia at this en- 
campment, the Militias of Gloucestershire, Bedfordshire, 
Dorsetshire, and Wiltshire, and the 34th (Buckinghamshire) 
Regiment. The Earl of Effingham was in command, 
the Earl of Shaftesbury Brigadier-General, and Edward 
Montagu (of the Wiltshire Regiment) Major of Brigade. 

" It is His Majesty^s pleasure that you cause 
ist Division : the Berkshire Regiment of Militia, encamped 

??? 1^ under your command near Winchester, to march 
and Ilsley. - ;' . .... ,. 

from thence m two divisions, according to the 

2nd Division • ^^^^^^ annexed to the places mentioned in the 

Newbury margin hereof, where they are to be quartered and 

and Speen. remain until further orders. — Given at the War 

Office this 4th day of October, 1760." 

" To Earl of Effingham, or other officer commanding the forces 
encamped near Winchester. Route for the ist Division of the 
Berkshire Regiment of Militia from Winchester camp : Thursday, 
October 9th, Andover; Friday, October loth, Newbury; Saturday, 
October nth, Hungerford and Ilsley, where they are to remain. 
Route for ihe 2nd Division of the Berkshire Regiment of Militia 
from Winchester camp: Friday, October 10th, Andover; Saturday 
October nth, Newbury and Speen, where they are to remain. 

*' It is His Majesty's pleasure that (notwithstanding the order of 
the 4th instant) you cause the Berkshire Regiment of Militia^ 
encamped under your command near Winchester, to march from 
thence in two divisions, according to the routes annexed to the 
places mentioned in the margin thereof, where they are to he 
quartered and remain until further order. — Given at the War Office 
this Sth day of October, 1760.'' 



Reorganisation and Embodiment. 



83 



" To the Earl of Effingham, or officer commanding ihe forces 
encamped near Winchester. RouLe for the ist Division of the 
Berkshire Regiment of Miliua Irom Winchester camp : Thursday, 
October 9th, Whitchurch and Overton; Friday, October loth, 
Newbury ; Saturday, October nth, Hungerford and Ilsley, where 
they are 10 remain. Route for the and Division of the Berkshire 
Regiment ot Militia from Winchester camp : Friday, October toth, 
Whitchurch and Overton : Saturday, October nth, Newbury and 
Speen, where they are to remain," 



Companies : 
Reading ... 
^Vallingford 
Oiikingham 



" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the 
Regiment of Berkshire Militia under your com- 
mand to march immediately from their present 
quarters, by the shortest and most convenient 
route, to the places mentioned in the margin 
hereof (acquainting this office of the day on which 
they begin their march and the day on which they 
will arrive at their destined quarters), where they 
are to be quartered and remain until further order, 
—Given to the War Office, this 20th day of 
November, 1760. By His Majesty's command, 
of the Secretary at War, THOS. TYRWHITT," 



Sent by express 

«t J o'clock, on 

Friday, Nov. 28, 

1760. 

in Ihe absence 

" To Colonel Sir Willougbby Aston, Bart,, or officer command- 
ing the Berkshire Regiment of Militia at Newbury. It is His 
I Majesty's pleasure that you cause two companies of the Derk- 
I shire Regiment of Militia under your command at Reading to 
1 march from thence immediately, with all possible expedition, 
I by the shortest and most convenient route to Witney, in Oxford- 
I ^ire, where they are lo be quartered and remain, and be 
I aiding and assisting to the civil magistrates, to follow such 
I directions as they shall receive from time to lime from the said 
I civil magistrates, for suppressing any riots or tumults which may 
I arise in that neighbourhood, and in securing the rioters and 
I preserving the public peace ; but not to repei force with force, 
I unless it shall be found absolutely necessary, or being thereunto 
I required by the civil magistrates. — Given at the War Office this 
I. d.iv .,f March. i;6i," 



S4 Royal Berkshire Militia, 



*' To Colonel Sir Willoughby Aston, or officer commanding the 
Berkshire Militia at Reading, Berks. It is His Majesty's pleasure 
that you cause the companies of the Berkshire Regiment of Nf ilitia 
under your command at Reading to march from thence on 
Tuesday, the 14th instant, in such divisions as you shall think 
proper (provided the several places through which they are to 
march, and in which they are to be quartered on their march, 
he not within a less distance than two miles from any town or 
city, where the election for Members of Parliament shall be held 
within the time of their march, and acquainting this office of the 
day they will arrive at their destined quarters), to any other place 
or places in the County of Berks, except Newbury and the Parish 
of Speen, where they are to be quartered and remain until further 
order. —Given to the War Office this 3rd day of April, 1761. 
CHAS. TOWNSHEND/' 

** To Officer commanding the companies of the Regiment of 
Berkshire Militia at Reading. It is His Majesty's pleasure that 
you cause the two companies of the Berkshire Regiment of Militia 
under your command at Witney to march from thence, by such 
route as you shall think most convenient (provided the several 
pku^es throuL^h which they march, and in which they are to be 
quartered during their march, be not within a less distance than 
two miles o( any town or city where the election for Members of 
Parliament shall be held during the time of their march, and 
acquainting this office with their disposition), to such place or 
places in the County of Berks as you shall think proper, except 
Reading, Newbury, and the Parish of Speen, where they are to lie 
quartered and remain until further orders. — Given at the War 
Office this 7th day of April, 1761." 

•* To Officer commanding the companies of the Berkshire Militia 
at Witney, Oxfordshire. It is His Majesty's pleasure that (not- 
withstanding any former order to the contrary) you cause the 
Berkshire Regiment of Militia under your command to march from 
their present quarters by the shortest and most convenient route, 
in such divisions as you shall think proper, to such place or places 
in the County of Berks (except Reading, Xewbury, and the Parish 



Reorganuation and Embodiment. 



ss 



I of Preshute as you shall think proper), providing the several places 
1 through which they inarch, and in which they are to be quartered 
I during their march, be not within a less distance than two railes of 
I any town or city where the election for Members shall be held 
I during the time of their march, and acquainting this office with 
I their destined quarters, where they are to be quartered and remain 
I until further orders.— Given at the War OfSce this lotii day of 
I April, 1761," 

" To Colonel Sir Willoughby Aslon, or Officer commanding the 
I Berkshire Regiment of Militia. It is His Majesty's pleasure that 
I you cause the Berkshire Regiment of Militia under your com- 
I mand to march from their present quarters, by the shortest and 
J most convenient route (acquainting this office of the day they 
I will arrive at their de.stinea quarters), to Reading, where they are 
I 10 be quartered and remain until further orders." 

" To Colonel Sir Willoughby Aslon, Bart., or Officer command- 
I ing the Berkshire Regiment of Mihtia at Abingdon. It is His 
1 Majesty's pleasure that you cause His Majesty's Regiment of 
I Militia for the County of Berks under your command, to march 
I Ifom iheir present quarters in two divisions, according to the 
I routes annexed, 10 the place of encampment near Winchester, 
■where they ate to encamp and remain until further order." 

"To Colonel Sir Willoughby Aston, Bart., or Officer command- 
ling His Majesty's Regiment of Militia for the County of Berks at 
I Beading. Route for the tst Division of His Majesty's Regiment 
ftoF Militia for the County of Berks, from Reading to Winchester 
Icamp: Friday, June laih, Basingstoke; Saturday, June 13th.. 
ISuttons, Nutlley, and places adjacent ; Sunday, June 14th, hall ; 
■ Monday, June i5lh, Winchester camp, and remain. Route for 
llbe and Division of His Majesty's Regiment of Militia for the 
I County of Berks, from Reading to Winchester camp : Saturday, 
K Jtme 13th, Basingstoke ; Sunday, June 14th, halt ; Monday. June 
1 15th, Sultons, Nutlley, and places adjacent ; Tuesday, June 16th, 
IWinchester camp and remain." 

In 1761, there were encamped near the site of 



176 1. 



the Hessian camp 



the Wilts and the South 



86 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



Battalion of the Gloucestershire Militia, the Dorsetshire and 
the North Battalion of the Gloucestershire Militia, and the 
South Battalion of the Hampshire and the Berkshire Militia. 

"To Colonel Sir Willoughby Aston, Bart., or Officer commanding 
His Majesty's Regiment of Militia for the County of Berks at 
Sutton. It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the quarters 
of the two divisions of His Majesty's Regiment of Militia for the 
County of Berks under your command, on their arrival at Sutton, 
Nuttley and adjacent places to be enlarged with [? near] Overton. 
— Given at the War Office this 6th day of June, 1761. By His 
Majesty's command, in the absence of the Secretary at War, and 
his deputy, THOS. BRADSHAW." 

** To Lieut. -General Earl of Effingham, or Officer command- 
ing the forces encamped near Winchester. It is His Majesty's 
pleasure that you cause His Majesty's Regiment of Militia for the 
County of Berks under your command, to march from the place 
of encampment near Winchester, on Tuesday, the 20th instant, 

in two divisions, the 2nd division the day after the 

Reading, jst by the shortest and most convenient route 

a ung ora, (acquainting this office with their route and the day 

Oakincham. ^^^^ ^"^ arrive at their destined quarters), to the 

places mentioned in the margin hereof, where they 
are to be quartered and remain until further orders. — Given at 
the War Office this 15th day of October, 1761." 

**To Lieut. -General the Earl of Effingham, or Officer com- 
manding the forces at W^inchester. It is His Majesty's 
pleasure that, notwithstanding any former order to the contrary, 
you cause His ALijesty*s Regiment of Militia for the County 
of Berks under your command to march to-morrow, being Tues- 
day, the 20th instant, from the place of encampment near 
Winchester, by such routes and in such divisions as you or 
the officer commanding the said regiment shall judge most con- 
venient (acquainting this office with their route and the day on 
which they will arrive at their destined quarters), to Reading, 
where they are to be quartered and remain until further orders. 
—Given at the War Office this 19th day of October, 1761. By 



Reorganisation and Embodiment. 



87 



His Majesty's command, in the absence of the Secretary at War, 
THOS. TYRWHITT.'' 

** To Colonel Sir Willoughby Aston, Bart., or Officer command- 
ing His Majesty's Regiment of Militia for the County of Berks 
at Reading. It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause your 
companies of His Majesty's Regiment of Militia for the County 
of Berks under your command at Reading to march immediately 
from thence, by the shortest and most convenient route (acquaint- 
ing this office with the day of their arrival at their destined 
quarters) to Newbury, where they are to be quartered and remain 
until further orders. — Given at the War Office this nth day of 
November, 1761. By His Majesty's command, 

"CHAS. TOWNSHEND." 
ARMY LIST, MILITIA, 1762. 



The Berkshire Regiment of Militia, Embodied 

July 25TH, 1757. 

Rank, Name, 

Colonel Sir Willoughby Aston, Bart. 



Lieutenant-Colonel 
Major - . - - 



Captains 



Captain-Lieutenant 



Lieutenants 



Arthur Vansittart. 

John Dodd. 
'' William Mackworth Praed. 

Joseph Andrews. 

Richard Sellwood. 

Clement Saxton. 

Laurence Head Osgood. 
, John Wilder. 

Thomas Blagrave. 

John Reeves. 

John Walter. 

Peter Floyer. 

Edmund Seymour. 

Pettit Andrews. 

Thomas Justice. 

Samuel Southby. 

Thomas Baber. 

Thomas Buckridge Noyes. 



88 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Thomas Grove. 

John Fortescue Alland. 

Henry Evans. 
Ensigns \ Clement Styles. 

William Towsey. 

Joseph Langford. 

Francis Annesley. 

Adjutant Henry Evans. 

Quartermaster - - - - Thomas Buckeridge. 
Surgeon John Fortescue Alland. 



Agent Mr. Pye, Featherstone Buildings. 

"To Colonel Sir W. Aston, or Officer commanding the Berkshire 
Militia at Reading, Berks. 
'* It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause His Majesty's 
Regiment of Militia for the County of Berks under your command 
to march from their present quarters, by such route and in such 
divisions as you shall think most convenient (acquainting this 
office with the route and the day of their arrival at their destined 
quarters) to Winchester, where they are to relieve His Majesty's 
Battalion of Militia for the West Riding of the County of York, 
commanded by Colonel Sir George Saville, in the duty of guarding 
the French prisoners of war there, and be quartered and remain 
until further orders. — Given at the War Office this 2nd day of 
March, 1762. By His Majesty's command.*' 

"To Colonel Vansitlart, or Officer commanding His Majesty's 
Regiment of Militia for the County of Berks at Reading. 
** It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the quarters of 
His Majesty's Regiment of Militia for the County of Berks, under 
your command at Reading, to be enlarged with such adjacent 
place or places as you shall think proper. — Given at the War 
Office this loth day of April, 1762. By His Majesty's command." 

During the month of April a Militia Act was passed. 
Among the chief points in it were that, if preferred instead 
of ballot, volunteers might be chosen by the parish officers, 



\ 



■with the approval of two Deputy Lieutenants. No person 
funder 18 nor over 45, nor articled clerk, apprentice, or poOfj 
Iman with three children bom in wedlock, should be com- 
Ipelled to serve. ^lOO was the penaHy for not serving or 
■>providing a substitute. The term of service being three 
■years. 
I " To Officer commanding His Majesty's Regiment of Militia for 
the County of Berks at Reading. 
"It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause His Majesty's 
I Regiment of Militia for the County of Berks under your command 
I to march from ihdr present quarters in two divisions, according 
I to the routes annexed (acquainting this office with the receipt of 
I ihis order), to the place of encampment near Winchester, where 
I ihey are lo encamp and remain until further order, ^Given to the 
I War Office this nth day of June, 1762. By His Majesty's 
I command." 

"Rome for the 1st Division of the Berkshire Militia from 
I Reading 10 Winchester: VVednesday, June i6th, Basingstoke; 
' Thursday, June 17th, Alresford ; Friday, June i8th, Winchester, 
d encamp. Route for the and Division of the Berkshire Militia 
' from Reading to Winchester: Thursday, June 17th, Basingstoke ; 
I Friday, June 18th, Alresford; Saturday, June 19th, Winchester, 
1 and encamp." 
"To Officer commanding the Berkshire Militia at Reading. 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure that, notwithstanding any former 
I order to the contrary, you cause His Majesty's Regiment of Militia 
I for the County of Berks under your command to march from their 
' present quarters, by such routes and in such divisions as you shall 
I think most convenient (acquainting this ofSce with the receipt of 
[ ibis order and the day of their arrival at their destined quarters), 
I so as to assemble at Reading on Monday next, the 21st insl., 
I where they are to be quariered and remain until Wednesday, the 
I ajrd, and Thursday, the 24th inst., when they are to proceed in 
\ two divisions (the and the day after the ist), so as lo encamp at 
] Winchester on Saturday, the 26th inst., and remain until further 
I Older. — Given to the War Office this 17th day of June, 176a. By 
His Majesty's 



90 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

" To Lieut.-General the Earl of Effingham, or Officer commanding 
His Majesty's Berkshire Regiment of Militia at the place of 
encampment near Winchester. 

** It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause His Majesty's 
Regiment of Militia for the County of Berks under your command 
to march from tlie place of encampment near Winchester, in two 
divisions, according to the routes annexed (acquainting this office 
with the receipt of this order), to Reading and Oakingham, where 
they are to be quartered and remain until further order. — Given to 
the War Office this 19th day of October, 1762. By His Majesty's 
command." 

"Route for the ist Division of the Berkshire Militia from 
Winchester Camp to Oakingham: Monday, October 25th, 
Basingstoke ; Tuesday, October 26th, Reading ; Wednesday, 
October 27th, Oakingham and remain. Route for the 2nd 
Division of the Berkshire Militia from Winchester Camp to 
Reading : Tuesday, October 26th, Basingstoke ; Wednesday, 
October 27th, Reading and remain.'' 

** To the Officers commanding the following corps of Militia : 
Berkshire Regiment, Reading. 

'* As the time is now drawing near when it may probably be 
thought expedient to disembody the Corps of Militia under your 
command, I am to signify His Majesty's pleasure that if the 
battalion under your command should not in its present distri- 
bution happen to be so conveniently quartered as it might be, for 
the return of the non-commissioned officers and private men to 
the respective divisions of the County of Berkshire from which 
they were balloted, you are hereby empowered to march any 
companies, parties or detachments, belonging to the battalion 
under your command, from their present quarters to any other 
place or places within the said county, for the greater convenience 
of the said companies, parties or detachments, at the time of their 
being disembodied, in doing which you will follow your own 
discretion, and be governed by the good of the service and the 
convenience of the men. — Given to the War Office this 4th day of 
December, 1762. By His Majesty's command." 



Reorganisation and Embodiment. 91 



>-^ Lieut-Colonel John Dodd, of the Berkshire 
Militia, was tried at Reading by court martial, on 
the complaint of William Mackworth Praed, Esq., one of its 
captains, for unsoldier-like behaviour, for endeavouring to 
impede him in his succession to the majority of the said 
regiment. The finding of the court was as follows : — " The 
court martial, upon due consideration of the whole matter 
before them, is of opinion that Licut.-Colonel Dodd is not 
guilty of the charge exhibited against him, or any part 
thereof, and therefore the said court doth acquit him with 
honour." 

Peace was arranged with France in November ; and 
immediately after the Militia was disembodied, having been 
under arms about three years. 

176^ April. ;^ 1 50,000 granted for clothing and pay 
* of Militia from March 25th, 1763, and arrangements 
were made for appointing a time for exercising them 
annually. 




CHAPTER VIII. 

WHEN GEORGE III. WAS KING.— 1 764- 1 792. 

jHE Militia Acts were very defective ; being subject to 
frequent delays, many difficulties, and some doubts 
in the execution. It was therefore thought proper 
that the following regulations should be observed, viz. : 
That where the Militia had not been raised, the county 
have the power to hold meetings on the last Tuesday in 
May or the last Tuesday in October, in each year. In every 
county, riding, or place, where the office of Lord Lieutenant 
was vacant, it should be lawful for His Majesty to appoint 
three Deputy Lieutenants to execute that office, so far as 
related to the Acts for raising and training the Militia. No 
volunteer or substitute was to be admitted and sworn who 
was not 5ft. 4in. in height. A person being enrolled to serve 
in the Militia of one county, who engaged to be enrolled to 
serve in the Militia of another county, forfeited ;6^io, and if 
not immediately paid was to be committed for any time 
not exceeding three months. 

A Militia man on the march or at the place of exercise, 
disabled by sickness or otherwise, was to be relieved by the 
officers of the parish where he happened to be ; and the 
parish officers were to be reimbursed the expenses occasioned 
thereby out of the county stock, upon producing accounts 
thereof, allowed by a justice of the peace. 

Militia men who, after having joined their corps, deserted 
during the time of annual exercise, aiid were not taken till 
after the expiration of the time of such exercise, should 
incur the same penalty as Militia men not joining their 
corps. 



When George f/I. was Kivg. 



A captain, or commanding officer, might put corporals 
hnd private men under stoppages not exceeding 6d. a day, 
and must account to them for such stoppages before they 
vere dismissed from annual exercise. 

A drummer negligent in his duty, or disobedient to the 
orders of the adjutant or other superior officer, was to forfeit 
B sum not exceeding 40s., and if not immediately paid, 
I'thc captain of the company was to stop the pay of such 
rdrummer to pay the penalty, which penalty was to be 
l-applied as part of the common stock of the regiment or 
{.battalion. 

Where the Militia should not be raised for any county, 

■.within which any city should not be rated to the county 

liate, the payment of £.1 per man should be apportioned 

I such county or city as the respective quotas paid 

the land-tax bear to each other ; and the sums so 

apportioned should be paid out of the poor rate collected in 

Bucb city by the churchwardens and overseers of the poor 

I the Treasurer of the county, to be by him paid to the 

Jteceiver-General, together with the proportion of the said 

Bum of ^5 to be paid by such county. The same method 

J to be followed in such cities as were counties in them- 

telves; and where a town lies in two counties they were to 

Icontribute their quota, in lieu of raising the Militia for that 

xiunty in which their church stands, and the deficiencies of 

Ihc other county rates were to be made up by the county 

I general. Similar Acts relating to the Militia are to be 

und in the Universal Magazine for May, 1762, and April, 

Mi- 

A board of general officers was held at the 
Horse Guards, under the presidency of Lord 
Viscount Ligonier, to take under consideration and establish 
, rule as to the future purchasing of commissions in the 
land service, and ascertaining the purchase-money to be 
aid. In the time coming all brokers of commissions were 



1766. 



94 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

to be laid aside, no subaltern or other officer was to be 
appointed unless the consent and approbation of the 
colonel or commanding officer of the regiment had first 
been obtained. The last board of this nature was held so 
long ago as 1725. 

For some years after the disembodiment, training of the 
Berkshire Militia took place annually at Reading or New- 
bury, which is curious, as Abingdon was the county town : 
nor was Wallingford ever patronised. 

This was the year of great distress, terminating in riots 
all over England. The seasons seemed all out of order. In 
July terrible rains caused floods ; at Maidenhead and other 
places in Berkshire, the Thames rose and much damaged 
the hay. 

Newbury seems to have been conspicuous for riots in 
August. The people rose in riot in the Market-place. They 
ripped up the sacks, scattered the wheat, took butter, meat 
and bacon out of the shops and threw it into the streets. 
The bakers were frightened and reduced the price of their 
loaves 2d. a peck, and promised another reduction for the 
following week. At Shaw Mill they threw the flour into the 
river, broke the windows of the house, and then went on 
and damaged several other mills. But the rioters did not 
get off scot free. A special Commission was held at 
Reading, three rioters were sentenced to death, and stringent 
measures were taken to try and suppress the riots, and 
soldiers were called out. While Acts of Parliament and 
private liberality tried every means of relieving the distress 
of the poor. 

^^^ An order in Council was published in the London 

Gazette^ requiring lieutenants of counties where 

the Militia have been embodied, to make out lists of the 

officers, to prevent their being nominated for Sheriffs during 

the time of their employment in the service. 

^^> May 2nd. The Berkshire Regiment was ordered 

I/OO. -VT 1 

to as.semble at Aewbury. 



IVhen George III. was King. 



95 



On Wednesday, May 25th, the Regiment of Militia for 
I this county, quartered at Newbury for their annual exercise, 
I were reviewed by their colonel. They went through their 
■firing and manoauvres entirely to the satisfaction of a large 

■ number of spectators, amongst whom were many officers of 
^the Army, who allowed them to be as well-disciplined as 

any regiment in His Majesty's service. They were after- 
§^ wards disembodied. 

h week later John, alias Peter Castle, was committed to 
ieading Gaol, by C. Saxton, Esq., for not joining the 
I Regiment of Berkshire Militia at their last rendezvous at 
I Newbury, He was ordered to remain in gaol si. x months, 
intil he could pay a fine of ;i^20. One or two cases 
B-occurrcd every year, and the penalties were rigidly enforced. 
KSo that desertion, after receiving the bounty money, was 

■ not done with impunity. 

December. Serious rains fell, causing floods. The 
rKennct and Loddon overflowed, Burghfieid Bridge was 
[ washed away, and part of Twyford Bridge. The whole 
L country was hke a sea. 

^ October 4th. The Militia came out for 28 days 
training at the Forbury, Reading. 

On the anniversary of His Majesty's Accession to the 
I Crown in November, to celebrate the event, the officers of 
I ihc Berkshire Regiment then on duty gave a ball in the 
I Town Hall. Reading, on .so loyal an occasion, was rendered 
I.exccedingly brilliant by the appearance of ladies from all 

■ parts of the neighbourhood, as well as being honoured by 

he presence of the Right Honourable the Lord Chancellor, 
lind rnany other persons of distinction. On Wednesday 
he said regiment, having performed the annual 28 days' 
pxercise, tiie men were disembodied and returned to their 
Hpective habitations. 

May 7th. The training took place at Newbury, 
under Colonel Vansittart. They dispersed, after 



1770. 



96 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



28 days, on June 5th. One or two privates were arrested 
and imprisoned for having failed to appear for training in 
1767. 

Correspondence re New Colours : 
" To Lord Viscount Weymouth. 

"Office of Ordnance, May 22nd, 1770. 
" My Lord, — Having this day received your Lordship's letter, 
dated the nth of October, 1769, difecting a Sett of new Colours 
to be issued for the use of the Berkshire Militia, we beg leave to 
acquaint your Lordship, that it is impossible to get the said 
Colours made in time for the annual exercise this year, which will 
expire the 2nd of next month ; however, it is proper we should 
acquaint your Lordship, that a sett of Colours (as we are informed) 
generally serves much longer than twelve years for His Majesty's 
Regiments, and that the Berkshire Militia were supplied with new 
Colours, in 1758. — We are, my Lord, your most obedient and 
most humble servants, Charles Frederick, A. Wilkinson, 
W. R. Earle, Chas. Cocks/' 

"To Lieutenant-General and other principal Officers of the 
Ordnance. 

" St. James's, May 29th, 1770. 
** Gendemen, — Yesterday I received the favor of your letter, 
dated the 22nd inst., in which you inform me that mine of the 
nth of October, 1769, in which I signified his Majesty's pleasure 
that a new set of Colours should be issued for the use of the 
Berkshire Militia, was just delivered at your Board, that it is 
impossible to get the said Colours made in time for the annual 
exercise this year ; that a set of Colours (as you are informed) 
generally serves much longer than twelve years for His Majesty's 
Regiments; and that tlie Berkshire Militia were supplied with new 
Colours in 1758. As to the delay of my letter, I can only say thai 
it was put into the hands of tlie person who applied for the 
('olours above meniioncd; and as to the propriety of delivering 
them, I must leave that to your determination, having sent a copy 
of your letter to Lord Vere, the Lord Lieutenant of the county, 
who will apply to you for the proper certificate conformable to my 
letter of the 15th inst.— I am, &c., WLYMOUTH." 



When George III. was King, 



97 



October 30th. A general meeting was held by the 
Deputy Lieutenants of Berks. Present : Arthur Vansittart, 
Esq., John Walter, Esq., and Peter Floyer, Esq. This list 
gives the division and sub-divisions of the county where 
meetings of the lieutenancy were held : 



SUB-DIVISION. 

Abingdon, containing 
the Hundreds of 
Hormer, Oar and 
Moreton, and the 
towns of Abingdon 
and Wallingford 

Farringdon, contain- 
ing the Hundreds 
of Farringdon, San- 
field, and Shriven- 
harn 

Forest, containing the 
Hundreds of Charl- 
ton, Sonning, and 
Wargrave - - - 

Maidenhead, contain- 
ing the Hundreds of 
Beynhurst, Bray, 
Cookham, Ruffles- 
mere, and the towns 
of New Windsor 
and the Castle - 



DATE. 

I St Meeting, Monday, 
December 31st - - 

2nd, first Monday in 
March . . - . 

3rd, first Monday in 
June 

4th, first Monday in 

^ September - - - 

. « 

Tuesday, January ist- 
ist Tuesday in March 

June . 

Sept. - 



PLACE. 



At "The Crown 
and Thistle, " 
Abingdon. 






At "The Bear," 
Farringdon. 



Tuesday, January ist -' 
March 
June 
Sept. 

Wednesday, January 
2nd - - - - 
March 
June 
September 



At '*The Rose," 
Wokingham. 



At "The Bear," 
Maidenhead. 



- v. 



Reading, containing 
the Hundreds of 
Reading, Theale, 
and the town of 
Reading - - - - 



Saturday, January 5th 
March 
June 
September 



At "The Three 
Tuns," Reading 

H 



98 



Royal Berkshire Militia, 



Newbury, containing 
the Hundreds of 
Compton, Fair- 
cross, Kintbury, 
Eagle, and the 



L 



Thursday, January 

3rd 

March 

June 

September 



At " The Globe," 
Newbury. 



town of Newbury 
Wantage, containing f Saturday, January 5th" 



the Hundreds of J 
Wantage and Lam- | 
bourne - - - - L 



At "King Alfred's 
Head," Wantage. 



(Signed) 



1771. 



1772. 



March 

June 

September 

WILLIAM TYRRELL, 

Clerk to the General Meeting. 

General orders were issued that the Militias 
should, like the Regulars, have a light company 
and a band to every battalion. While embodied the Militia 
Regiments were, in every way, made equal to permanent 
regiments ; indeed, in many ways, they were superior to the 
latter, as their officers did not spare expense to make their 
men smart and efficient. 

In April a Board of General Officers, who sat by 
Royal mandate, at the Horse Guards last Tuesday, 
on the reference ** whether the rank of Major in the Army 
should be totally abolished or not ? " Decided, ** That the 
rank should remain as at present." 

The Berkshire Militia assembled for training in the Market 
Place, Newbury, on May 4th, as arranged by the Deputy 
Lieutenant of the County, at a Meeting held in the Reading 
Town Hall, two months previously. 

** War Office, May 26th, 1772. 
" The King has been pleased to direct that, for the future, the 
Captain-Lieutenants of the cavalry and marching regiments shall 
have rank, as well in the Army as in their respective regiments, as 
Captains ; that the present Captain-Lieutenants shall take the said 
rank from this day. and all fiiuire Captain-Lieutenants from the 
(late of their respective commission. — BARRINGTON." 



IVhen (7 



eorg-f 



III. 



King. 



99 



'773' 



While the Militia were out for training at 
Reading, one of the privates, John Gibbs by name, 
[ died and was buried with military honours in the church- 
j-ardofSt. Mary's Church. 

The County of Nottingham was fined, at the 
''^' General Quarter Sessions for Nottinghamshire, 
upwards of ;£'2,000 for not raising the Militia the previous 
I year. An order was made to levy the money. This shews 
[ that in some parts of England there '.vas difficulty in 
I finding .soldiers; certainly Berkshire had little difficulty 
n the matter compared to other counties. 
While the Berks Militia were out for their training at 
\ Newbury, a catastrophe happened. The old Mansion of 
I Benham, about two miles from the town, caught fire. 
I Immediately it was perceived at Newbury, the drums of the 
j Militia beat to arms. The men were marched up to the 
I place with all speed by their officers; and by their activity 
[. and regularity a great part of the valuable furniture was 
I saved. Mad there been a greater number of buckets, it is 
rthought some part of the house might have been saved, as 
^there was a sufficient cordon of men to extend to the river, 
hoDgh it is some distance from the house. The kitchen, 
ables, and some offices were saved. An officer's guard was 
f moonted for the security of the furniture. Lord and Lady 
I Craven were away in London at the time. The inhabitants 
Eof Newbury were jealous of the credit being given to the 
iMilitia for their efforts to quell the fire. Though not wish- 
ling lo detract from the credit due to the regiment, the 
■-townspeople were anxious to share in the praise and honour 
hom selves. 

At his quarters at the "Barley Mow" Inn, 

London Street. Reading, Sergeant Pittman, of the 

[Berks Militia, shot himself through the head with a horse 

pistol. He had served many years in Albemarle's Dragoons, 

(Vas present at the Battle of Dcttingen, and several other 

H 2 



1775- 



lOO Royal Berkshire Militia, 

actions. When the Militia was embodied in 1757, he 
obtained his discharge from the Regulars, and was appointed 
Sergeant in the Militia. His good conduct had gained the 
approbation of his officers and the respect of his comrades. 
No cause except lunacy could be found to account for the 
suicide, and this verdict was given at the inquest. 

May 23rd. The officers of the Militia, with the Band of 
the Regiment, went for an excursion by water to Hardwick. 
The banks of the Thames on either side were lined with 
villagers to see them pass, who were delighted with the fine 
appearance of the boats and with the music. An elegant 
cold collation was provided and ser\'ed at Straw Hall, an 
agreeable villa belonging to Philip Powys, Esq., who had 
lately married ; and the afternoon was spent in harmony 
and festivity. 

The anniversary of the Restoration of Charles II, was 
celebrated in Reading by the ringing of Church bells. The 
military were drawn up in the Market Place at 12 o'clock 
and fired three volleys, and the day was marked with demon- 
strations of joy. 

The Militia were reviewed on Bulmarsh Heath, by Colonel 

Vansittart; performing their exercises with great steadiness, 

and going through their evolutions with an alertness and 

regularity that, in the opinion of many of the officers of the 

Army present, would have done credit to any regiment 

in His Majesty's service. The following day they were 

dismissed, the 28 days allowed for training having been 

completed ; but it was rumoured they might soon expect to 

be again called out. 

Althougfh unconnected with our Militia, I must 
1777* 

here mention an episode in military history which 

strikes me as amusing. Lord George Lennox's Regiment 

was quartered in Winchester. That autumn, workmen 

being scarce and harvest in full swing, his Lordship gave 

his whole regiment leave to work for the farmers, who 



When George Iff. was King. 



1778. 



employed them at los. per week and their board. The 
loldicrswcnt reaping with great cheerfulness every morning, 
with drums beating, music playing, and colours flying- It 
[appears that the commanding officer had the right to 
fempioy his regiment as he thought fit, and soldiers were 
xjmetimes put to duties other than mere drill and exercise, 
Orders were issued in March to the Lords- 
Lieutenants of the counties, from the Secretary 
jof State's office, ordering the Militia of each county to be 
[Immediately embodied. 

The following is the authentic account of the summer 

Icncampment of the English troops; but, unfortunately, no 

mention is made as to which Militia regiments were in the 

amps, except in the case of Warlcy Camp. The Berkshire 

Vlilitia were among those at Coxheath Camp, the chief 

rendezvous of the troops, and the following year were sent 

ko Warley ; — At Salisbury: 1st, 2nd. 3rd, and 6th Dragoon 

Guards. St. Edmundbury: 3rd, 4th, /th. and lOth Dragoons. 

Coxheath, Kent: ist Battalion of Royals; 2nd, 14th, 

IjSth, 59th, and 65th Regiments of Foot, ist Regiment 

pf Dragoons, and twelve Regiments of Militia. Warley 

Common, Essex : 6th, 2Sth. and 69th Regiments of Foot ; 

iand six Regiments of Militia, viz,, the Somerset, Wilts, 

■Kent, Carmarthen, Glamorgan, and Pembroke. Winchester : 

poth Regiment of Foot, and six Regiments of Militia. 

Plymouth: Three Regiments of Militia. Portsmouth: Two 

Repmcnts of Militia. Dover; One Regiment of Militia. 

Marching Orders : 
" To Officer commanding the Berkshire Mililia. 

"It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the Berkshire 
Regiment of Mililia under your command to march from their 
X quarters, by the shortest and most convenient route, on 
Saturday, the 23rd inst., to Henley, Oakinghani, and Great Marlow, 
where they are to be quartered and remain until further order. 
Yoo will also acquaint this office with the receipt and execution of 
(his order.— (liven at the War Office this iSth day itl .\ljy, i;;8." 



I02 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



"To Officer commanding the Berkshire Regiment of Militia at 
Henley. 
** It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the Berkshire 
Regiment of Militia under your command to march from their 
present quarters in two divisions, according to the routes annexed, 
to Coxheath, where they are to encamp and remain until further 
order. You will also acquaint this office with the receipt and 
execution of this order. — Given at the War Office this ist day of 
June, 1778.'' 

" Route for the ist Division of the Berkshire Regiment from 
Henley to Coxheath camp : Saturday, June 6th, Windsor, Datchet, 
Slough, and Salthill ; Sunday, June 7th, halt ; Monday, June 8th, 
Kingston ; Tuesday, June 9th, Bromley ; Wednesday, June loth, 
Sevenoaks ; Thursday, June nth, halt; Friday, June 12th, 
Wrotham, Wrotham Heath, Trottscliff, Opham, and Mailings ; 
Saturday, June 13th, encamp on Coxheath and remain. Route 
for the 2nd Division of the Berkshire Militia from Henley to 
Coxheath : Saturday, June 6th, Beaconsfield ; Sunday, June 7th, 
halt ; Monday, June 8th, Acton, Ealing, and the Old Hats ; 
Tuesday, June 9th, Greenwich, Blackheath, and Deptford ; Wed- 
nesday, June loth, Dartford and Crayford ; Thursday, June nth, 
halt ; Friday, June 1 2th, Rochester, Chatham, Stroud, and 
Finsbury; Saturday, June 13th, encamp on Coxheath and remain." 

" To Officer commanding the companies of the Berkshire Militia 
at Oakingham. 
" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the two companies 
of the Berkshire Regiment of Militia under your command at 
Oakingham to march from thence on Friday next, the 5th inst., to 
the places mentioned in the margin hereof, where they are to be 
quartered until the next day, and then follow the order of this dale 
for the march of the regiment to the camp on Coxheath. — Given 
at the War Office this ist day of June, 1778." 

" To Lieut. -General Keppel, or Officer commanding the companies 
of the Berkshire Militia at Coxheath camp. 
** It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the Berkshire 
Regiment of Militia under your command to march from the place 



tVAen George III. was King: 



of their encampment in two divisions, according to the? routes 
^ annexed, to Reading, where they are to be quartered and remain 

oniil furihei order. — Given al the War Office this 5th day of 
^ November, 1778." 

■' Route for the march of the isl Division, consisting of five 
I companies of the Berkshire Regiment of Militia, from Ciixheath 
I camp lo Reading : Monday, November gth, Wrothani, U'rotham 

Heath, East and West Mailings, Offham. Ighlam, Otford, Sevcn- 
I oaks, Seai, and Riverhead ; Tuesday, November loth, Bromley 
I and Croydon ; Wednesday, November nth. Fulham, Putney, and 
I Handsw-orth ; Thursday, November 1 2lh. halt ; Friday, November 

13th, Staines, Egham, and Egham Hithe ; Saturday, November 
f i4lh, Oakingham ; Sunday, November 15th, halt ; Monday, 
I November i6th, Reading and remain. Route for the march of 
I the 2nd Division, consisting of four companies of the Berkshire 

Regiment of Militia, from Coxheath Camp to Reading ; Monday, 

November gth, Wrotham, Wrotham Heath, East and West 

Mailings, Offham, Ightam, Otford, Sevenoaks, Seal, and River- 
L bead ; Tuesday, November 10th, Bromley and Croydon ; 
I Wednesday, November nth, Fulham, Putney, and Handsworth ; 
■ Tharsday, November mh, halt; Friday, November 13th, halt: 
ISaturday, November 14th, Staines, Egham, and Egham Hithe ; 
ISunday, November 15th, halt ; Monday, November i6th, Oaking- 
■ham; Tuesday, November 17th, Reading and remain. 

"BARRINGTON." 



'779- 



December. While the Militia were back again, 
quartered in Reading, a wedding took place at St. 
Idaiy's Church, between William Lambe and Elizabeth 
I Reille, by license and consent of parent. 



I04 



Royal Berkshire Militia, 



I J 



BERKSHIRE MILITIA. 


List of the Officers for the Year 1779. 


jRanJi. 


Nante. 


Colonel - 


Arthur Vansittart. 


Lieut.-Colonel - - - - 


Charles Saxton. 


Major 


John Walter. 




' Edmund Seymour. 




Pennston Powney. 


Captains < 


Henry James Pye. ^ 
Edward I-»oveden Loveden. | 
John Charles Price. 






, George Elwes. 


Captain-Lieutenant - - 


Edward Sheppard. 




' Henry Evans. 




John Fortescue Acland. 




Walter Pye. 




William Sladden. 


Lieutenants -< 


John Blagrave. 




Thomas Groves. 




Richard Aldworth Neville. 




John Stephenson. 




, Joseph Blagrave. 




' Robert Parker. 




William Nathaniel French. 




Thomas Velley. 


Ensigns 


John Wallis. 




Philip Gill. 




Joseph Hervey Bellas. 




^ Charles George Starck. 


Adjutant 


Henry Evans. 


Quartermaster - - - - 


William Sladden. 


Surgeon 


John Fortescue Acland. 



Uniform Red, faced with Light Blue. 

.\gents Messrs. Cox & Mair, Craig's Court 



IVAen George TIL was King. 



105 



" To the Officer commanding the Berkshire Militia at Reading. 

" Ii is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause two companies of 

the Berkshire Regiment of Mihtia under your command to march 

1 their present quarters, by the shortest and 

jCompanies : most convenient route, to (he places mentioned in 

the margin hereof, where they are to be quartered 

and remain until further order. You will also 

! acquaint this office with the receipt and execution 

of this order.— Given at the War Office this loCh 

I day of February, 1779. By His Majesty's command, 

"C. JENKINSON. 



I Banbury... 
I Woodstock 



" To Colonel Vansitiart, or Officer commanding ihe Berkshire 

Militia at Reading ; like order of the same date to Lieut.- 

Generai Johnstone, Oxford. 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause such parties of the 

I Berkshire Regiment of Miliiia under your command as shall be 

I found expedient, on account of the approaching expiration of the 

lienn of service of several Militiamen belonging to the said corps, 

I'to march to and from the respective quarters of the said regiment 

I U such times and in such detachments as may be judged necessary, 

I and be quartered as occasion shall require. And it is His 

1 Majesty's further pleasure that you cause the men whose time 

> nearly expired to march to such places in the County of Berks 

5 shall be thought proper, and the new baliotted men to join the 

, regimen t.^Given al the War Office this isi day of April, 1779. 

By His Majesty's command, M. LEWIS." 

" To Officer commanding the Berkshire Militia at Reading. Sent 

to Lieu I. -General Johnson, South Audley Street. 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause a party, consisting 

of one subaltern and twenty private men, lo be made from the 

Berkshire Miliiia under your command ; and receive from the 

Berkshire Gaol, at Reading, several impressed men for His 

Majesty's service, and escort ihera liy the shortest and most 

I convenient route to Slough, where they are to be delivered to such 

other party as shall be appointed to receive [hem, and after the 



io6 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

performance of this service, the said party are to return to their 
present quarters. — Given at the War Office this 26th day of April, 
1779." 

** To Officer commanding the Berkshire Militia at Woodstock. 

** It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause a detachment, 
consisting of one sergeant, one corporal, and sixteen private men, 
to be made from the companies of the Berkshire Militia at Wood- 
stock, and march on Monday next, May 3rd, to Oxford, where 
they are to take charge of the impressed men there, and safely 
escort them by the shortest and most convenient route to High 
Wycombe, and deliver them over to a like party of the Bucks 
Militia and be quartered, and return the next day and join the 
companies to which they belong, and remain until further order. 
You will also acquaint this office with the receipt and execution 
of this order. — Given at the War Office this 27th day of April, 

I779-" 

'* To Officer commanding the companies of the Berkshire Militia 

at Reading. 

'*It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the seven companies 

of the Berkshire Militia under your command at Reading to march 

from thence on Monday, the 24th inst., by the 

Henley, shortest and most convenient routes to the places 

Nettlebea, ^lentioned in the margin hereof, where they are to 
Walhn"ford, . ... ,„ , j .. ^.v • j ^ 

Jj remam till uednesday, the 26th mst., and then 

Bensington. return to their present quarters and remain until 

further order. — Given at the War Office, this 19th 
day of May, 1779. By His Majesty's command, 

"C. JENKINSON.'' 

"To Officer commanding the companies of the Berkshire Militia 
at Reading. 
** It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the companies 
of the Berkshire Militia at Woodstock and Banbury to march from 
their present quarters by the southern and midland counties route, 
so as to join their regiment at Reading on Saturday, June 5th next 
and be quartered and remain until further order. You will also 
acquaint this office with the receipt and execution of this order. — 



Given ai the War Ollice ihis 29th liay of May, 17/9. By His 
I Majesty's command, in ihe absence of the SecreUry ai War, 

"M. LEWIS.- 
" To Officer coinmandtng the Berkshire Militia at Reading. 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the Berkshire 
I Regiment of Militia under your command to march from their 
I present quarters, according to the route anne\cd, to Adarley 
I Common, and encamp and remain until further order. And it is 
I His Majesty's further pleasure that you acquaint this office with the 
I receipt and execution of this order.— Given at the War Office this 
1 isi day of June, 1779." 

" Route for detachment from Reading to Adarley camp : Mon- 
J day. June 7th, Henley, MaidenheacJ, Maidenhead Bridge, and 

■ Great Marlow ; Tuesday, June Sth, Slough, Salthiil. Colnbrook, 
1 Longford Bridge, Cranford Bridge, and Hounslow ; Wednesday, 
I Jane 9th, Wallham Green, Hammersmith, Turnham Green. 
1 Kensington, and Kensington Gravel Pils ; Thursday, June roth 
Ihali; Friday, June tith, Rumford, Hare Street, and II ford ; 
I Saturday, June mh. encamp at Adarley Common." 

'* To OfEcer commanding the Berkshire Regiment of Militia at 
Rumford. 
" It is His Majesty's pleasure that, notwithstanding any former 
I order, you cause the Berkshire Regiment of Militia under your 

■ command to be quartered ai Rumford, Ilford, and Hare Street, 
I until they can proceed 10 the place of encampment and be 
I quartered, and remain until further order. You will also acquaint 
I this office with the receipt and execution of this order. — Given at 

■ the War Office this lolh day of June. 1779. By His Majesty's 
Icommand, C. JENKINSON." 

"To Officer commanding the Berks Militia at Woodstock. 

" The Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the 
\ Admiralty having requested that orders may be given for the 
I cKort of one thousand Spanish prisoners of war from Portsmouth 
I to Shrewsburj- in four divisions, it is His Majesty's pleasure thai 
I on the arrival of each division of the said prisoners at Woodstock, 
I under escort of the Berkshire Militia, you cause four successive 



io8 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

detachments (each to consist of a captain commandant) ^ ^ 
made from the Bucks Militia under your command at Wood^^^*^ 
and receive each division of the said prisoners, and be assist/'iJ m 
safely escorting them to Chipping Norton, where they are to 
be delivered to the officer commanding the companies o( the 
said Militia at that place, who is hereby required to receive tbfc 
said prisoners and furnish like escorts for conducting them to 
Stratford-upon-Avon, where they are to be delivered to the officer 
commanding the troops of the nth and 22nd Regiments of 
Dragoons, who has orders to receive them ; the detachments, after 
the performance of this service, are to return and join their corps. 
You will also acquaint this office with the receipt and execution of 
this order. — Given at the War Office this 13th day of March, lySa" 

" To Officer commanding the Berkshire Militia at Reading. 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause five companies of 
the Berkshire Militia under your command to march from their 
present quarters on Tuesday, the 30th inst., to Basingstoke, from 
whence they are to proceed the next day by the southern and 
midland counties route to Winchester (17 J miles) and relieve the 
companies of the Stafford Militia in the duty on the prisoners of 
war, and be quartered and remain until further order. You will 
also acquaint this office with the receipt and execution of this 
order. — Given at the War Office this 24th day of May, 1780." 

" To Officer commanding the four companies of the Berkshire 
Militia at Reading. 

"It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the four companies 
of the Berkshire Militia under your command at Reading to march 
from thence, according to the route annexed, to Hilsea Barracks, 
and be quartered and remain until further order. You will also 
acquaint this office with the receipt and execution of this order. — 
Given to the War Office this 29th day of May, 1780." 

" Route for detachment from Reading to Hilsea Barracks : 
Saturday, June loth, Basingstoke (17 miles) ; Sunday, June nth, 
halt; Monday, June I2ih, Alton, Chewton, and Farringdon ; 
Tuesday, June i3ih, Peiersfield; Wednesday, June 14th, Hilsea 
Barracks and remain." 



IV/ien George HI. was King. 



109 



'0 ihe Honourable Lieut -General Moncktnn, or Officer com- 
manding the forces at Porfsmoiiih. 

"It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cnuse the Berkshire 
Militia under your command to march 
from their present quarters in two divisions, 
according to the routes annexed, to the 
places mentioned in the margin hereof, 
where they are to be quartered and 
remain until further order. You will also 
acquaint this office with the receipt and 
execution of this order. — Given at the 
War Office this i3(h day of October. 
1780. By His Majesty's command, in 
the absence of the Secretary al War, 

"M. LEWIS," 



Companies ; 
Banbury and New- 

thorpe 

Burford 

Dedilington.Adder- 

bury, & Bloxham 

Witney & Eynsham 

Chip]>ing Norton & 

Chapel House ... 

Bicester 

IslipS Blechingdon 



"Route for the ist Division of the Berkshire Regiment of 
Mililia. consisting of five companies, from Hilsea Barracks to 
Baabury (nearly 60 miles across country), &c. : Tuesday, October 
lylh, Peterelield; Wednesday. October iSth, Alton, Chewton, and 
Jarringdon: Thursday, October 19th, halt; Friday, October zoth, 
fiasingsloke ; Saturday, October aist, Reading; Sunday, October 
aind, halt; Monday. October 23rd, Wallingford, Cromarch, and 
Bensingion ; Tuesday, October 24lh, Abingdon ; Wednesday, 
Ocwber 25th, Whitney (2), Eyn.sham, where it is to remain, and 
"Woodstock (3); Thursday, October z6th, halt; Friday, October 
«7th, Burford from Whitney (i). Banbury, Newthorpe (j), Dodd- 
igton, Adderbury, Bloxham (i), and remain. Route for the 
,»nd Division of the Berkshire Reyiment of Militia : Wednesday, 
October 18th, Petersfield ; Thursday, October 19th, halt ; Friday, 
October 20th, Alton, Chewton. and Farringdon; Saturday, 
)clober aist, Basingstoke; Sunday, October 22nd, halt; Monday, 
ktober 13rd, Reading ; Tuesday, October 34th, Wallingford. 
ilromarch. and Bensington ; Wednesday, October 25ih, Ahing- 
lon ; Thursday, October i6ih, halt ; Friday, October 27th, 
>xrard; Saturday. October i&th. Chipping Norton, Chapel House, 
Selchingdon {i). SiQ., and remain." 



no Royal Berkshire Militia. 

" To Officer commanding the company of the Berkshire Militia at 
Bicester. 
" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the company of 
the Berkshire Militia under your command at Bicester to inarch 
on Monday, the 13th inst., by the southern and midland counties 
route, to Old and New Woodstocks, where they are to be quartered 
and remain until Thursday, the 16th inst.; and then return to their 
present quarters and remain until further order. — Given at the 
War Office this 7th day of November, 1780." 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the quarters of the 
company of the Berkshire Militia under your command at Islip, 
&c., to be enlarged with Kicilington and Kirklington. — Given at 
the War Office this loth day of November, 1780." 

'* To Officer commanding the two companies of the Berkshire 
Militia at Cliipping Norton, &c. 
*' It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause one of the two 
companies of the Berkshire Militia under your command at 
Chipping Norton and Chapel House to march from thence on 
Friday next, the 29th inst., by the southern and midland counties 
route, to Charlbury, Enton Shipton-under-Whichwood, and such 
other public houses in the neighbourhood of Charlbury as you 
shall judge proper.— Given at the War Office this 26th day of 
December, 1780." 

" To Officer commanding the Berkshire Militia at Banbury, &c. 

Comi)anics: ** ^^ ^^ ^^^ Majesty's pleasure that 

Barnet, Hadley, Kitt's you cause the Berkshire .Militia under 
End, Ridue Mims, your command to march from iheir 
totters bar, \' Nort^iall 4 present quarters in two divisions. 

Whetstone ... ... I J- . *i ^ J 

,, , TT- 1 . accordmi; to the routes annexed, to 

Hampstcad, Inuh^ate, ^ • j • . 

Hornsey. Cc thatiKirt ^^^ places mentioned m the margin 

of the Parish of St. hereof, where they are to be quartered 

Pancras wiiiiin the and remain until further order. You 

hamlet of Ili-h-ate.. 3 ^,.m ^y^^^ acquaint this otlice with the 

Sianmore, l.oi^ware and , . r i_- 1 

i> I receipt and execution of this order. 

busliev ... ... I ' 

— Given at the War Office this 6th 

I) dav of Ai)ril, 17S1." 



"Route for the ist Division of the Berkshire Regimeni of 
I Militia, consisting of five companies, from Deddinglon, Bicester, 
1 Islip, Witney, and Burford : Monday, April glh, Oxford. Islip, and 
I Bicester ; Tuesday, April lath, Tliame, Titsworth, and Wheatley ; 
I Wednesday, April nth, High and VVest Wycombe; Thursday, 
I April lath, halt; Friday, April 13th, Walford and Rickmans- 
I worth ; Saturday, April 14th, Barnet, Hadley, Kitt's End, Rid^e. 
] Mims, Potter's Bar. Norihall (4) and remain. Whetstone (1) and 
I remain. Route for the and Division of the Berks Regiment of 
I Militia, consisting of four companies, from Banbury, Chipping 
I Norton, and Charlbury : Monday, April 9th, Old and New 
[Woodstock; Tuesday, April loih, Oxford; Wednesday, April 
1 nth, Thame, Titsworth, and Wheatley ; Thursday, April laih, 
I halt; Friday, April i3lh. High and West Wycomhe ; Saturday, 
I April i4lh, Uxbridge and Hillingdon ; Sunday, April 15th, hall ; 
I Monday. April 16th, Hampstead, Highgaic, Hornsey, and that 
I part of the Parish of St. Pancras wiihin the hamlet of Highgate (3), 
I and remain, Sianmore, Edgware and Bushey (i), and remain." 
1 London to Dcddington is 69 miles. 

Three companies of the Berkshire Militia at Hampstead 
I and Highgate were ordered lo march on Saturdaj', the 28th iost., 
I to Barking, Ilford, Bow, Bromley and Stratford, and remain 
I until further orders." 

To Officer commandit)g the Berkshire Militia at Hampstead. 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause one of the 

I companies of the Berkshire Miliiia under your command at Barnet 

I 10 march from thence to Edgware, and the company at present at 

that place to proceed to Barnet, where they are to be quartered 

i remain until further order. — Given at the War OIBce this 1 7th 
IdayofApril, 1781. Bv His Majesty's command, 

" C. JENKINSON." 
"To Officer commanding the Berkshire Militia at Bainet. [By 
express.] 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure ihat you cause the Quartermaster 
I and camp colour men of the Berkshire Militia under your 
I caminand to march immediately from their present quarters, by 



1 1 2 Royal Berkshire Militia, 



the southern and midland counties route, to Lenham, on Monday 
next, the 7th inst., where they are to be quartered and follow such 
directions as they shall receive from the assistant to the Quarter- 
master-General, on his arrival at the place. You will also acquaint 
this office with the receipt and execution of this order. — Given at 
the War Office this 2nd day of May, 1781. By His Majesty's 
command, in the absence of the Secretary at War, M. LEWIS." 

** To Officer commanding the Berks Militia at Bamet, &c. 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you 

cause the Berks Militia under your command 

Companies : to march from their present quarters (leaving 

Maidstone ... 5 ^j^^ detachment at Paddington) in two divi- 
Sevenoaks, Seal, . j .. .u . j * 

and Riverhead 2 ^^^"^' accordmg to the routes annexed, to 

Wrotham, Igh- ^he places mentioned in the margin hereof, 

tam, Offham, where they are to be quartered and remain 

and Mailings 2 until further order. You will also acquaint 

this office with the receipt and execution of 

this order. — Given at the War Office this 3rd 

day of May, 1781." London to Maidstone 

is about 34 miles. 

** Route for the ist Division of the Berkshire Regiment of 

Militia, consisting of five companies, from Barnet to Maidstone, 

&c. : Monday, May 7th. Lambeth, Vauxhall, and Newington : 

Tuesday, May 8th, Bromley and Beckenham ; Wednesday, May 

9th, Sevenoaks, Seal, and Riverhead ; Thursday, May loih, halt ; 

Friday, May iith, Maidstone and remain. Route for the 2nd 

Division of the Berkshire Regiment of Militia, consisting of four 

companies, from Barnet to How, Edgware. &c. : Tuesday, May 

8th, Lambeth, Vauxhall, and Newington ; Wednesday, May 9th, 

Bromley and Beckenham ; Thursday, May loth, halt ; Friday, 

^lay nth, Sevenoaks, Seal, Riverhead and remain; Saturday, 

May 1 2th, Wrotham, Ightam. OtTliam, Mailings (2) and remain.'* 

To OtTiccr commanding the party of the Berkshire Militia at 

Paddington. To be sent to Captain Green, No. 3, Panlen 

(Paddington ?) Square. 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the party of 

the Berkshire Militia under your command at Paddington lo 



r march from ihence, by the souihern and midlantl c 
nnd join the regiment at Maidstone, and he quartered and remain, 
— Given ai the War Office ihis 7th day of May, 1781." 
'* To Officer commanding the Berkshire Militia at Maidstone. 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause a sergeant and ten 
men of the Berkshire Militia under your command to march 
immediately to Charing and Egerton, where they are to be 
quartered, and assist in clearing the ground upon which the 
regiment is to encamp. — Given at the War Office this 31st day of 
May, 17S1." 
"To Officer commanding the Berkshire Militia at Maidstone. 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the Berkshire 
Militia under your command to march from their present quarters 
on Wednesday, June 6th next, and be quartered at the places 
mentioned in the margin, from whence they are to proceed on 
Thursday, the 7th, and encamp on Lcnham Heath. ^Given at the 
War Office this 31st day of May, 17S1. By His Majesty's com- 
mand, C JENKINSON." 

"To l.ieut .-General Fraser, commanding the Berkshire Regiment 
of Militia at Lenham Camp. 
"It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the Berkshire 
BMililia under your command to march from the place of encamp- 
■inenL. according to the route annexed, to the places mentioned, 
; Sevenonks. Seal, and Riverhead, 2 companies ; Tunhndge 
md Hadlow, i ; Tunbridge Wells, with its environs, 3 ; Laniber- 
mtiret, Goudhurst, and Horsemunden, i ; Cranbrooke, Milkhouse 
Street, and Hawkhurst, i ; Westerham, Brasted and Sunbridge, I, 
m'here they are to be quartered and remain until further notice. — 
Given at the War Office this loth day of October, 1781. By His 
Majesty's command, in the absence of the Secretary at War, 

"M. LEWIS." 
" Route for the Berkshire Militia from Lenham Camp to Seven- 
c. : Wednesday, October 31st, Maidstone (7), Smarden 
E(z), Hedcom. and Staplehurst; Thursday, November ist, halt; 
■■Friday. November and. Sevenoaks (3). Seal and Riverhead, wliere 
e to remain ; Saturday, November 3rd, Tunbridge (i) and 
I 



1 1 4 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Hadlow, and remain ; Sunday, November 4th, Tunbridge Wells 
(3) and its environs, and remain ; Monday, November 5ih, Lamber- 
hurst (i), Goudhurst and Horsmonden, and remain ; Tuesday, 
November 6th, Cranbrook (i), Milkhouse Street and Hawkhurst, 
and remain ; Wednesday, November 7th, Westerham (i), Brasted 
and Sundridge, and remain." 

**To Officer commanding the Berkshire Regiment of Militia at 
Lenham Camp. 
**It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the company of 
the Berkshire Militia destined for Cranbrook (notwithstanding any 
former order) to halt at Smarden, &c., on Friday, November 2nd., 
and on Saturday, the 3rd, proceed to Cranbrook, Milkhouse Street 
and Hawkhurst, and be quartered and remain until further order. 
— Given at the War Office this 23rd day of October, 1781." 

" To Officer commanding the Berkshire Militia at Tunbridge 
Wells. 
'* It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the quarters of 
the companies of the Berkshire Militia under your command at 
TunbridLie Wells, to be enlarged with Wadhurst. — Given at the 
War Office this 17th day of November, 1781." 

'* To Officer commanding the companies of the Berkshire Militia 
at Tunbridge Wells. 

** It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the quarters of 
the companies of the Berkshire Militia under your command at 
Tunbridge Wells, to be enlarged with the Parish of Brenchley. — 
Given at the War Office this 23rd day of November, 1781. By 
His Majesty's command, C. JENKINSON." 

Orders were given for a general Muster and return of all 
the Militias, and all vacancies were commanded to be at 
once filled up. 

^. «^ The Muster Rolls give the names of officers, 

men balloted for, men absent and by whose leave. 

^j> The establishment of the Colonel's Company 

was : One Colonel, one Lieutenant, one Ensig^n, 

three Sergeants, three Corporals, two Drummers, and fifty- 



IVAen George III. was King. 



"5 



seven Privates, but only forty-two were present ; the Lieut- 
I Colonel, the Lieutenant, one Sergeant, one Corporal, and 
five Privates were absent. Arthur Vansittart, Colonel ; 
Edward Sheppard.Capt.-Lieutenant; Ashburnham Newman 
Toll, Ensign. There were an Adjutant, Quartermaster, two 
Surgeons, three Sergeants, three Corporals, two Drummers, 
and fifty-seven Privates, 

Lieut.- Colonel Clement Sexton's Company : Joseph 
Butler, Lieutenant ; John Cartwright Blake, Ensign. 

June 2Sth. Captain Groves' Company : Philip Gill, 
Lieutenant ; Francis Hawcs, Ensign. When the return 
was sent in they were at Southampton. 

Captain William Sladden's Company : Henry Evans, 
Lieut.; John Fonbtanque and Osborne Tytden, Ensigns. 

Captain Edmund Seymour's Company : Philip Gill, 
Lieutenant ; Francis Hawes, Ensign. 

Most of the companies were under strength. About fifty- 
six privates seemed the usual strength, two drummers to 
each company. I have not transcribed the lis^ts of each 
company. The lists give fhe absentees, who balloted for, 
and the names of the men, &c. 

June 3Sth to December 24th. Capt. Penyston Powney's 
Company : John Wallis, Lieutenant ; William Cleveland, 
Ensign ; and forty-two Privates. 

Captain John Charles Price's Company: James Baker, 
Lieutenant ; and fifty-six Privates. 

Captain Walter Pye's Company : Robert Parker, Lieu- 
tenant ; William Nathaniel French, Lieutenant. One 
Captain, three Lieutenants, four Sergeants, four Corporals, 
two Drummers, and seventy-six Privates. 

Major Walter's Company : Joseph Harvey Bellass, Lieu- 
tenant : James Gill, Ensign. Three Sergeants, three 
Corporals, two Drummers, fifty-six Privates, of whom 
I apparently only twenty were present. 



1 1 6 Royal Berkshire Militia, 



Captain Joseph Blagrave's Company: William Hall 
Timbrell, Lieutenant. 

August nth. There were nine companies at Lenham 
Camp. Another Muster Roll of the regiment is almost a 
duplicate of this one. Among other officers there was a 
Chaplain. 

.Q Letter dated from Maidstone, written by Major 

John Walter, apologising to the Muster Master at 

the General Offices of the Horse Guards, that the Muster 

Rolls of the Berkshire Militia have been complained of 

as incomplete. 

**To Ofticor commanding the companies of Berkshire Militia at 
Sevcnoaks. 
**It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the three companies 
<\\ the Hcrkshire Militia under your command at Sevenoaks and 

Westonham to march on Saturday, the i8th inst., 
Ivisi and West to Wrotham and Mailing, where they are to be 
I'arloYs. Tiar- quaitorcd till Monday, the 20th, when one of the 
nunji, ^^ *^ ' companies is to march to the places mentioned in 
HiHi'^hion and "^^* niar«;iii hereof, where they are to be quartered 
l.inton. and remain until further order. You will also 

acquaint this office with the receipt and execution 
of this order. — Given at the War Office this 14th day of May, 1782.** 

**'ro C)rtieer commanding the companies of the Berkshire Militia 
at Cranhrook, »S:c., Kent. 
*• It is His Majesty's pleasure that vou cause the companies 
of the Berkshire Militia under your command at Cranbrook and 
(iDudhursi to march on Tuesday, the 21st instant, to Maidstone. 
.Xylesfv^rd and Berstead, where they are to be quartered and 
remain until further order. Vou will also acquaint this office witii 
the receipt and execution of this order. — Given at the War Office 
this 14th day of May, i7S2.'* 

*''ro OlVicer commandini; the company of the Berkshire Militia at 
Tunl^ridiie. 
"1: is Ills .Majesty's pleasure that you cause the company of 
tlie Berkshire Militia under your command at Tunbridge to march 



WAen George III. was King. 



"7 



from thence on Wednesday, ihe jind instani, to Maidstone, where 
they are lo be (]uarlered and remain until further order. Vou wiil 
also acquaint this office with [he receipt and execution of this 
order. — Given at the War Office this i4ih day of May, 1783." 
"To Officer commanding the companies of the Berkshire Militia 
al Tunbridge Wells. 

"It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the three 
companies of the Berkshire Militia under your command at 
Tunbridge Wells and adjacents to march from ihence on Friday, 
the 24th instant, to Maidstone, where ihey are to be quartered 
and remain until further order. You will also acquaint this office 
with the receipt and execution of this order.— Given at the War 
Office this 14th day of May, 1781." 
''To Officer commanding the Berkshire Militia at Maidstone. &c. 

■ It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the Berkshire 
Mililia under your command to march from their present quarters 
and encamp on Coxheath, on Monday, July ist next, where ihey 
ale to remain until further order. You will also acquaint this 
office with the receipt and execution of this order.— Given at the 
War Office this a4th day of June, 1783." 

"To Lieu I. -General Piit, commanding the ilerkshire Militia at 
Coxheath Camp. 

" It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the Light Infantry 
Company of the Berkshire Militia under your command at Cox- 
heath Camp to march on Tuesday, the 12th instant, 10 Rochester 
and Strood, where they are to be quartered and remain. — Given 
at the War Office this 7th day of November, 1 7S2." 
"To Lieut, -General Pitt, commanding the Berkshiie Militia at 
Coxheath Camp. 

*' It is His Majesty's pleasure thai you cause the eight companies 
of the Berkshire Mililia under your command, which shall be 
remaining at Coxheath Cam]} on Friday, the 15th instant, to march 
from thence on that day. by the southern and Midland counties 
route, 10 Rochester, Strood, Finsbury, Chatham, Brompion and 
Gillingsham, where they are to be quartered and remain with iheir 



1 1 8 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Light Infantry Company already there until further order. — Given 
at the War Office this 9th day of November, 1782;" 

*'To Officer commanding the Berkshire Militia at Rochester. 
"It is His Majesty's pleasure that you cause the Berkshire 

Militia under your command to march from their 

JNIewDury, present quarters in two divisions, according to the 
bpeen, and ^ ^ , , , . , . , 

Speenhanjland. ^^^^^^ annexed to the places mentioned in the 

margin hereof, where they are to be quartered and 
remain until further order. — Given at the War Office this 25ih day 
of November, 1782. By His Majesty's command, in the absence 
of the Secretary at War, M. LEWIS." 

'* Route for the five companies of the ist Division of the Berk- 
shire Militia : Thursday, November 28th, Dartford and Crayford ; 
Friday, November 29th, Greenwich, Deptford and Hatcham ; 
Saturday, November 30th, Hounslow and Cranford Bridge; 
Sunday, December ist, halt; Monday, December 2nd, Maiden- 
head and Maidenhead Bridge; Tuesday, December 3rd, Reading; 
Wednesday, December 4th, Newbury, Speen and Speenhamland, 
and remain. Route for the four companies of the 2nd Division 
of the Berkshire Militia : Friday, November 29th, Dartlord and 
Crayford ; Saturday, November 30th, Greenwich, Deptford and 
Hatcham; Sunday, December 1st, halt; Monday, December 
2nd, Hounslow and Cranford Bridge; Tuesday, December 3rd, 
Maidenhead and Maidenhead Bridge; Wednesday, December 
4th, Reading; Thursday, December 5th, halt; Friday, December 
6th, Newbury, Speen and Speenhamland, and remain." 

December 3rd and 4th. The Berkshire Militia marched 
through Reading en route from Coxheath Camp to Newbury, 
where they went into winter quarters. On their march they 
were met by His Majesty and three of the young Princes, 
near Colnbrook, who did the regiment the honour of march- 
ing with them on foot from thence to Salt Hill. 

After the Camp at Coxheath broke up, the following 
letter of thanks was issued to the regiments which had 
been quartered there : — " Lieut.-Gencral Pitt cannot let the 
Army separate without expressing to them in public orders 



'783- 



and in the strongest terms the great satisfaction he has 
received, from the strict discipline and good behaviour 
which the troops in general have maintained throughout 
the whole of this campaign, and which redounds so much 
to the credit of the corps that have been encamped here 
this summer. The harmony that has so particularly pre- 
vailed through the whole Army during the campaign has 
afforded the General the greatest pleasure, and he begs 
the several corps to accept his best thanks for the great 
attention and readiness which they have unremittcdly 
exerted upon all occasions. 

February. News was sent to the GenCleman's 
Magazine, from Wantage, that Captain Price of 
the Berkshire Militia, when returning home to Ham, was 
set upon in the night of Sunday, January 19th, near 
Wantage Churchyard, by two of the Yorkshire Volunteers 
quartered in that town, one of whom had a hatchet, demand- 
ing his money and ordered him to turn out his pockets ; 
but the Captain springing from him, ran back to Ensign 
Watson's lodgings, with whom he found Lieut. Banbury, 
of the 66lh or Berkshire Regiment, these offered their 
services to go in search of the villains. They had not on 
regimentals ; but one gentleman had a sword, which he hid 
under his coat. At the end of the town they were rushed 
upon by the same men, one of whom again produced the 
hatchet, which was seized, as well as the man, by Captain 
Price and Ensign Watson, while the other was secured by 
Lieutenant Banbury and both carried into safe custody. 
Next day the commanding officer delivered them over to 
the civil power, by whom they were committed to the 
County Gaol The names of the men were Robert and 
William Brown. They were brothers and had two other 
brothers in the same company, and were all four quartered 
in the same house. 



120 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



** To Officer commanding the Berkshire Militia at Newbiirj'. 

** It is His Majesty^s pleasure that you cause the several 
companies of the Berkshire Militia under your command to march 
to such place or places within the county as you shall judge most 
convenient, to carry into execution His Majesty's orders for their 
being disembodied. — Given at the War Office this 4th day of 
March, 1783. By His Majesty's command, GEO. YONGE.' 

Tuesday and Wednesday, March nth and 12th. The 
Berkshire Militia were disembodied in the different towns 
in the county. By His Majesty's command, the men have 
all their clothes, knapsacks, &c., with their bounty arrears 
and fourteen days' pay, to carry them to their respective 
homes. Their excellent discipline and good conduct whilst 
on service, and the regularity of their behaviour to the last 
moment, entitle them to the highest praise. 

^ November. The War Office sent out orders 

to the Lord-Lieutenants of counties to put the 
Militia in order, and to send lists of officers, subalterns, and 
private men ; also the state of arms, accoutrements and 
clothing, and the deficiencies of each corps. The Militia 
were, it was rumoured, to be embodied for one month ; the 
first time this had taken place since the Peace of March, 1783. 
1786 September 20th. A public breakfast was held 

at Sunninghill Wells, apparently to celebrate the 
King's escape from assassination. A Band was present 
from the camp at Sunninghill, but it is not mentioned 
to what regiment it belonged, probably from Windsor 
Garrison. 

Twenty-sixth, George I IL, cap. 107, Act for concentrating 
Militia Laws, appoints Lords-Lieutenants of counties to 
raise and have the chief command of the Militia, and to 
appoint twenty Deputy- Lieutenants. This Act fixed 560 
men to be raised in Berkshire. 

y^ April. Thomas Hodgson, of Wantage, age 26, 

was convicted of robber}' and executed at Ipswich. 



When George III. was King, 121 

He confessed to having enlisted in regiments in England, 
Scotland and Ireland, under forty-nine different names ; 
having often enlisted in different recruiting parties of the 
same regiment, he seldom stayed more than a day before 
deserting, yet he was only convicted three times of de- 
sertion and whipped once for it. He got 397 guineas in 
bounty money and fifty-seven guineas by robberies. I 
quote this story to show the difficulties experienced by 
regiments when enlisting recruits. 

May 7th. An advertisement was issued, caUing the 
Militia to come out for twenty-eight days* training at the 
Market Place, Newbury, in the name of the Lord-Lieutenant, 
Lord Craven. It and all succeeding advertisements are 
signed by James Payn, Clerk of the General Meetings, 
Maidenhead. The deserters were fined ;£^20, or six months' 
imprisonment. 

1788 ^^y ^'^^'^^ ^'^^ Militia were ordered to 
assemble in the Market Place, Reading, at noon, 
for twenty-eight days. 

1 780 ^^y 4th. To assemble in the Market Place, 

Newbury, for twenty-eight days. 
I7QO ^^^ lOXh, Market Place, Newbury, for twenty- 
eight days. 

May i6th. Market Place, Newbury, for twenty- 
eight days. ^ 

The regiment a<?sembled in the Forbury, 
Reading, by order of the Lord-Lieutenant, Lord 
Radnor. 




CHAPTER IX. 

WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS. — 1792-1803. 

IIWO-THIRDS of the Militia were ordered to assemble 

_ in the Forbury, December i8th, 1792. A week later 
an order was issued to embody the whole Regiment, 
and deficiencies were to be made up by ballot, but the men 
came forward well and readily. 

Clubs were formed, out of which substitutes could be 
drawn. This became a complete system of insurance 
against compulsory military service. 

With regard to substitutes, the system was thoroughly 
over done, the sums paid sometimes, especially for foreign 
service, were absurd. In one case, the Annual Register 
says, £^(^ was given to a substitute, and for foreigpi service 
the prices asked were much higher. Parochial authorities 
preferred paying sums of money for substitutes to supporting 
the wives and families of soldiers absent during their term 
of service. Government allowed a certain amount towards 
the support of soldiers' wives and families, to endeavour to 
render the servidfe less distasteful. In all cases, where it was 
possible, voluntary enlistment was encouraged by liberal 
bounty money and other means. 

January. Two meetings of the Lieutenancy of 

1793- ihe county were held at the " Crown" Inn, Reading, 
to consider the Act of Parliament for embodying the Militia. 
Afterwards the districts were divided into sub-committees. 

January 28th. Allowances were made to Militiamen's 
wives and families during embodiment by the magistrates. 
An indignant question on the subject had been asked in 
Parliament a fortnight previously. 



February 4lh. Commissions granted by the Lord- 

Lieutenant: James Wyld. Lieut, y/w Henry Blackitone, 

promoteJ December rgth, 1792; Ensign Arthur Annesiey 

Powell, Lieutenant, vtce James Baker, resigned December 

Kzotli, 1792; Stanlake Batson, jun., Ensign, vice Francis 

■ Simpson, promoted December 20th, 1792 ; John Thomas 

■Kewbolt, Ensign, vue James Wyld, promoted December 

■38th, 1792 ; Charles Morice, vice Anthony Annesiey Powell, 

u)tcd December 29th, 1792. 

July 8lh. The Berkshire Militia were encamped at 

JWaterdown, near Tonbrldge Wells. They were justly 

pronounced one of the highest appointed and best dis- 

iciplined regiments in His Majesty's service, Previous to the 

men leaving the towns on the sea coast, where they had been 

buartcred for five months, a genera! and noble entertainment 

{was given them by the inhabitants as an acknowledgment 

r the universal good character ihej- had obtained and the 

hflection the inhabitants had formed for them. At Hastings 

Uoo of thorn sat down at one table, where His Majesty's 

liealth, and prosperity to Hastings, were drunk with repeated 

^outs of loyalty and affection. 

February iith. Yesterday the route for the Berkshire 

AlilitJa was given. They were ordered to the coasts of Kent 

pnd Sussex. When the order was given the men gave ihree 

iteers. They were a fine regiment, in complete order for 

ler^'icc. Their excellent conduct there ensured that they 

kvould serve their king and country well, wherever they 

■ren sent They began their march on Tuesday, February 

February 1 8th. Militias from inland were ordered to the 

a coast to relieve such regulars as were destined for other 
service. Berkshire is not especially named, though it is said, 

e Oxfordshire Militia was eager fur service. 1 his warlike 
[eal of the Oxfordshire Militia had a disastrous ending some 

3 years later, when they mutinied at Blatchingdon. 



124 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

A meeting of ihc Lord Lieutenants of several counties in 
England and Wales was held at the " St. Albans " Tavern, 
in March, for the purpose of drawing lots to determine the 
precedency of the Militia of the said counties, during the 
continuance of the war. The following numbers were 
drawn by the respective Lords-Lieutenant attending, or by 
the persons appointed for that purpose : Bedford 42, Berks 
30, Bucks 38, Cambridge 11, Chester 16, Cornwall 34, 
Cumberland 20, Derby 26, Devon 41, Dorset 43, Durham 
TO, Essex 21, Gloucester 8, Nottingham 15, Oxford 9, Salop 
28, Somerset 40, Southampton 6, Stafford 27, Suffolk 19, 
Surrey 18, Sussex 24., Warwick 31, Hereford 25, Hertford 
44, Huntingdon 12, Kent i, Lancaster 37, Leicester 2, 
Lincoln 3, Middlesex 22, Monmouth and Brecknock 14, 
Norfolk 4, Northampton 45, Northumberland 23, West- 
moreland 29, Wilts 35, Worcester 36, Yorks West Riding 
39, Yorks North Riding 33, Yorks East Riding 32, 
Carmarthen 17, Denbigh 7, Glamorgan 5, Montgomery 13. 

March. Commissions granted by the Lord Lieutenant of 
Berkshire : William Viscount Ashbrooke to be Captain, t//r^ 
Henry Blackstonc, resigned ; Henry Boyle Deane to be 
Ensign. 

March 6th. The Right Honourable Lord Barrymore 
conducting a number of French prisoners from Rye to 
Dover by the Berkshire Militia under his command, the 
whole party halted at the turnpike at the top of Folkstone 
hill ; after taking some refreshment, and on regaining his 
seat in his vehicle, a fusee which he carried with him went 
off» and shot him through the head. He died in a few 
minutes, and so finished a short, foolish and dissipated life 
which had passed very discreditably to his rank as a peer, 
and, still more so, as a member of society. So said the 
newspapers of the day ; but let us charitably hope poor 
Lord Barrymore was not so black as he was painted. He 
came into his title and money very young ; and, no 



l-Fars and Rumours of Wars. 



'25 



■doubt, was surrounded by temptations, and led on by 
■"bad companions and bad advice. He was born August 

\ 14th, 1769. 

April. Commissions: Stanlake Batson to be Lieutenant, 
Ifff^ Lord Ashbrook ; John Thomas Newbolt to be Lieute- 

Inant, vice Earl Barrymore, deceased; Heiiry Pincl4e Lee, 

■ of White Wallham, to be Ensign, vice Arthur Annesley 
I Powell, promoted ; Henry Rottert Iiice, of Westminster, to 
I be Ensign, t'/ce Hon. Augustus Barry, resigned. 

There was extraordinary heat all that spring and 
I summer. Our soldiers were not then thought and cared for 
I in the way they now are, so that violent extremes of heat 
I or cold were serious matters. 

August 13th. The army e:icamped at Waterdown, 
I inarched at nine o'clock and reached Ashdown Forest at 

■ two o'clock, where they pitched their tents. The ground 

■ bad been prepared for them. 

The Prince of Wales and his regiment, the loth Dragoons, 
Iwere camped at Shoreham at this time, 

August 19th. Commissions in the Berks Militia, signed 
Iby Lord Lieutenant: Ensign Henry Boyle Deane to be 

■ Lieutenant, via John WalHs, resigned; Ensign Henry 
I Pincke Lee to be Lieutenant, vice Francis Simpson, resigned; 
iMcgi Henry Gilbert Stephens, gentleman, to be Ensign, w/w 
■John Edward Madocks, resigned. 

In the (Vrarfj/tfit/r/'rajj there is a rather curious advertise- 
ment for two deserters, Thomas Marsh and Richard Rider, 
giving full descriptions of them, and five guineas reward 
ich for recovery, They belonged to Lord Craven's 
Company of Foot, commanded by Lord Paget. No doubt 
tthey had pocketed their bounty money and decamped, only 
po re-eniist elsewhere, 3 trick often played by rogues who 
]ius gained large sums of money. 

The Berkshire Militia deserters were never advertised 
w, but when caught were sentenced according to the law, 
xtministered by ihc Magistrates at the County Bench. 



126 Royal Berkshire Militia, 



Throughout the French scare great excitement prevailed. 
Wooden Barracks were erected at Woolwich, Deptford, and 
other places, and camps were established all along the 
English coasts, especially in the South, the quarter where 
foreign invaders were most likely to land. 

The Militia return for the Kingdom gave 36,602 effective 
men. 

In December, four ComfJanies of the Berkshire Militia 
marched from Brighton to Winchester, halting there one 
night. The following morning they proceeded to Romsey, 
a distance of 1 1 J miles, for the winter. 

December. Commissions signed by Lord Lieutenant: 
Walter Pye, of the Temple, Esq., Major; Bernard Brocas,of 
Reading, Esq., Captain ; Megi Henry Gilbert Stephens, 
Esq., Lieutenant ; Charles Imhoff, of London, Ensign ; 
Thomas William Ravenshaw, of Bracknell, Ensign ; Swann 
Hill, of London, gentleman. Ensign ; Charles Joseph Meter, 
of New Sarum, gentleman. Ensign. 

October. The Camps were to break up October 20th. 
The Berkshire Militia were ordered to Southampton afid 
Romsey. The Oxfordshire Militia were at Reading then, 
but a week later there was confusion, for instead of marching 
to fresh quarters as ordered, the order was cancelled, though 
the troops were all packed ready to start, for it was 
rumoured the French were collecting at Cherbourg for the 
invasion of England. The only thing known in camp 
apparently, was that forage for a fortnight was ordered, but 
all quarters were changed and every preparation was made 
for immediate defence in case of the French army landing 
on our shores. 

The Reading Musical Society subscribed five guineas, 
three of which were sent to troops abroad under the Duke 
of York, and two <;uineas to the Berkshire Militia. This 
was to provide flannel waistcoats and warm clothing for the 
soldiers. During October, November and December of the 



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IVars and Rumours of Wars. 127 



tx>ve year, subscription lists were kept open at the various 
erlcshire County Banks, and a weekly advertisement of it 
iserted in the Reading Mercury. It was a hard winter, and 
II the high downs, where the Camps were situated, the cold 
•as intense and the men must have suffered very much. 

During February there was deep snow in 
England, both north and south, and the mail 
»aches were stopped and blocked with the drifts. 

In this year there was published a " March for the Berk- 

;hire Militia, composed for them by the desire of the Right 

Hon. Earl of Radnor, by his obedient servant, Z. Wyvill, of 

Bray, near Maidenhead." It was written in score for eight 

: two clarionets, two oboes, two horns, and two basses. 

It was also arranged for the harpsichord. It was printed by 

Longman and Broderip and sold by them, also by the 

uthor at Bray, and by Smart and Cow.slade, Reading, and 

was entered at Stationers' Hall. The price was one shilling. 

This primitive band was evidently kept up until the 

regiment was disbanded in 1816; for Alderman Darter, in 

Is " Reminiscences," mentions the horns and also the 

Serpent." This last was a brass instrument like a horn. 

The band was evidently thought much of, and 

lumbered twenty performers. 

The invasion of England by the French wa.s again con- 
idercd imminent, and in February the English were 
thoroughly frightened. It was said 50,000 men were ready 
to cross the Channel ; Hastings being their chosen landing 
place. Orders were at once issued to the Regulars and also 
to all Militia regiments, both British and Iriah, to recall all 
men on furlough, except such as were on recruiting service, 
to rejoin their regiments immediately. Every officer 

(disobeying this order would be superseded, and non- 
commissioned officers and privates would be treated as 
Hescrters. 
I March 4th. A meeting was held in the Grand Jury 
Room, Reading, to consult about the plan of " .Augmenting 




128 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



the Forces for Internal Defence." A subscription was begur 
and in the room ;f 1450 was subscribed ; the names of th 
subscribers are given in the Readin^^ Mercury. 

The list was kept open some weeks, and a large sum c 
money collected, which went to pay for the Volunteen 
Associations and Cavalry Regiments then raised. 

Mr. Pitt brought forward a motion in Parliament to brinj 
a bilh before the House of Commons, for augmenting th 
Militia as in the late wars. He did not specify whether b; 
ballot or volunteering but seemed to wish it left to discrctior 
rather than decided by a hard and fast law. 

Early in March, a meeting was held [place not stated 
of Colonels of Militia, who were determined to increase th 
Militia one-fifth beyond its present establishment by ai 
additional number of privates to each company, but whcthc 
these men were to be raised by fresh ballot or by voluntcc 
companies, as was done in the last war, was not immcdiatcl; 
decided. 

March 31st. A meeting was held by special appoint 
mcnt at the office of the Field-Marshall, the Duke of York 
of two Militia Colonels and two Fencible Colonels, to dccid< 
the precedency of rank, which was determined in favour c 
the Fcnciblcs. 

The officers on half-pay, to whom the Secretary of W'a 
did not find it convenient to give posts in the Army, wen 
invited by an official advertisement to ticcept similar station 
in the Militia cc^rps. without injury to their present rank 
It is doubtful if this regulation met with success: no mcntioi 
occurs in the Gazette of any officers availing themselves of it 

Among all the terrors of invasion, it is a pleasant chang< 
to meet with a little romance. It is seldom the Colonc 
of a Militia ri'.i^^imcnt marries during the embodiment o 
his rci;imenl. Hut the following announcement gives 
"Married, November 15th. 1794 (by special licence;, a 
Norbiton Hall. Surrey, Hdward Loveden Loveden, Ksq 



M.P. for Abingdon, and Lieut-Colonel of the Berks Militia, 
I to Miss Lintall, only daughter of Thomas Lintall, Esq., late 
I of Great MnHow, Bucks," Although it is not spelt as it is 
I usual to see it, the name is recognisable as a well-known 
. Berkshire one (that of Lenthall); but, in those days, spelling 
[ was still somewhat phonetic. 

March 22nd. The Gazette contains the following order : 

" His iVlajesty appoints Colonels of the respective regi- 

I ments of Militia to be Colonels in the Army by brevet, so 

■long as their regiments shal! remain embodied for actual 

service." 

The appointment was made by the Right Hon. the Ear! 

■of Radnor, Lord Lieutenant of the County, of Mr. William 

■ Marsh, of Reading, tq be agent to the Berks Militia in 

place of William Brummcll, Esq.. deceased. 

Commissions signed by the Lord-Lieutenant : Edward 
■Loveden Loveden. of Buscot Park, Lieut. -Colonel, vice 
■Pcnyston Portlock Powney, Esq., deceased, dated February 
B2oth. 1794; Ensign Imhoff, Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant 
iWyld, resigned January 34th, 1794; Pryse Loveden, of 
Buscot, Esq., to be Ensign, %'ke H. P. Lee, promoted ; 
Thomas Stracy, of London, gent,, to be Ensign, vice H. G. 
■Stephens, promoted, dated February 3Sth, 1794. 

At the end of April, the Government contracted with 
KMr, Augur, of Eastbourne, for ground for a small encamp- 
Iment at that place. It was to be formed of the South 
lOevon and Berkshire Regiments of Militia, and the ilth 
iLight Dragoons. The contract commenced from June ist. 
Th; Militia throughout the kingdom received orders 
("from the War Office to be ready to take the field by 
May lOth. 

Early in May the following curious advertisement appears 
I in the Reading Meratry. "The public in general and the 
I gentlemen of the County of Berks in particular are requested 
r bj' the officers of the Berkshire Militia, which arc at variance 



130 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

with the Lord-Lieutenant of the County, to suspend their 
opinions relative to the difference at present subsisting 
between them until it shall be a proper time to lay a fair 
and clear statement of the whole transaction before them, 
as they fear it has been misrepresented." 

The standard of height for the Supplementary Militia 
is given below. The question of bounty money given to 
Regular Soldiers, as contrasted with Militiamen, was a 
vexed question. It was said to draw men into the latter, 
to the detriment of the former. 

" To all stout, able young men of 5ft. 4in. and upwards, 
without families, willing to enter the Militia for the county 
and to compose one company, which is to serve only with 
the Militia within the kingdom during the time they are 
embodied, or for a less time, if His Majesty should not 
think their services necessary, will, by applying to the Clerk 
of the Sub-division Meeting of their division, receive a 
bounty of ;^io, besides the marching guinea, and will enter 
into immediate pay and not be liable to march out of the 
United Kingdom." 

April 26th. Yesterday sen'night, during divine service in 
the afternoon, a fire broke out in a bakehouse at Trotton, 
near Southampton, the owner of which had a contract for 
bread for the troops under Lord Moira. There was a 
prodigious pile of faggots near the house, but by the activity 
of the Berkshire Militia who were called out of church, the 
whole were removed before the flames had reached them ; 
notwithstanding which, the bakehouse and a mansion 
adjacent were entirely destroyed. It is supposed the fire 
was occasioned by the oven being over-heated. 

May 1 2th. All absent officers of the Militia in the 
United Kingdom were ordered to rejoin before the 14th. 

May 19th. The Militia officers throughout England had 
His Majesty's permission to wear an undress of blue, with 



I red cuffs and collar, on all service, except general field days 
I and public reviews, 

May 20th. On Tuesday, the Berks Regiment marched 
I to Southampton ; Wednesday, they proceeded to Wick- 
I ham, where they halted ; Friday, they moved to Havant 
I and places adjacent ; Saturday, they reached Chichester ; 
I Monday, they marched to Arundel ; Tuesday, to Brighton ; 
\ Wednesday, to Seaford ; and on Thursday, to Eastbourne. 
I where they were to be encamped. 

June, Great excitement prevailed all over England over 
I the British victory. 

Joseph Blagrave, Captain of the Berkshire Militia, was 

■ appointed Captain Commissionary (? Commissary). 

In this year, the war panic was at its height. Regiments 

■ were formed all over England. It seems as if anyone, who 
I fancied, could apply for Royal permission to raise a corps. 
1 Every district rose in military ardour. In Berkshire alone, 
I we have the "Windsor Foresters, the Loyal Berkshire 
I Volunteers or the Reading Volunteers {this latter raised by 

■ Sir Charles Marsh, who was gazetted their Colonel soon 
I after), the Wantage Volunteers (under Trevor Wheeler, Esq.), 
land the Abingdon Independent Cavalry;" and, from this 
I period, commissions were formally notified in the various 
I corps. By September, it was reported that a cordon of 

■ soldiers extended along the South Coast, of more than 
130,000 men, chiefly Militia, Fencibles. and new corps; in 
I November, the panic was subsiding, for they lowered the 
I Army bounty money from twelve guineas to ten guineas. 
I Everything took a military turn. Concerts were held in 
I Reading, in which Military Rands played military pieces. 
I The whole nation was inspired with a war fever, and the 
I invasion, so long feared, seemed at last to have been 
I imminent. 

This was a year of tempests and torrents. A terrible gale 
[surept along the coasts, beginning on Sunday, October 7th. 



132 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



and lasting all through Monday. At Dover it was the worst 
gale since 1780; but, in those days, every storm was said 
to be the "worst in the memory of man." The camps, 
of course, suffered much. The account of the storm is thus 
quaintly given : " The camps suffered greatly in the gale of 
Sunday sen'night, by the violence of the wind which stript 
a great number of officers and men of their marquees and 
tents, and left many of them exposed to the rigour of the 
elements, in a perfect state of nature ; as soldiers, it should 
be observed, do not always sleep in their shirts." 

November. The camp broke up and changed quarters 
for the winter. The Berkshire Militia, commanded by Lord 
Radnor, were at Deal and Sandwich. 

November 21st. John Cohen, of the office of the Militar}* 
Society, i, High Street, St. Mary-le-Bone, advertised that 
malicious and untrue reports had been circulated, damaging 
to the society, which he denied ; but, his denial reads rather 
as if it was put in the newspaper more as an advertisement, 
to publish the fact that the society provided Militia substi- 
tutes, than for anv other cause. 

Following the gale of November, came incessant rain and 
high floods. At Loddon Bridge the water was so high, that 
the coachman of the Forest Coach dared not cross, but 
returned. The flood on the Kennet was higher than known 
for many years. 

January. Commissions signed by the Lord- 
Lieutenant : Capt- Lieutenant A. N. Toll to be 
Captain, vice. Joseph Blagrave, resigned ; Ensign Stracy, 
Lieutenant, vice A. A. Powell, resigned ; Ensign Bardeslcy, 
Lieutenant, vice H. P. Lee, resigned ; Edward Reeves, of 
Arborfield, Esq., Lieutenant, vice S. Hill, resigned ; Lieut. 
Hawcs, Captain-Lieutenant, vice A. N. Toll, promoted ; 
Richard VVeckes, of Barkham Square, Esq., Captain, vice 
W. Viscount Ashbrook, resigned ; John Newbur}-, of Heath- 
ficld Park, Sussex, Lieut., vice Francis Hawes, promoted. 



The Hawes owned Purley Hall, which thej- bought from 
Jthe Hydes. They changed the name from Hyde Hail to 

■ Purley Hall. Hawes was a rich shareholder in the South 
BSea Company. {Not the notorious Hawes, though probably 
■related). After the coUapse of that celebrated company, 

■ the Hawes began to mortgage the estate, and the son of 
■the last owner was, I believe, a linen draper in Reading, 
laner the Wilders had bought the property in 1779, 

March. There arose a question in the House of 
I Commons as to the pay and clothing of the Militia; also 
las to the pay of Militia Subaltern Officers. General 
[Tarleton, who replied, was evidently a man of advanced 
's, for he said he should never rest satisfied till the 

■ Militia was assimilated with the standing Army; and he 
I alludes to the organisation of the German Army. 

The war panic and fear of invasion was again active. 
I This time the Dutch seem to have caused additional un- 
f ca5ines<i, for the cordon of soldiers along the coasts had 
I been doubled and amounted to 150,000 men. 

The Duke of Richmond's district of forces was a large 
I and scattered one. The division at Hythe Camp consisted 
I of the Berkshire Militia, together with the Militias of 
I Lancashire and North Devon, the new Romncy Fcncibles, 
I and the Warwickshire Fcncibles, 

I shall give, if possible, the regiments actually encamped 
Iwith the Berkshire Militia; because curious feuds and 

■ jealousies always, I believe, exist as traditions in all regi- 
1 ments, some probably dating back to this old war time ; for 

s said that certain regiments cannot be quartered together 
I without attacking each other. 

April. At Lewes Camp, a serious mutiny arose in the 
lOxfordshire Militia at Blatchington Barracks, near Seaford. 

■ Afterwards a Court-martial was held, composed of twelve 
■officers, each drawn from a different regiment. The Berk- 
Isbirc Militia was represented by Major I'ye. 



134 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

June 13th. The following letter was sent to the printer 
of the Reading Mercury for insertion, by the High Sheriff 
of Sussex, from Brighton : 

" Horsham, June 12th. 

*' I am now proceeding to the execution of the two poor fellows" 

''June 13th, 1799. At a quarter past nine. 

*' I am just returned from the ground where two soldiers of the 
Oxfordshire Militia were shot this morning, about a quarter past 
eight. One of them knelt down upon one coffin and one upon the 
other, and they both instantly fell dead. Though left there, lest 
there might be any remains of life, a firelock was let off close to 
the head of each immediately after. The scene was the most 
awful and impressive I have ever seen. It was in a valley about 
a mile distant from the camp whither all the troops, Cavalry, 
Infantry and Artillery, were drawn up in two lines ; and, after three 
men out of the six who had been sentenced to be flogged had 
received their punishment in a very exemplary manner, the three 
others were pardoned. The men capitally convicted were then 
marched up between the two lines of the Army, accompanied by 
a clergyman, and escorted by pickets from the different regiments 
of horse and foot ; and at the upper end of the line, after a shon 
time spent with the clergyman, they were shot by a party of the 
Oxfordshire Militia, who had been very active in the late riots, 
but had been pardoned. The men appeared very composed and 
resigned ; and the party who had shot them were, many of them, 
very much affected after. Indeed, several men of the regiment 
seemed greatly agitated and concerned. An example so unusual 
and so terrible will, it is hoped, have the desired effect upon the 
minds of the Militia, and shew the danger of using the arms which 
are entrusted to them, for the intimidation instead of the defence 
of their county. The awful ceremony was concluded by the 
marching of all the regiments round the bodies of the unhappy 
soldiers as they laid on the ground." 

The following week's paper gives a long account of the 
second executions, which were less formal. The other 
rioters were marched off. They preferred to submit to any 



punishment, but refused the compromise oflcred. which was 
fto join the Royal American Regiment. Another man of 
■the Oxfordshire Militia was executed shortly after, for 
jobbery from a shop. 

Mutiny seems to have been rife. The Army had been 
llong in camp, and, in spite of severe punishments, rioting 
:ems to have been general. The punishments given for 
■offences were severe in the extreme. In some cases of dis- 
■obedience and absence without leave, the sentence was i,ooo 
llashes ; while 400 or 500 lashes were ordinary sentences for 
■misdemeanour. Seventeen years before this time, a new 
■regulation was passed, that all deserters from any of the 
■Military corps were to be sent to the East Indies, or the 
~w:oast of Africa, for life. But this regulation, which was read 
Bat the head of every regiment in Great Britain and Ireland 
■by the King's order, was evidently unpopular and seldom, if 
■ever, enforced. 

June 2ist. The night was so terribly cold, that hundreds 

■ of newly-shorn sheep were found dead next morning and a 
Igaie raged all along the Dorsetshire coast. These gales 
land floods caused a great scarcity; famine and riots 
I were frequent. Corn was very scarce. The baker to the 
Icamp at Brighton made his best bread with one-third of 

■ potatoes, and found thereby that he saved four bushels of 

■ flour daily, while the bread gave equal satisfaction to the 

■ ofTicers and men. The Prince of Wales ordered only brown 
Ibread to be served at his table ; and the officers in camp at 
kBr^hton ordered the same, and enforced it under forfei- 
■ture of a month's pay from anyone who disobeyed the order. 

August. Following the gales, was a heavy storm of 

Itliunder and lightning ; but there was great rejoicing over 

Ithc promise of a plentiful harvest, and agricultural matters 

jemcd more to the fore than military ones. But this 

tempestuous weather must have been felt in the camps 

along tlie coasts. 



136 Royal Berkshire Militia, 



A private in the Berkshire Militia encamped at Sand- 
gate was, at this time, discovered to be a female. She 
had served in the regiment for six years without dis- 
covery and with great credit, and was remarkable for her 
cleanliness. Her father was boatswain of a man-of-war. 
When his daughter was young, he put on her the breeches, 
called her William, and entered her on board his own ship 
as cabin boy. Some differences arising between them she 
ran away, went into the farming line as keeper of sheep, 
&c., and at last entered for a soldier. It was observed that 
she always slept in her breeches and jacket, which were 
close buttoned all round ; but no suspicion was ever enter- 
tained of her sex, until a quarrel happened between her 
and some comrades, and they threatened to cob her. 
Through fear of the punishment, she disclosed herself to 
the Sergeant-Major's wife. Her behaviour was so prudent 
in the regiment, that the officers subscribed something 
handsome to clothe her properly and carr>' her home. She 
was about twenty-eight and of a comely appearance. 

Duels had not ceased in 1799. Some were fought on the 
most trifling disagreements. We read of two officers of the 
North Lancashire Militia differing over how to cut up a leg 
of mutton, and retiring to settle the dispute by six shots at 
twelve paces ; but, after all, only one was wounded in the 
foot! The rule, apparently, was that the sender of the 
challenge was the only one to fire, and his opponent cither 
did not fire at all, or fired in the air. 

Autumn. Commissions in the Berkshire Militia: William 
Lloyd, of Shrewsbury, Esq., to be Lieutenant, vtce Richard 
Weekes, promoted ; Ellis Mears, of Southampton, gent., to 
be Ensign, vice J. Maton, resigned ; Henry Boyle Deane, of 
Reading, Esq., to be Captain, vice W. Timbrel!, resigned. 

May. The Berkshire Militia marched from Dover to be 
encamped at Shorncliffc, near Sandgate. The Warwick- 
.shirc and ICasl Essex Militias were encamped at the same 
place. 



October. Glanders broke out in Brighton Camp, and 
about fifty horses of the Prince of Wales' Regiment had to 
be shot. 

October nth. There was a grand review, held by the 
Duke of York, after which the camp broke up for the 
winter. 

New regulations were issued to the Army. Every soldier 
in future was to receive 8d. per day, and the allowance of 
bread was to be discontinued. 

October 28th, A most elegant ball and supper was given 
at Buscot Park, to celebrate Captain Pryce Loveden's 
twenty- first birthday. 

Wednesday, October 21st. Three hundred of the Berk- 
shire Militia marched into winter quarters at Margate, 
Ramsgate was the headquarters of the regiment. 

Commissions: John Pocock, of Blewbury, Esq., Ensign, 
vice Pryce Loveden, promoted ; John Hill, of Barkham, 
Berkshire, gent, to be Ensign, vice Swan Hill, resigned ; 
David Crowe, of Sindlcsham, Esq., to be Ensign, vice 
Thomas Stracey, promoted ; Benjamin Holloway, jun., 
of Charlburj', Oxfordshire, to be En,sigti, vice J. Bard.slcy, 
promoted. William White, who had been Regulating 
Captain for Berkshire, was promoted to Liverpool and 
given a good appointment. 

October. The chief subject of interest was agriculture, 
the scarcity of corn and the price of bread, varied by debates 
on a dog ta.x. suggested through the prevalency of hydro- 
phobia. For a time, warfare and military affairs were put 
aside for other topics. 

Christmas. The reduction of the forces was steadily 
going on, soldiers were drafted into other regiments by 
degrees. 

iTofi January. Among the Military Cantonments, 
the Berkshire Regiment was in quarters at Rams- 
Igate and in the Isle of Thanet. 



138 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

February. Commissions signed by the Lord-Lieutenant 
of the County : Ensign Mears, Lieutenant, vice Stracey, 
resigned; Ensign Pocock, Lieutenant, t//r^ Deane, promoted ; 
Richard Fiennes Wykham, Esq., Ensign, vice J. Hill, 
resigned ; Ensign Holloway, Lieutenant, vice Crowe, re- 
signed ; Ensign Wykham, Lieutenant, vice Mears, resigned ; 
Charles Imhoff, Esq., Captain, z/zV:^ Sheppard, resigned. 

March. An alteration was proposed in the infantry dress, 
by which long coats were to be entirely excluded. 

May 7th. Parliamentary duties prevented the Earl of 
Radnor from attending his regiment on their route from the 
Isle of Thanet into Devonshire. His Lordship, however, 
transmitted orders to his household at Longford Castle to 
entertain his men in the best manner circumstances would 
permit, when they passed that place ; in consequence of 
which the first division, previous to their entrance into 
Salisbury on Tuesday sen'night, crossed the river in boats 
from Alderbury to Longford, and at the Castle were plenti- 
fully regaled with bread and cheese and good English beer. 
The second division, having more time to spare, marched 
on Friday at noon from Salisbury, and had the same fare 
spread on tables in the park, returning in the evening highly 
exhilarated. The third division was entertained in the same 
manner. To the credit of the corps, their hilarity produced 
not a single instance of disorderly conduct, but manifested 
itself in songs of loyalty and loud huzzas in honour of their 
noble commander. 

May 2 1st. The Summer Cantonment of the Berks 
Militia was Totncss and the adjoining towns. 

December 28th. A meeting was held at the "Crown" 
Inn, Reading, to consider the augmentation of the Militia 
according to Act of Parliament. Present: Sir Francis 
Sykes, Bart, John Bagnall, Esq., Edward Golding, Esq., 
Henry Deane, Esq. 



■797. , 



Mondaj', January 2rid. Wokingham division 

had to provide for two officers, two sergeants, 

one drummer, nine rank and file of the old Berkshire 

idilitia, and 126 privates of the new Suppletnenlary Militia, 

■'for twenty days; and the sum ofj£ri26 was voted, to provide 

Jfor the subsistence of the 126 privates during that time. 

A gradual reduction of the Army was made. The 
I Supplementary Militias were called out in detachments at 
I the different towns, for the space of twenty days ; each 

■ section W4S disembodied after training. Later on in the 
Byear, when war seemed more imminent, these were allowed 

■ cither to join certain regiments sent on march to recruit, 
lor else to be drafted into the old County Militia. 

■ Everywhere the Supplementary Militia gained the same 
I praise as the old Militia for good conduct; at Wantage, 
1 especially, where they were entertained before breaking up. 
I Defaulters from the Supplementary Militia were advertised, 
I and non-appearance with the last section was punished as 
I desertion. 

At Wallingford, Lieutenant Bardsley and the detachment 
I of non-commissioned officers of the old Berkshire Militia 
I who drilled the Supplementary Militia there, were spoken 
I of in the following terms, besides receiving a small present : 
" For their good conduct and behaviour, as well in the town 
las in the field, too much cannot be said in their praise ; suf- 
I fice it to say they behaved themselves as soldiers and men." 
February. The Berkshire Regiment was quartered as 
I follows: The Grenadiers, under Captain Weeks; hcad- 
I quarters, Dartmouth. Four companies in Barracks at Bury 
1 Head, under Lord Radnor, Captain Brocas, Captain Imhoff, 
land Captain Ravenshaw; the volunteer company at Brix- 
Iham; three companies at Totness and Bridgetown, with 
I the Lieut-Colonel, the Majors, and Captain Deane ; the 
I LJght Infantry, with Captain Toll, at Cawsand and ad- 
Ljaccnt places. This gives nine companies to the regiment. 



140 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



It was at this time the extraordinary event happened o 
the French landing at Fishguard, on the coast of Pembroke 
shire. The English were, however, too well prepared foi 
them, and they were promptly made prisoners. It waf 
reported that three of them were killed and 1^00 prisonen 
taken. They had three S2-gun ships, with 460 men ; om 
ship of twenty-two guns, and a lugger of fourteen guns 
1 But reliance on these statistics is doubtful, as later on I find 

the number of French prisoners in England variously esti- 
mated as 22,000 and 26,000 ; and, still later, it was said 
there were 4,000 Dutch prisoners also. What ever th< 
exact number was, it evidently was a very large one. 

Influenza was prevalent. The newspaper speaks of it ai 
" that old disorder, known by the old term influenza." I 
took the form of a violent cold in the head, general lassitud< 
and weariness through the whole frame, which was foum 
extremely difficult to remove. No particular mention i; 
made of this disease among the soldiers, doubtless the] 
suffered from it at this time. 

May. Lord Radnor was not with his regiment early ii 
this month, as he was present at the General Quarte 
" Sessions for Wilts. 

During this month the War Office issued orders for stric 
enquiry to be made of the names of all Militiamen who ha( 
enlisted in Regular regiments and the regiment whereii 
they had been enlisted, so that they might be ordered to b 
given up to their own Militia. This was to avoid desertioi 
and rc-cnlistment for the sake of bounty money. 

July. Commissi(^ns in the Herkshire Militia: Edwii 
Reeves, of Arborficld, Esq., to be Captain, T'/a* Gill, resigned 
Francis Robert Holdsworth, of Dartmouth, gent., to b 
Lieutenant, vice Ravenshaw, promoted ; Ensign Cane, t 
be Lieutenant, vice Imhoff, promoted ; Robert Cane, c 
1 London, gent, to be Ensign, vke Pococke, promoted 

, Thomas William Butler, of Wokingham, to be Ensign, vii 

;;!] Crowe, promoted. 

r 



This year there was another terrible thunderstorm, felt 
I especially at Plymouth and Wi'ymouth. The Berkshire 
1 Militia were on the Devonshire coast, around Totness and 
I Dartmouth. 

September. The Government announced their intention 
I of sending each Militia, for winter quarters, back to their 
I own counties ; but it was not carried out. 

October ist The Berkshire Militia went into winter 
I quarters at Bristol. 

November. The civil department of every regiment of 

I the Line, as well as the Militia, heretofore conducted by 

military men called Captain and Paymaster, was about to 

undergo a complete change. In future, persons conversant 

in agency affairs were to be appointed Paymasters of regi- 

l ments, with the rank of Captain in the Army and 15s. per 

I day as pay, without deduction. They were to be attached 

I to the regiment, appointed by the Colonels, and approved or 

I recommended by the Army Agents. Some security was to 

I be taken in consequence of the appointment. The regula- 

I Hon came into force on December isth. The plan was 

I attributed to H.R.H. Duke of York, who. as head of the 

I Army, interested himself in ail details of its management, 

I both great and small. 

An erroneous account of the duel at Bristol between 
I Lieut -Colonel Sykes and Mr. C. F. Williams having 
I appeared in the Bristol papers, the following was sent to 
I the printer of the Reading- Mercury: 

" Immediately after Mr. Williams's apology, we, the undersigned 
I seconds in the affair, ihinit it proper to insert the following slaie- 
I ment of facts; On the iidi inst., a letter was addressed to the 
1 printer at Farley's Bristol Journal, signed 'Trim.' which Colonel 
iSjkes conceived reflected on Jiis conduct. On enquiry of the 
I primer, he was informed that Mr. Willianis was the author ; and 
\ the next day after the informaiion, Colonel Sykes, meeting Mr. 
ma in College Green, asked him if he was the author of that 



142 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

letter, and at the same time shewing him the paper. Mr. Williams 
replied in the affirmative, and the Colonel then asked him if he 
alluded to him in that letter. He replied he did in a part of 
it, when the Colonel immediately struck him several times. On 
the Friday morning following, a meeting took place between the 
parties, in consequence of a message received by the Lieut. -Colonel 
from Mr. Williams ; and, at their arrival on the ground, it was 
agreed that Colonel Sykes and Mr. Williams should stand at ten 
paces distant and fire together on a word being given. The 
ground being measured, they took their posts and fired accord- 
ingly, when Colonel Sykes's ball passed through Mr. Williams's 
cravat, waistcoat, and the cape of his coat. Mr. Williams missed 
the Colonel. On the second discharge the Colonel received a 
ball through his foot, the ColoneFs ball having passed close 
under the brim of Mr. Williams's hat. At the third fire Mr. 
Williams's pistol snapped, and the Colonel slightly wounded him 
in the groin. At the next discharge the Colonel was shot through 
the pocket of his coat and Mr. Williams was missed. The 
seconds then interfered, when it was settled with the consent of 
Mr. Williams that he should make Colonel Sykes an apology in 
the public newspaper; and, in consequence of that apology, Colonel 
Sykes should apologise to him in College Green, before two or 
three friends, for having struck him, as soon as his surgeon will 
permit him to come out. We think it necessary to add that, 
although the Colonel was shot through the foot at the second 
fire, he concealed it from us, and did not make it known until the 
affair was satisfactorily settled. — John Algoe, Robert Cane, 
seconds.'' 

Then follows a letter of apology from Mr. Williams to 
Colonel Sykes, duly signed by the seconds. 

Coloured feathers were worn by the officers and soldiers, 
to distinguish the companies ; red and white belonged to 
the bodv of the rci^fiment. The Grenadiers had white 
feathers and the light company green. The use of badges 
for the purpose did not come in until the early part of this 
century. Probably they superseded the feathers on account 



IVars and Rujiioiirs of War: 



143 



I of the expense; for. with wind and weather, the latter soon 

I became faded and shabby, and required to be often renewed. 

~ January. A plan of defence was drawn up 

by Government to protect the South coast. Fresh 

I orders were issued. Among other regiments one was 

I formed of boys only; neither the name nor locaUty of this 

I novel corps is stated. The papers were full of warlike 

rumours, and the King ordered out the Supplementary 

I Militia, but only to allay public fear. The papers then said 

that this was not done in consequence of any information, 

but merely as a precaution, so that the men might be ready 

I if required. The effective strength of the Military of Great 

I Britain was reported to exceed 200,000 men. 

February. The Militias were ordered back to their own 
I county towns, and all officers on leave were ordered to 
I rejoin. Many of the Supplementary Militia were drafted 
I into Line regiments at this time. 

Februarj- tgth. The officers, non-commissioned officers 
I and privates of the Berkshire Regiment of Militia, in garrison 
I at Bristol, have subscribed two days' pay to the voluntary 
1 contribution for the support of their country. The follow- 
I ing was given in general orders on the occasion : 
'■ Bristol, 

" Febniarj' 19th, 1798. 
"LieuL-General Rooke acquaints Colonel the Earl of Radnor 
I and the officers, non-commissioned officers and privates of the 
I Berkshire Regiment of Miliiia, that he shall have the greatest 
I satisfaction in making known (through the Adjutant-General) to 
I Fie Id- Marshal! H.R.H Duke of York the voluntary subscription 
I of two days' pay each, for the support of Oovernrnenl." 

The Supplementary Militia, its divisions and sub-divisions 
■were again out on march. Half of them, 374 men, were 
balloted for. They were embodied at Newbury, and from 
Ktfaerc drafted to the main body of the regiment at Bristol, 



144 Royal Berkshire Militia, 



February. Pryse Loveden, Esq., of Woodstock, was 
married to Hon. Mrs. Agar, sister to Lord Viscount 
Ashbrooke. 

The Supplementary Militia were to be disposed of as 
follows : One-third were allowed to enlist, on considerable 
bounties, in several parties of marching regiments sent to 
recruit among them ; the rest were to join the old regiment 
of Militia, belonging to their respective counties. 

Circular letters from the Duke of York were sent to 
Colonels of several Militia Regiments, directing them 
that three sergeants, three corporals and six privates (who 
were eligible for the rank of non-commissioned officers) 
should be sent from each regiment, to aid in disciplining 
the Supplementary Militia, from which corps they were to 
receive an equal number of men in return. 

March. It was said 30,000 men were called out of 
Supplementary Militias. 

March 14th. Two sergeants and eighteen men were sent 
to Bristol from Newbury. 

April. One Field Officer, two Captains, four Subalterns, 
with non-commissioned officers and a drummer, were 
ordered from Bristol by May 3rd, to proceed to Ncwbur}!" 
to assist in training the Supplementary Militia. The officers 
to travel in carriages, the non-commissioned officers by out- 
side coaches, &c. lu)ur days after assembly the men had 
the option of enlisting in the Army, receiving a bounty of 
seven guineas, to serve during the war. 

Wednesday, May 23rd and 24th. The detachment of the 
Berkshire Supplementary Militia were ordered to join the 
regiment at Bristol. They were to march in two divisions, 
via Hungerford, Marlborough, Chippenham and Mar.shfield, 
halting on Sunday, the 27th, arriving at Bristol on May 
28th and 29th. Tlic following day another order was 
issued, directing them to start two days earlier, i.c.^ 21st 
and 22nd, so as to arrive at Bristol at the end of the week. 



Wars and Rumours of Wars. 



'45 



June 9th. The Berkshire Militia were relieved at Bristol 

Garrison by the Royal Cheshire Mililia, under Lord Grey. 

~l»ey inarched through Bath to Poo!e, under Lord Radnor. 

Commissions in the Berkshire Mih'tia : Henry Bromley, 

of Caversham, Esq.. Ensign, vice Gill, resigned ; Benjamin 

lailey, of Caversham, gent., Ensign; Ensign Ramsey, Lieu- 

siant, vice Reeves, promoted; Arthur Vansittart. juii., of 

bhottcsbrooke. gent,, Ensign, Wf^ Ramsey, promoted; John 

pUgrave Pococke, of East Hagbourne, Captain; Augustus 

Henry East, of Hurley. Captain ; Ensign Dodd, Lieutenant, 

M'ice Pococke, promoted; Ensign Birnie, Lieutenant, vice 

Holloway, resigned ; Ensign Guyenett, Lieutenant; Ensign 

Hill, Lieutenant. 

June nth and 12th. The Berkshire Militia left Bristol, 

The regiment consisted of twelve companies, and marched 

B)y two routes. The first half divided into two portions 

bf three companies each. Three companies started on 

Wonday, the nth, for Bath; Tuesday, the 12th, War- 

ninster; Wednesday, the 13th, Shaftesbury; Thursday, the 

|l4th, they halted; Friday, the 15th, Blandford; Saturday. 

l6th, Pooic Barracks. The three companies of the 

»nd division left on the 12th, and went exactly the same 

ray, except that they reached Blandford on Saturday and 

■pent Sunday there, getting to Poole Barracks on Monday. 

: 18th. These six companies remained at Poole until 

[ust 27th, when they .started for Weymouth, vin Ware- 

liam, and arrived the following day. The other half of the 

gimentalso left Bristol on June nth and i2th,forShepton 

blallct, Wincanton and Sherborne, halting on Thursday. 

14th, in the two last-named towns, and then to Dor- 

hester, and Weymouth town and Barracks on June l6th 

I iSth. 

The Bill for allowing the Militia to serve in Ireland was 
ssed; and our Militia evidently volunteered at once for 
vice, for the Reading Merciiiy announces that the Berk- 



146 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



shire Light Dragoons landed in good health at Pigeon 
House, Dublin. Curiously there is no mention in the 
marching orders of their going to Ireland. Alderman 
Darter refers to it. He tells of one of the Militia Band, the 
player of the "serpent," who lost his eye in Ireland and had 
to leave the regiment; and he also speaks of a boy who served 
in the regiment in Ireland, but I can find no other entries 
and they are not named among the first list of regiments 
sent to Ireland. Evidently the horse troop only was sent 
for a few weeks, while the body of the regiment remained 
at Bristol. We know there was a mounted troop belonging 
to the Berkshire Militia by the following advertisement, 
inserted in the Reading Mercury of July 23rd, ordering the 
embodiment of the Provisional Cavalrj^: "To as.semble on 
such mares or geldings as had belonged to it, or substitutes." 
The allowance per man was three shirts, two pairs of stock- 
ings, and one pair of shoes. They were to assemble at 
Newbury on August 2nd, at twelve noon. This order was 
signed by the Earl of Radnor and dated from Poole, July 
loth, where the Militia was then stationed. The substitutes 
for the Reading Provisional Cavalry were required to meet 
on August 2nd, on Theale Common, to join the remainder 
of the troop. This is signed by J. Blagrave, Major. As 
Major Blagrave was in the Berkshire Militia, it looks as if 
he was "lent" to the Provisional Cavalry; unless this wa.s 
Joseph Blagrave, who had resigned in 1795. This cavalrj- 
appears to have formed part of the Militia and not part of 
any association for volunteers. They proceeded to Bristol 
to join the regiment, under the command of Major Stead ; 
and it is specially remarked that they were as stead}', orderly 
and well-behaved as old soldiers, and not a complaint was 
made since their embodiment. This troop of horse must 
have been raised on the same lines as the troop of Militia 
Horse of 1660. They did not arrive at Bristol until August 
20th. So they were not the same mentioned as sailing to 



Sreland in June; but, perhaps, did duty while the Dragoon 
■company were in Ireland. No other Militia regiment, so far 
; I have studied their histories, had a mounted troop, but 
he Berkshire Militia undoubtedly had. 

This is the last entrj- I can find relating to a mounted 
Itroop in connection with the Berkshire Militia. 

July. An order had gone from the War Office to the 
iGeneral officers commanding in the Eastern Division, to 
lalTow one-third of the old privates of Militia regiments to 
Igo on working-furlough during the harvest. This order 
• probably was general and explains the number of absentees 
Ifrom each regiment. 

August l6th. A general meeting of the Lord -Lieu tenant 
Rand Justices of the Peace was held at the "Pelican" Inn, 
ISpeenhamland, to consider the Militia Acts. They dealt 

■ principally with the Supplementary Militia and condemned 

■ the Constables as ill-performing their duties. It was re- 
■marked that the Reading Division and the Borough of 

■ Reading were grossly defective. 

The number of duels between officers in the Army seem 
[to have increased about this time. None in the Berkshire 
klilitia are recorded, so wc may presume they were a peace- 
able lot. 

September. More Militia.s volunteered for service in 
(Ireland and were forthwith sent. 

Their Majesties, George HI. and Queen Charlotte, with 

hhcir daughler.s, arrived at Gloucester Lodge, Weymouth, 

after five o'clock on the evening of Saturday. On entering 

he town they were received by a party of the 3rd Light 

Dragoons, the Berkshire Militia, and flank companies of 

hhc Shropshire, North Hants, North Gloucestershire and 

ruth Devon Militias, the Weymouth Volunteers, and the 

Vykc Independent Fusiliers. 

September iSth. The Earl of Radnor's Regiment of 
tcrkshire Militia was drawn up and reviewed by the King, 
L 2 



148 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

in the presence of a large number of spectators. The troops 
went through all their manceuvres, which lasted upwards of 
three hours, and with great credit to their noble com- 
mander. The corps consisted of 1,000 men and made a fine 
appearance. After the review, His Majesty rode to the 
Infantry Camp on the Nore. The Royal Family partook of 
an elegant repast at Lord Radnor's house on the Esplanade, 
on their return to the Lodge, prepared for this occasion by 
the Countess of Radnor, who waited on their Majesties and 
the Princesses. Lady Radnor was a personal friend of the 
daughters of George III. and attended them in some of their 
tours. 

Saturday, September 24th. At 10 o'clock in the morning 
the Berkshire Militia, under the command of Lord Radnor, 
was again reviewed by the King, after which the Royal 
l^'amily partook of a public breakfast, given by his Lordship, 
near the oltl Castle. His Majesty was pleased to bestow 
the highest commendations on the soldier-like appearance 
of the regiment, and was himself in highest spirits. In the 
evening the Royal Family went to the Theatre, which was 
filled in every part at an early hour. 

The news of Nelson's victory at the Battle of the Nile, 
fought on August ist, caused great excitement everywhere. 
The King caused the Admiral's letter to be read publicly. 
The troops from the camp at the Nore fired a feu dc joii 
in honour of the occasion. These were the 3rd Dragoons, 
flank companies of the Royal Cheshire and Berkshire 
Militias, and the Weymouth Volunteers. After firing, the 
troops marched past the King and the Duke of York. In 
the evening the Royal Family attended the Theatre. An 
address was given on the victory, and the Band of the Berk- 
shire Militia, numbering nearly twenty performers, marched 
to the front of the stage and performed the chorus of "'God 
save the King;" after this, they played "Rule Britannia," 
amid the plaudits of the audience. The King and Roval 



IP^ars and RiDiiours of Wars. 



149 



I Family were decorated with branches of oak and laurel, and 
I the Royal Princesses had bouquets of the same. 

October 37th. Four companies of the Berkshire Militia 
I marched from Weymouth for Portsmouth, and four more 
I companies had taken the same route the previous day; the 
I remainder marched this day. 

December, Commissions in the regiment of Berkshire 
I Militia: William Lawrence Brookman, Ensign, %'ice Dod, 
promoted, dated June 14th; Hon. Henry Bromley, Lieu- 
I tenant. June 29th; Arthur Vansittart, jun., Captain, July 
I 6th; Ensign Benjamin Bailey, Lieutenant; George Henry 
J Vansittart, Major, July isth; Francis Robert Holdsworth, 
I Captain, October 18th; Ensign George Treacher, Lieu- 
I tenant, vice Cane, resigned. 

On December 20th was passed the Act enabling His 
iMajesty to accept the services of any of the Militia who 
■ voluntarily offered to be employed in Ireland. 

As Militia regiments had been sent to Ireland in that 
I Autumn, the Act passed in December, 1798, must have been 
he formal confirmation by Parliament of permission to serve 
iDUt of England, 

The Militia expenses, as granted by Parliament 

this year, amounted to over four million pounds. 

Commissions signed by the Lord- Lieu tenant: George 

■lenry Vansittart, to be Licut.-Coioiiel, vice Sykes, resigned 

\oEUSt 24th ; Hon. Henry Bromley, to be Captain, vice 

Umhoif, resigned Febfuary 4th ; Edward Martin Atkins 

\tkins, to be Captain, vice Deane, resigned June 5th; — 

Brookman, to be Lieutenant, vice Houldsworth, promoted 

December 13th, 1798; Ensign Macphcrson, to be Lieu- 

:natit, vice Dodd, resigned February 4th ; Ensign Schrader, 

> be Lieutenant, j'(« HiU, resigned February 5th; Ensign 

iuy, to be Lieutenant, vice H. Bromley, promoted March 

Ilth; Ensign Sherren, to be Lieutenant, vice Guyenett, 

•signed May l8th ; I^chlan Macpherson, to be Ensign, vice 



'799- , 



150 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

Birnie, promoted December 17th, 1798; Thomas Key, to be 
Ensign, vice Guyenett, promoted December 18th, 1798; 
Frederick Henry Schrader, to be Ensign, z/zV:^ Hill, promoted 
December 19th, 1798; George Guy, to be Ensign, via 
Bromley, promoted January 19th; William Sherren, to be 
Ensign, vice Vansittart, promoted February 4th; Thomas 
Hughes Edwards, to be Ensign, vice Bailey, promoted 
February 1 3th ; Thomas Snook, to be Ensign, vice Treacher, 
promoted February 1 5th ; Robert Ycates, to be Ensign, vice 
Brookman, promoted February 21st; William CoHis, to be 
Ensign, vice Macpherson, promoted February 2Sth; Charles 
Houlden Walker, to be Ensign, vice Schrader, promoted 
March nth; Benjamin Smith, to be Ensign, vice Guy, 
promoted June 5th. 

January. The Secretary for War determined to do away 
with the post of Regimental Chaplains, and, as a beginning, 
reduced their salaries. As in all matters, while embodied 
the Militia regiments were the same as Line regiments, this 
regulation also affected them. 

June. The flank companies of the Berkshire Militia, 
which were in Winchester Barracks, marched to join the 
body of the regiment in Portsmouth Barracks. As usual, 
the Berkshire Militia met with the warmest praise. When 
it became necessary to strengthen the regiments of the Line, 
it was offered to the Militia regiments to volunteer into 
them. At this crisis, 333 privates and six officers of the 
Berkshire Militia volunteered at onc6, without the slightest 
solicitation ; but only 263 privates and four officers could be 
accepted, as the Act of Parliament limited the number 
which could be drawn out of one regiment, only three-fifths 
being allowed to volunteer out of each regiment, whereupon 
several non-commissioned officers volunteered to serve as 
privates. Later on in the year, October, the orders permit- 
ting the transfer of soldiers from Militia to Line regiments 
to join their brave comrades in Holland, were read on 



fVars and Rumours of Wars. 



151 



1800. 



Lparade; and 150 of the Berkshire Militia immediately 
ttumed out to serve in any part of the world with Captain 
1 Holdsworth, and they were attached to the isth Foot. 
I This transfer of men to the Line regiments reduced the 
I old Militias so much, that recourse to the ballot became 
I necessary. 

The Supplementary Militias all over England were dis- 
I embodied: 150 of the Berkshire Militia were thus dispersed 
\ to their homes from Reading. 

July. The Berk.shire Militia then in Netley 
Camp were less strong by 500, owing to this cause, 
[than the last time they were at Southampton. 

From the Adjutant-General's return of the Forces, the 
leffectivc Military were i9(,453, exclusive of the Marines, 
I who were in the Admiralty Department, and the numerous 
1 Volunteer corps who did not receive pay. 

September. A detachment of the Berkshire Militia were 
I in Winchester, escorting French prisoners. A riot was 
■■expected at New Alresford, it being market day, and much 

■ agitation everywhere on account of the price of corn and 

■ consequent rise in the price of bread. The Faxvley Light 
1 Dragoons were summoned from Winchester, and the Berk- 
I shire Militia volunteered through their officers to help and 
I were accepted ; likewise a detachment of the Cornish miners. 
IAs evening approached, the crowd thickened, farmers and 
I millers were hissed and the disorder increased. The magis- 
Iti^tes tried to keep the peace but without avail, and were 

■ obliged to read the Riot Act. At last the Dragoons were 
I ordered to charge ; this they did with alacrity, and the crowd 

■ disappeared. In a few moments the street was empty. 

■ Many of the rioters were severely beaten about the head 
land back. Nine of them were taken into custody. No one 
■was mortally wounded, for the Dragoons used only the fiat 

of their swnrds; but they vowed that the next time such 
I scene occurred, they would fire first and charge in real 
■earnest. 



152 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

December. There died at Hannay, near Wantage, a 
private of the Berkshire Militia, named William Spindle, 
who was home on furlough. He was given a militar}' 
funeral by the Wantage Volunteers, who, with great credit 
to themselves, gave him those honours due to cver>^ brave 
soldier. They marched with their band. The procession 
was most solemn, and drew tears from the eyes of the vast 
number of spectators who assembled to see it. 

Unfounded rumours appeared in general newspapers, that 
Government intended to disembody the Militia; but this 
was far from being the case, as the War was not over, and 
especially at this crisis, the Militia was needed for home 
defence, many regiments being yet absent on foreign scr\-icc. 
« April. At the end of the month the Berkshire 

Militia marched into Lymington, from Portsmouth 
Barracks, when the commanding officer received the follow- 
ing extract from General Orders at Portsmouth : 

"Headquarters, Portsmouth, April 21st, 1801. 
" Sir, — 1 am directed by Major-General Whitelocke to forward 
to you an extract of the General Orders of to-day : 

"To Lieut.-Colonel Ravenshaw, commandant of the 
Berkshire Regiment. — General Orders: Major-General 
Whitelocke, having made the half-yearly inspection of the 
Berkshire Militia yesterday, takes the earliest opportunity of 
expressing his surprise and gratification in their improve- 
ment since he had last the pleasure of seeing them in 
the field. Major-CJeneral Whitelocke is satisfied that the 
(icneral ofticer, under whose orders the regiment is about 
to serve, will place a proper value on the excellency of its 
discipline. Lieut.-Colonel Ravenshaw, having commanded 
the regiment nearly the whole of the last six months, is 
assuredly entitled to infinite praise for his zeal and exertions. 

** THOMAS PRETYLER, 

••Major of Brigade." 

June. The Berkshire Militia marched into Weymouth 

and were encamped near the town. The King and the 



[ Royal Family were, at this time, staying in ihc town. His 
Majesty seems to have taken great interest in the soldiers. 
He ordered for himscIT a special uniform to wear during 
his visit to Weymouth, and desired the Princesses to 
adopt it. It was scaHct, with narrow gold !ace, the same 
LS worn by the Knights of the Garter, 

July 22nd. The King and the Royal Family reviewed 

the Berkshire Militia near their encampment at Weymouth, 

Eleven of the principal manoeuvres agreeable to His 

Majesty's regulations were selected (or the day's perform- 

[ ance, which they went through in such a superior style as 

! to gain the approbation of His Majesty, Prince Adolphus. 

1 the Generals, and numerous Field officers present, who 

pointedly expressed that they had never seen a regiment 

I execute those manceuvres better; " Very great praise is due 

I to Colonel Vansittart, who (so lately appointed to the 

I command of the regiment) has, by attention to his military 

I duty, gained so much knowledge of his profession as to 

I manoEuvre his regiment and deliver his words of command 

I so remarkably correct. He was well supported by every 

(dividual officer in his regiment; and to such perfection are 

I the men brought, that during the review not one false 

I motion was made." 

After the review His Majesty and the Queen, and Royal 
Family, with numerous nobility, partook of an elegant 
. dejtttnt, given by the Colonel, in tents, in front of the Berk- 
I shire line of encampment. Mrs, East and Miss Laura 
1 Vansittart, with Colonel Vansittart, waited on the King 
land Queen; while the Hon. L. Bouverie, Lieut-Colonel 
) Ravcnshaw, Major Fye, and Captain East were attendant 
I on the Princesses and the select party in the King's tent, 
I amongst whom were the Countesses of Radnor and Rosslyn, 
1 Ladies C. Durham, M. Wynward, C. Enken, C. Bellairs, 
I Hon. Mrs. Grant, &c. The Princesses, with their usual 
I«ff3b4lity and condescension, expressed to their attendants 



154 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

the pleasure they had received in the very excellent review 
of " their County Regiment." 

Colonel Vansittart appointed Reading as the headquarters 
of the regiment for assembling, prior to the disembodiment 

August. The Supplementary Militia were assembled in 
Reading, and thirty or forty men were selected to join the 
Regular Militia, the rest were given two days* pay and 
dismissed to their homes. 

A court-martial was held on two of the York Hussars, 
who had deserted and cut a boat out of harbour with the 
intention of going to France, but by mistake they landed 
at Guernsey and were taken prisoners. Sentence was 
passed upon them, and they were shot on Bincombe 
Down, near Weymouth, June 30th, 1801. All the regi- 
ments, both in camp and barracks were drawn up. The 
Greys, the Rifle Corps, and the Staffordshire, Berkshire, and 
North Devonshire Militias. The men came on the ground 
in a mourning coach, attended by two priests. After 
marching along the front of the line they returned to the 
centre, where they spent about twenty minutes in prayer, 
and were then shot by a guard of twenty-four men ; they 
dropped instantly, and expired without a groan. The men 
appeared sensible of their awful situation, and were very 
penitent. The soldiers then wheeled in sections and 
marched by the bodies in slow time. 

October. Lord Hobart,in a circular letter to all the Lords- 
Lieutenants in the kingdom, had, by the King's command, ex- 
pressed His Majesty's **deep and lasting sense of their steady 
attachment to our established Constitution, and that loyalty, 
spirit, and perseverance, which have been manifested by the 
several corps of Yeomanry and Volunteers in every part of 
the kingdom. Farther, that they (the Lords- Lieutenants), 
at the next meeting of the corps, will, in His Majesty's name, 
thank them, and request that they will continue themselves 
in readiness for immediate services until the definite treaty is 



IVars and Rumours of Wars. 



155 



i signed, as, till then, it is necessary that tliere should be no 
1 relaxation in the preparations which have been made for the 
I general defence." This letter likewise directs the suspension 
\ of the measures ordered pursuant to the Act of the 38 
I George III. in the event of invasion. 

December nth. The Berkshire Militia, from Winchester, 

I arrived at Reading two companies at a time. For nine years 

the regiment had been helping with the defence of the 

country, and had not been in its native county, and as they 

entered the town the men gave three hearty cheers to be 

home again. The following day they proceeded to Henley. 

The whole time the regiment had been away on duty they 

I had not a single complaint against them, but had everywhere 

I gained the respect of the inhabitants at the various stations 

I at which they had been quartered, greatly to the credit of 

I both officers and men. 

The Militia Bill for this year allowed the King to assemble 
f the Militia for twenty-one days only, if he thought fit, it 
I ordered one third to be drawn out annually. The men 
I being drawn for ten years, and the substitutes for five years, 
I to be renewed at the end if desired. For regiments Soo 
I strong, one Colonel, two Lieutenant-Colonels, and three 
1 Majors were allowed. For regiments of 700, one Colonel, 
I two Lieutenant-Colonels, and two Majors. 

The Treaty with France was not definitely signed, and 
until that took place disembodiment was postponed, At 
first all officers and men were ordered to reassemble, 
I previous to disembodiment, on March :oth, but owing to 
I delays the date was altered to April 14th. All over 
j Berkshire the news of the Proclamation of Peace was 
I received with great rejoicing. An address was sent to His 
] Majesty from the royal county. It was conveyed to town 
I by the high sheriff and a large party of county gentlemen, 
I the following of whom kissed the King's hand for the first 
I time; Sir Joseph Andrews, Bart., Woodcock Croft, tsq. 
I and Thomas Goodlake, Esq. 



156 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

The Treaty of Peace, called the Peace of Amiens, 

' with France was signed, and the Annual Register 

states "that April 24th, 1802, the whole of the Militia and 

fcncible regiments were disbanded, and the reduction of the 

regular troops will speedily take place." 

The Berkshire Militia was at Weymouth. They were 
marched homewards and quartered at Henley, Maidenhead, 
Marlow, and Wycombe. 

jMarch. The 7th Dragoons had been for some time in 
Reading ; they were marched out to make room for the 
Berkshire Militia. Three months previous the Militia had 
passed through Reading in divisions, but now after nine 
years embodiment, they were returning to the town. They 
were welcomed by the ringing of the church bells and 
the shouts of the vast crowds who collected to see them 
enter the tv^wn. Wherever they had been quartered during 
those nine years, the regiment had earned respect and 
approbation, and the Reading people were justly proud to 
note the fact. 

On April 24' h, the disembodiment took place. At the 
same time the Commander-in-Chief issued a circular letter, 
sent to all Militia agents, which was thought to be most 
considerate on his part, showing his anxiety for the welfare 
of those under his command. 

" Adjutants (the only officers remaining in pay after the 
regiment is disembodied) arc to take charge of all the men 
who arc unable to march home, that they are to subsist 
them, and provide every medical assistance until they are 
able to march home, and that in the meantime their bills 
for what is wanted for that service for the monthly estimate 
are to be honoured by their agents." This was a vast 
improvement for the men's comfort, as previously they had 
been without assistance or relief of any kind. 



\ 



\ 



CHAPTER X. 

NINETEENTH CENTURY WARFARE. — 1803-1852. 
SSN March 30th, 1803, the Berkshire Militia was again 
gg embodied at Reading, under Colonel Vansittart. 
They were a very fine body of young men, but the 
J muster was deficient. This, however, was remedied a week 
I later, due notice having been given that all such as had been 
I balloted for and had decamped before the constables had 
I time to serve them with the notice, were quite as liable as 
I those who were sworn and then deserted ; in either case 
I they would be puni.shed as deserters and sent fur foreign 
I service, unless they surrendered themselves at once to the 
I sergeants. Arms were delivered out to the soldiers, and so 
I eager and attentive were both officers and men that they 
I soon made great progress, and could compare with any corps 
1 in the country. 

The regiment marched out from Reading to Ashford 
I Barracks, where they were quartered with the Royal Surrey 
I Militia. The Supplementary Militia of Berkshire was then 
I called out for duty, to protect the county while the old 
I Militia was away. 

It was at this time that volunteer corps and local cavalry 
I were raised in every division of the county. Many former 
I Militia oPRccrs, who had resigned, now came forward and 
I took commissions in these local regiments. 

Among other regiments were the " Aldermaston Fencibles," 
a which my great-grandfather, William Thoyts, cf Sulham- 
I stead, held a commission. 

One very patriotic individual wrote to the Reading 
mjlffcury to say that he had spent thirty-seven years of his 



158 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



life in the Berkshire Militia, and six years in the Marine 
service at the time of the Rebellion ; that, as he was only 
79/^ years of age, he still wished to serve his country in 
such a critical time ; he could make blunt {sic) cartridges 
and ball cartridges, and evidently had some idea of setting 
up a factory at Luckley House, Wokingham, whether he 
did or no the paragraph does not say, nor does it give the 
name of this worthy veteran. 

About this time 180 of the Berkshire Militia volunteered 
into the Line. 

The oldest records in the possession of the Regiment com- 
mence in this year, consisting of a Court Martial Book and 
a Register of Officers, both these books, curiously, were 
bought (so says a label on the covers) from a Nottingham 
stationer, which makes me think that they are copies made 
in 18 1 2 from older papers or books of 1803. 

Among the Militia correspondence at the Record 
^' Office is this letter from the Secretaries to the 
Right Hon. Charles Yorke, dated from the War Office, 
April 23rd : 

** Gentlemen, — I have the honour to enclose, for the infomia- 
tion of Mr. Yorkc, a copy of a list transmitted to me. by command 
of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief, of regiments of 
Militia which have received His Majesty's gracious permission to 
bear the appellation of Royal Regiments. 

**I am, &c., 

*'F. MOORE." 

A list follows of regiments of Militia which received His 
Majesty's gracious permission to bear the appellation of 
Royal Regiments, and which claim as such the distinction 
of wearing blue facings. Berkshire is among the list which 
contains twelve regiments. Colonel Davis, in his historv of 
" The West Surrey Militia," also quotes the above letter, 
but the list he gives of the Royal Regiments names thirty- 



I two regiments. His extract must have come from a. 
IdifTcrent document to the one copied for me from the 
1 Record Office, although it bears the same date. 

The Duke of York, with paternal and becoming regard 
Ifor the welfare of the soldiery (no less creditable to his 

■ feelings as a man than to his watchfulness of their health as 

■ Commander-in-Chief), caused to be circulated the following 

■ letter from the Horse Guards : 

"Sir, — The Commander-in-Chief having observed with iiifiniie 
regret the fjtal effects the small-pox has, in seventy recent 
insunccs, produced in ihe Army, His Royal Highness apprehends 
I that suflicient attenlion has not been paid to the order respecting 
I the Vaccine inoculation, issued on November iHth, 1S03. His 
I Royal Highness therefore requests that you will recall the order 
1 10 the recoiled ion of officers commandinj; brigades and regiments; 
I and ibat you will enjoin ihem to give it all possible (effect, by explain- 
ling to the men the beneficial consefiuences resulting from the 
I inoculation of the cow-pox, which has lon^' been proved lo the 
I entire conviction and saiiafaction of those who have had the best 
t opportunities of observing the mild and rapid progress of this 
I iniponant discovery. 

(Signed) "HENRY CALVERT, 

'■ Ailj 11 taut-General." 

Before the Berkshire Militia left Ipswich, a grand review 
I took place on Rushmere Heath by H.R.II.the Duke of 
I York, who inspected the whole garrison, which then con- 
Istslcd of the Royal Berkshire, Royal East Middlesex, West 
I SufTolk, Shropshire, and Herefordshire Militias and Artil- 
llery, commanded by Lieqt. -General Lord Charles Fitzroy. 

■ The Cavalry being the 2nd or Royal North British Dragoons, 
Isist Light Dragoons, 7th Light Dragoons, and a detach- 
Iment of Horse Artillery, commanded by Major-General 
I Lord Paget. After the review the following orders were 
tissued : 



i6o Royal Berkshire Militia. 



" Lieut.-General Lord Charles Fitzroy has the most sincere 
satisfaction in making known to Major-General Robinson and the 
two brigades who were yesterday reviewed, the very handsome 
manner in which His Royal Highness, the Commander-in-Chief, 
was pleased to express himself at the very high order in which the 
whole appeared, and at their great steadiness and attention in the 
field. If Lieut.-General Lord Charles Fitzroy may presume to add 
a few words of his own, he will consider this a fair opportunity of 
returning thanks to those commanding officers whose exertions, 
seconded by the officers and non-commissioned officers, and by 
the good discipline, steadiness and handiness of the men under 
their command, ensured the whole as well as each individual 
regiment, to appear with so much credit to themselves, as well as 
with real pride to the Lieut.-General commanding them." 

October 30th and 31st. The Berkshire Militia 
^' passed through Reading on their way from Ipswich 
to Taunton in Somersetshire. To welcome them the bells 
of the three Reading churches rang gaily, and hundreds of 
the inhabitants of the town assembled to see the regiment, 
which had been away on duty for two years. 

The War Office Papers give among the Militia 

^ ^^' uniforms of 1807, the Berkshire Militia's, at 
Reading : 

Staff-Sergeants* clothing : Sergeant's and Drum-Major's 
coats : scarlet with blue facings, silver Bias lace and fringe 
for both, and plated buttons. 

Sergeants' clothing : Coats scarlet with blue facings, ^i in 
white lace, with the shoulder straps sewed in the seam of 
sleeve, looping jews harp ten by twos as pattern drawn. 

Privates' clothing : Coats red with blue facings, with 
a white worsted lace with a blue edge, threads blue inwards 
looping the same as sergeants' ten by twos. 

Drummers' clothing : Coat red with blue facings, with 
fringe on wings and under the darts of sleeve, white worsted 
and broad lace J^-in. over the scams of body and sleeves of 



II 



Nineteenth Century Warfare. 



i6i 



I coat, pocket frame and two strips leading from the pocket 
] frame to the arm holes and down the front edge from the 
I collar to the bottom of turnbacks, narrow and broad to the 
f hips and cuffs, narrow lace J^-in. for looping the coat and ' 
I collar and wings with looped strips as pattern drawn, looping 
I ten square loops by twos as pattern drawn. 
Button Maker : Mr. Shaw, London. 

LOCAL MILITIA. 

Three regiments of Local Militia raised in Berk- 

^^ shire: first regiment, ten companies, F. Page. Esq., 

I Lieu L -Colonel, Commandant ; second regiment, eight com- 

Ipanies, Henry John Kearney, Esq., Lieut. - Colonel, 

■ Commandant; third or Royal regiment, seven companies, 

■ George, Marquis of Blandford, Lieut.-Colone!, Commandant. 

The Local Militia was established under Statute 48, 
I George III., cap. 3, which received Royal Assent June 30th, 

)8, and their services were continued to the end of the 
I then war. namely. May ist, 1815, by Statute SS, George III., 
I cap. 76, which j-eceived Royal Assent on June 14th, iSiJ, 
1 four days before the Battle of Waterloo. 

They were called out annually in the spring for training, 
I and took the place of the regular Militia during its absence 
i'ice. They were looked upon as a sub-division of the 

■ Berkshire Militia, and were always spoken of as the Local 

r New Militia, and were distinct from the Volunteers of a 
|Iater date which had no connection with the Militia. 

June 2Sth. While the Local Militia were exercising in the 

■ Forbury, on being refused their marching guinea previous to 
■their dismissal the next day, several companies laid down 
itheir arms, to which conduct it was afterwards asserted they 

■ had been incited by some of the Volunteers imfirudently 
lurging them on and promising to stand by them. How far 
■this assertion is founded on fact we know not, but certain it 
lis, the officers of the Volunteers were by no means impli- 



l62 



Royal Berkshire Miiiiia. 



cated in the charge, neither could it be expected that l 
should be answerable for the conduct of their men while o 
duty. Notwithstanding this, however, on complaint beii^ 
made at the War Office by the Commander of the '. 
Militia, of the supposed misconduct of the Regiment of 
Reading Volunteers, they were, in the July following, dis- 
missed from His Majesty's service without the smallest 
remuneration and without even a compliment being paid 
them for their meritorious conduct in coming forward in 
the hour of danger to serve their country, almost wholly 
at their own expense, (Man's History of Reading). 

The Militia force in England, on June 25th, was 

' "■ 77^24 men. 

The riot of frame breakers, known as Luddites, began at 
Nottingham in the middle of November. The wholesale 
hosiers for some time had been curtailing their hands, and 
much distress and discontent ensued. Certain large frames 
had been introduced which effected a considerable saving in 
manual labour, and this incensed the workpeople ; they 
commenced breaking all these frames, and though the 
master weavers armed themselves and barricaded their 
houses, the mob was too strong for them, and contintied 
the outrages. The Military were called out, consisting of 
thirty men of dismounted Dragoons, the posse comilatus 
or Militia, the ist and 2nd Local Militia, a special 
messenger being sent to town to ask for further aid to 
quell the riots. 

Besides the troops named, two troops of Volunteer 
Cavalry and a detachment of the Queen's Bays took up 
their quarters in the town. At this time the Nottingham 
Militia, called the " Sherwood Foresters," were taking their 
turn of two years duty in Ireland. The presence of so 
many soldiers at first overawed the frame-breakers, and 
tranquility was restored, but only for a brief interval. The 
Berkshire Militia airived at Nottingham soon after ibcj 
outbreak, and continued there during the rioting. 



Nineteenth Century Warfare. 



■63 



o Riot and frame-breaking continued all through 

January and spread to Derbyshire. Night attacks 
occurred on peaceable individuals, so that watch had to be 
kept. The Corporation of Nottingham took measures for 
protection, but this only made the frame- breakers more 
cautious. They fired a gun as a signal, and dispersed before 
they could be captured by the watchers. However, captures 
were made of suspected persons; among others, a celebrated 
pedestrian, well known as a deserter, who had long been 
a terror to the neighbourhood. 

An elderly woman, wife of a person who owned seven 
frames broken at Basford, swore to several persons con- 
cerned in the outrage, two of whom were committed. So 
much indignation was excited against her in consequence 
among the stocking makers of Basford, that it was judged 
expedient to remove the family and their furniture, escorted 
by the military at Nottingham; the Sherwood Foresters 
were at this time in Ireland and the Berkshire Militia 
quartered at Nottingham, so this duty must have fallen to 
rtiem. 

Forty men, disguised in various ways and armed with 
pistols, etc., went to Mr, Benson's house, placing sentinels at 
the neighbours' doors and the avenues leading to it; about 
eight of them entered the house, driving the family into the 
pantr>', with threats of immediate death if they created the 
least alarm. The rioters then went to the workshop and 
demolished the eight frames. 

Two days later eight men, carefully disguised, went to 
Mr. Noble's house, at New Radford; they destroyed four 
warp lace frames, because they were making what was called 
a two-course hole. In vain the owner, Mr. Noble, told them 
he was receiving 8d. a yard over the standard price. "It 
was not the price but the sort of net they objected to." He 
narrowly escaped being struck down as one of the ruffians 
cut at the frame with a sword, Mrs. Noble was struck 



164 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

on the head witli the butt end of a pistol ; a neighbour 
entering at the time tried with Mr. Noble to secure the man, 
but he and his companions decamped. Similar attacks 
and other outrages took place in and around the town. 

A picket of one hundred men paraded the streets of 
Nottingham in separate parties, headed by the Civil 
authorities, every night, ready to read the Riot Act. 

This, however, was of no avail, for more frames were 
still broken. In one night alone, thirty or forty were 
destroyed, and by this time the Luddite riots had spread 
to Yorkshire. It was rendered more alarming by the 
secrecy with which the outrages were planned and carried 
out. In most of the villages where so many frames 
had been broken, parties of the military were stationed, 
but their exertions had been inadequate towards the 
apprehension of the offenders. The rebels assembled and 
dispersed in a moment, they were marshalled and disciplined 
like a regular army, and commanded by one particular 
leader, called Ned Lud, under whose banner they swore to 
conquer or die. 

General Hawker went to Bulwell, a manufacturing 
village about eight miles from Nottingham, with a strong 
party of the Berkshire Militia and two officers to quell a 
serious disturbance there. Two other regiments of infantrj' 
received orders to march forthwith to Nottingham, as the 
military in the town were not strong enough for the public 
security of the country. Some Bow Street officers were 
also sent from London. 

The constant parading of the military, their movements in 
various directions b(^th by night and day, gave the appear- 
ance of real warfare. 

At Lcnton, within a few hundred yards of the Barracks, 
twenty frames were destroyed in one night. After doing 
this the Luddites crossed the River Trent, and broke four- 
teen frames at Ruddington and twenty at Clifton, leaving 



Nineteenth Century Warfare. 



>6.S 



only two whole frames in the latter town. ■ An express was 
sent to Nottingham for a troop of Hussars, who went with 
all possible speed, and as many of the Bunney Troop of 
Yeoraanrj' as could be collected (they being in the neighbour- 
hood of the scene of action) were immediately mounted. 
One party pursued the depredators, while others seized all 
the passes over the Trent for a space of four miles, under 
a full persuasion that the Luddites could not escape; but 
such was the generalship of their leader, that they seized 
a boat which nobody else had thought of, and re-passed the 
river in two divisions in perfect safety and escaped. 

That same night a frame was broken at Bulwell, while a 
sergeant and six men of the Berkshire Militia were employed 
to watch it. The parties exchanged shots several times, 
but it is not known that anyone was wounded, though one 
of the Luddites lost his shoe and a hammer. 

The next night, Sunday, more frames were broken. At 
Basford one case was most daring. Three soldiers were in 
a house protecting three frames belonging to William 
Barnes. A party of Luddites entered the house and 
immediately confined the soldiers, and while two of the 
party stood sentry at the door with the soldiers' mu.skets, 
others demolished the frames. After the mischief was done, 
the muskets were discharged and the soldiers liberated, the 
depredators wishing them good-night. 

Three regiments of soldiers, the local police, and the Bow 
Street officers were powerless to stop the mischief. Many 
people were taken up as suspected frame-breakers; but no 
evidence could be got, nor was it believed any of those appre- 
hended were frame- breakers. Four of these prisoners were 
brought into Nottingham with great parade, by three several 
particsof military and civil officers. Two ofthem were persons 
who had had frames broken in their own houses, and another 
was a well-known maniac named VVaplington, a pauper, who 
I for years had been in the habit of wandering about It 



1 66 



Royal Berkshire Miltita. 



excited much laughter to see a Bow Street officer with l! 
poor creature confined in a cart by his side, driving furioi 
along the streets, guarded by half-a-score of Hussars. Itl 
supposed the maniac was caught on one of his wanderin 
excursions and refused to give any account of himself. 

In one outrage the Luddites, about twenty-four in nunibi 
disguised themselves in soldiers' great coats, with their leader ' 
carrying a large staff, so that the people thought they were 
the nightly picket capturing some rioters to take them ( 



Some of the Scots Greys from Leeds were ordered \ 
Huddersfield, the riots having spread there; and a squadft 
of cavalry were sent from Sheffield to take their place ■ 
Leeds, until a squadron of the 2nd Dragoons from Yo( 
Barracks arrived at Huddersfield, when the Scots Gre 
were sent back to Leeds again. 

At Nottingham the rioters gave up frame- breaking (per- 
haps because there were none left to break) for worse 
atrocities. They placarded the streets one night, offering 
a reward for Mr. Wil.son, the Mayor, "dead or alive," because 
he had offered a reward of j^sgo from the Corporation of 
Nottingham, for the discovery of the assassin who shot 
Mr. Trcntham. The rioters grew so bold, they actually ■ 
met in small parties in the streets of Nottingham 
broad daylight and triumphantly talked over their nighfl 
depredations. Reinforcements had further to be sent, « 
sisting of two rifle companies of the North York Rt^imci 

April. From Nottingham, in the spring of the year, t 
Berkshire Militia were sent to Lancashire to help suppre 
the riots which had spread to those parts. On April 30I 
300 of the regiment, under Lieu ten ant- Colonel Ravenshi 
passed through Derby, on their way from Nottingham 1 
Manchester. They travelled in waggons, and a tedioi 
journey it must have been, for the direct route leads acre 
the hills of Derbyshire, through Bu.xton to Macclesfiel 



Nineteenth Century Warfare. 



167 



along the Manchester high-road, a high-road in every sense 
of the word. From Manchester they were sent to Liverpool, 

■ and thence to Preston and Blackburn. The riots were in 
I full force over all that district. 

From Lancashire they were ordered to the South of 
I England, and arrived at Sommerton expecting to be sent to 
I Plymouth or the extreme West of England, where 
I disturbances had arisen in the shape of corn and potato 
I riots, especially in the neighbourhood of Plymouth. The 
I route for the regiment was aUered, and they were sent to 
iBideford. The principal corn crops were, however, har- 
1 vested without much injury, and military force was not 
I required. It was not until December 28th that the Berk- 
Ishtre Militia left Bideford to take up their quarters in Mill 
I Ray barracks at Plymouth, remaining in the neighbourhood 
I of that town during the winter and spring of 181 3. 

„ Two French officers on parole fought a duel at 

Reading, not far from the "New Inn," on the 
I Oxford Road. Unable to procure pistols, they used fowling 
I pieces at fifty paces, firing alternately. The first shot was 
I conclusive, the ball entered the unfortunate man's neck. 
I He was conveyed back to his lodging in a postchaise, where 
I a surgeon dressed his wound, which was said not to be 
I dangerous. The French prisoners about Ihis period were 
I let out on parole, which many broke; some succeeded in 
\ escaping, but most were recaptured. The return of prisoners 
I of War in Great Britain then gave: French, 52,649; Dutch, 
] 1,868; total, 54,517. 

A young man at Horsham was committed to the gaol 
I under the following circumstances: He had formerly lived 
I near Rye, then went to London, and lived most expensively 
I till he had spent all his money; after that, he set his wits to 

■ work. It occurred to him that, knowing the coasts well, he 
I might make a considerable sum by conducting the escape 

r French officers at large on parole. He contrived to get 



1 68 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



acquainted with a French Colonel and Major at Reading, 
who, glad of the opportunity, agreed to give him 300 guineas 
if he assisted them to escape; ;£^I50 was paid at once, and 
the rest was to be handed over as soon as they were on 
board the boat. The party set out in a postchaise, and 
arrived without interruption within a few miles of Hastings, 
where they were observed by an exciseman, who, from 
their appearance, suspected them to be escaped prisoners; 
although the landlord of the inn told him they were German 
officers on their Way to Bexhill to join their regiment. The 
exciseman got a party of military and seized the French 
officers in their beds. They made no attempt at disguise. 
and submitted " in a handsome manner," the young man own- 
ing that the 300 guineas tempted him in the exhausted and 
desperate state of his finances. The French officers were 
"properly disposed of." Poor men, doubtless they were sent 
back again to prison and misery, to brood over their bad 
luck and the nearness of their escape. 

The next important event in the Berkshire Militia annals 
was the departure from Plymouth for Ireland. One 
authority says they sailed on April 29th, another gives the 
day as May 7th. Perhaps both are correct, as the regiment 
probably required more than one vessel for its embarkation. 
The voyage took several days ; but the Cove of Cork was 
reached on May 12th, the regiment arriving there in perfect 
health. They at once marched to Middleton and from 
thence to Athlone, where they were quartered until the 
autumn. 

June loth. A sergeant, a drummer and two privates, 
with a party of thirty-eight recruits, were ordered to leave 
Reading, and travel as quickly as possible, to join the 
regiment in Ireland. 

August 1 6th. The Royal Berkshire Militia left Athlone 
for Galway. Whether they remained there for winter 
quarters docs not appear clear, no information seems forth- 



i8i4. , 



•coming on the subject. That they saw service in Ireland 
Bis certain, but where or when, history does not relate, While 
"Ithe Berkshire Militia were serving in Ireland, their noble 
■example was followed by the Local Militia, who volunteered 
Ifor foreign service in December; but they were too late to 
■ be accepted as a regiment, though many of them were 
■passed on Into the Regulars. 

September. The Berkshire Militia were at 
Tuam, which they left for Newry and the North 
I of Ireland on their way homewards. All regiments being 
I ordered back to their own counties, to be disembodied as 
I soon as convenient; for Peace had been formally pro- 
Iclaimed, with the customary rejoicings, in the previous 
loionth of July. The War was over, as far as home defence 
I was concerned. 

The General Advertiser or Limerick Gazette, of Tuesday, 
ISeptember 27th, 1814, gives the following paragraph: 

"Three regiments of English Militia have received orders of 
I march for Newry, to embark for England : The Cambridge, from 
I Lifibrd, to arrive the 26th and 28th instant; the South Lincoln. 
I from Londonderry, to arrive the 27th; and the Berkshire, from 
I Tuam, to arrive on the 29th and 30th." 

From another Irish newspaper of the same date, 5atf«iil«»'j'j 
\NfWi-Letter and Daily Advertiser, Friday, October 7th, 1814, 
Itfae extract shews that in Ireland, as elsewhere, our Militia 
Iwon respect and esteem. In this case it must be borne in 
I mind that Ireland was, at that time, a hostile country, so 
I this praise has additional value. 

"On Monday, the .South Lincoln, the Berkshire, and Carmarthen 
I Regiments of Militia marched out of this town, for Warrenpoint, 
I to embark on board the transports for England. It is but justice 
I to say of the five regiments, for some days billeted on this lown, 
I vis., the Cambridge, South Lincoln, Berkshire, Carmarthen, and 
r Monaghan, amounting, including women and children, to between 



170 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

four and five thousand persons, that their conduct has been most 
correct and exemplary. The English Militias, returning to their 
country, carry with them the good wishes of the inhabitants of 
Ireland; and we trust and hope our countrymen, on leaving the 
sister kingdom, are equally beloved and regretted. The Cumber- 
land Militia are expected here in a few days, to embark for 
England. The Monaghan, it is said, are to go into barracks." 

Newry Telegraph. 

Two ships were provided to convey the Berkshire Militia 
across the Channel, one was an old steady-going vessel, 
the other a new, fast sailing one; the first arrived after 
a passage of three days, but the other encountered a gale and 
was tossing about for nine days before she reached Liver- 
pool, and it was feared she had foundered. 

So soon as the regiment landed at Liverpool, it was 
expected they would be ordered at once to Reading. This was 
done, and the order was issued for them to start on October 
1 8th and 19th on the long march home, where they were 
timed to arrive November 3rd and 4th ; but this order was 
cancelled at the last moment, disembodiment being sus- 
pended, and the Berkshire Militia remained at Liverpool 
until further notice. 

The return to their native county took three weeks to 
accomplish. By what route they travelled is not known, as 
the marching orders for those years are missing. Finally, 
however they marched into Reading in one division, in Sept- 
181 c c"^t)cr, where they remained until March 14th, i8i6, 
when the final disembodiment took place. The 
Militiamen who fought at Waterloo must have volunteered 
to the Line before their own regiment was disembodied. 

About this period, soldiers' allowance on march was 
much reduced. The innkeepers up to 18 14 were allowed 
IS. per diem, but in 1816 it was reduced to lod. per man. 

Alderman Darter gives the following anecdote of Colonel 
Ravenshaw : — 



Nineteenth Centttry Warfare. 



171 



There was in ihe regiment " a young and very efficient officer, 
who was not on very cordial terms with his brother officers. The 

■ Colonel seems to have noticed this, and subsequently ascertained 
I that the cause arose from the officer in question having relatives 
I engaged in trade, and this fact induced them to 'cut him,' This 
I state of things led the Colonel to \&y marked attention to him, 

■ occasionally walking with him on parade before the men fell in, 
I but he did not in hke manner notice the other officers." This had 
I ihe desired effect, and afterwards the officers became friends. 

As soon as the Militia returned to Berkshire they were 
■disbanded, and as at this time the war on the Continent was 
BstitI engaging our troops, recruiting parties were sent all over 

■ England enlisting for the Regulars. Some must have gone to 

■ the Line directly they landed from Ireland. To Reading 

ame the Blues and the 7th Hussars for this purpose, and as 

he Berkshire Militia were just paid off, numbers enlisted at 

jDncc. Before Waterloo, there was not time to clothe them 

Rn the regimentals of their new regiments so they fought in 

Vtheir Berkshire Militia jackets, one of which was preserved 

■in the museum at Waterloo, and was seen there by 

^Alderman Darter ; he names several who were in the 

Battle of Waterloo, and he also gives this interesting account 

of the old Militia Band :— 

"\Vhen the regiment came home in 1815,11 was linallystationed 

I at Reading, .'\fter the conclusion of the war the regiment wa.i 

B disembodied and the band broken up, excepting what is called the 

ram and fife band, and the staff, which were retained, and were 

R^actively engaged whenever the Mihtia was called out. On ordinary 

isioDS both staff and band were drilled either in the Forbury 

1 meadow adjacent to Captain Perron's residence, by an 

nt non-commissioned officer, Sergeant- Major Preston. The 

I and fife band was the best for its number that [ ever 

»rd, and it was a great treat to go to the Forbury on a Sunday 

Mming in those days and see ihe staff march to St, Lawrence's 

Ihurch with the band at their head playing ' Hark, the bonnie 



172 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Christ Church bells,' and after service return, marching to a quick 
step. My memory dwells on the whole scene as it was at that 
period, before modern requirements interfered with the neighbour- 
hood and intercepted from our view some of the beautiful scenery 
of Oxfordshire. To revert again to the band, there were some 
excellent musicians in it, some of whom will be even now 
remembered. For instance, the two brothers of the name of 
Kates, the elder of whom is mentioned in Mr. Binfield's programme 
of the musical festival in the year 18 19. I must not omit to 
mention the name of Penny. He was the very best player on 
the small drum that I ever heard, although the mention of this 
may seem too trivial to be worth recording (except to Reading 
men), I have seen little groups of people, and amongst them 
soldiers of other regiments, wait in London Street to hear him beat 
the usual reveille. The music for this small band was arranged by 
the late master, Mr. Smith, who was with the Berkshire Militia in 
Ireland : it was unique of its kind, being before keys were applied 
to bugles, French horns, etc., the half tones being produced by 
inserting a hand into the bell of the instrument. The music in 
question was arranged for flutes with a tenor drum, which was tuned, 
and beaten by a small fellow of the name of Oay ; also a large 
drum and a novel accompaninient lor first and second bugles, 
played by Edward Blagrave and George Adams, and what they had 
to do was most efTective. I particularly remember a quick step in 
C, with three parts of eight bars each, which I picked up from 
hearing it often, so that I could at any moment write it, although 
seventy-two years have elapsed since I first heard it. 

** All the men to whom I here refer have j)assed away with the 
exception of one. He is, I believe, about eighty-three years of age,. 
and was a boy on hoard the transport ship which brought part of 
the regiment from Ireland, and was eight days making the passage 
to Liverpool. All the men, in both band and staff, were, with 
few exceptions, natives of Reading, and in the prime of life, but to 
quote an old ballad 

** They will never march again." 

** During the incumbency of Dr. Wise it was customary on New 
Year's Eve for the ringers of St. Lawrence's Parish to ring a few 



N ineteentk Century Warfare. 



173 



cliaiii^es anil Itiave ilic bells ujj on liielr stays, and some 

lOrt lime before midnight lo return. At the same time the 

dilitia band assembled at the upper end of London Street and all 

s still until the moment St Lawrence's clock began to strike 

Ptwelve. Then off went the merry [leal of eight bells, and at the 

Lsttme moment three loud strokes of the big drum led off the Berk- 

e band down London Street to the Market Place, and from 

lere throngh a portion of the town. Seventy-two years have 

lapsed since I first experienced the magic effect of this music of 

he band and the merry peal of St. Lawrence's bells breaking out 

^^I ihe stillness of midnight, suggesting that the old year had passed 

laway and welcoming (he dawn of its successor, After a short 

interval the old watchman, Norcroft, went up London Street, 

Uing out ' Past twelve and a starlight mornin' ! " 

The extract above is worth quoting, as Alderman Darter's 
i Reminiscences " were only privately published and are 
uready scarce. The Band as above described appears to 
lave consisted of a big drum, a tenor drum, first and 
»nd bugles, flutes and horns. One of the horns was called 
I serpent, from its twisted body. Doubtless the " March" 
kicntioncd, is the old one, written for the regiment in 1792, 
Bow quite forgotten, but which, to my great joy, I am able 
D restore again to the regiment. 

o , Now-a-days, when railways are universal and 

folks grumble at being a dozen miles from a 

kiJway station, it is hard to realise the time when every- 

tling and everybody Journeyed by road. 

In July of the above year, the colliers and iron-workers of 

Bi]ston, being out of work, determined to go in person and 

present their case to the Prince Regent, thinking he could 

rder them employment; for they prided themselves they 

rere willing to work, if work could be found them. They 

idvanced as far as Maidenhead Thicket, when Mr. Birnie, 

Bow Street Magistrate, who was accompanied by 

kveral special constables and a party of military, met tlicm. 



174 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



The colliers had with them a waggon weighing over two 
tons; it was drawn by forty-one men, and their leader rode 
on horseback beside it. The men refused to sell the coals 
but gave them up, whereupon they were made a handsome 
present, and the coal was distributed to the poor of Maiden- 
head. The colliers behaved so well that, after gifts of money 
had been presented to them, they were sent back to Bilston. 

LIST OF OFFICERS OF MILITIA, 1817. 



Rank. 
Colonel 
Lieut.-Col. 
Major - 



Date, 
Dec. 9th, 181 2. 



•1 



Royal Berkshire Militia, Disembodied March 14TH, 1816. 

Headquarters, Reading. 

Name, 

Thomas William Ravenshaw - 

William Viscount Folkestone - 

John Blagrave Pococke- - - 
' Lionel Charles Hervey - - - 

John Sturges 

Samuel John Bever - - - -■ 

James Woodhouse - - - - 

Charles Velley 

, James Goddard Doran - - - 

Henry Gilbert Stephens - - 
Surgeon-Mate Stephen Judd - 



Captains 



-< 



Nov. Z9th, i8ia 
April 5th, 1805, 
June 5th, 
Dec. 1 2th, 1807 
Dec. 1 6th, 1808 
Nov. 28th, 1809 
Nov. 30th, 1 8 15 
Dec. 7th, 1793 
July iSth, 1803 



William Coles June 21st, 1809 



Lieutenants -^ 



April 23rd, 1813 
April 29th, 1814. 
April 30th. 
Oct 15 th. 
Oct. 1 6th. 



Ensigns 



John Austin 
John Norris - - - - 
John I man Davenport - 
James Hance - - - - 
John Parker - - - . 

William Roe Feb. 2nd» 1815. 

^ William Phillips June 26th. 

' Surgcon-Miitc William Stratton Jan. 19th, 1813. 

Paymaster Edmond Slocock - Sept. 9th, 18 15. 
Benjamin Hawkins - - - - 

James Ince Dec. 21st. 



Nineteenth Century Warfare. 175 

Rank, Naiiu, Date, 

Adjutant - - Captain Edward Purvis - - - Jan. 26th, 1813. 
Qr.-Master - Lieutenant George Guy- - - Mar. 19th, 1807. 
Surgeon - - Charles Greenhead - - - - Nov. 13th, 1814. 

1820. 

L.ieut.-Colonel John Blagrave, July 14th, 1817, in the room of 

Lieut. -Colonel William Viscount Folkestone. 

Henry Gilbert Stephens ) Disappear from the Army 

Lieuts. - - John Austin - - - - j List after 1820. 

Benjamin Hawkins, appointed Sept. 26th, 18 18. 

_ . J William Stratton - - - 1 t r r 

Ensigns - \ ^ . • tt 1 • \ Left after 1825. 

** \ Benjamm Hawkms - - 1 •^ 

Adjutant, Quarter-Master and Surgeon, remain. 

1825. 
Captain Charles Bacon, appointed August 8th, 1822. 
Ensign James Ince, left after 1825. 

All other officers remain as in 1820. 

THE ARMY LIST, MONTH Y REPORT, 1826. 



Royal Berkshire Militia, Reading. 

Rank. Name, 

Colonel T. W. Ravenshaw. 

Adjutant - - -, Captain Purvis. 

Paymaster E. Slocock. 

Quarter-Master Lieut Guy. 

Surgeon C. Greenhead, M.D. 

1827 and 1828, no change. 

Paymaster - - E. Slocock \ 

Qr-Master - - Lieutenant Guy - - " r Disappear^ July, 1829 
Surgeon - - C. Greenhead, M.D. - J 

1830 to 1 84 1, no change. 

Colonel T. W. Ravenshaw disappears from the List, Sept., 1842. 

Colonel John Blagrave appears on the List, Nov., 1842. 

I Captain Purvis, disappears March, 1846. 
•' I »> Sherson, appears „ „ 

1847, 1^4^ ^"d 1849, 1^0 change. 



176 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

In the autumn of 1830 the labourers of the southern 
counties assembled in crowds, demanding more wages. 
They destroyed mills, broke machinery, and set fire to stacks 
and farm buildings. The old methods of farming were 
giving place to the new, machinery was doing the work 
hands had hitherto had to perform; and as in 181 1 the 
weavers had tried to prevent the use of larger frames in 
their trade, so now the agricultural labourers rose to struggle 
against improvements in farm implements, chiefly the use of 
the thrashing machine instead of the old hand flail, excited 
their wrath. Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Kent were 
foremost in these riots. Special commissions were called at 
Salisbury and Ely to try the rioters, many of their ring- 
leaders were hanged. Soldiers were called out to protect 
life and property. The rioting in Berkshire was easily 
suppressed. It was never serious, being checked before it 
became so. Three men were condemned, but only one hung, 
several others being transported. In Berkshire the Militia 
was ordered to be embodied. Some of the officers who had 
served in the old war were available, and commissions were 
given to fill vacancies, but the danger passed without need of 
the soldiers. The new officers thus commissioned never 
served, nor even possessed or wore uniforms. Among 
these were my grand-father, M. G. Thoyts, A. C. 
Cobham, of Shinfield, and James Wheble of Bulmershc, 
and as the regiment was not required for duty these 
officers soon resigned their commissions. The Army List 
continued to give a list of the Berkshire Militia oflicers 
annually. 



CHAPTER XI. 

CHANGES AND IMI'ROVEMENTS.— 1852-1872. 

tflgIHE Militia has very Httlc worth recording until the 

?^S year 1852, when all over England the regiments were 

reorganised, and twn-thirds of the strengtJi of the 

llterkshire Militia was called out for training, the whole 

■giment being raised the following year. Balloting was 

■not then resorted to. nor has it been employed since, though 

[if necessary it could be employed. 

The Duke of Wellington was strongly in favour of the 
organisation of the Militia, his speech on the subject is 
rell-known, but he saw clearly it required different organisa- 
tion to render it efficient, and he objected to the rivalry 
^existing betcen it and the Line Regiments. He, like all 
toflicers of the present day, wished to make the Militia a part 
tof the Regular Army, equivalent to it in every particular. 
Pressing for the Army had always rendered soldiering un- 
lopular ; the system of substitutes, and the large sums paid 
Rbr them, had been one of the abuses of Militia regiments in 
the old war time. Voluntary enlistment did away with this. 
The quota in 1852 was raised to 777 men, yet there was 
■ittle or no difficulty in getting plenty of men to enlist. 

" Come on young men," said the Recruiting Sergeant, as 
■ walked round the Reading Fairground in the Forbury. 
["Come on and enlist, one volunteer is worth ten pressed 



The first thing was to see what remained of the old 

(lilitia, this the Adjutant, Captain Alexander Noweil 

herson (from the 72nd Regiment), at once proceeded to 

First he made enquiries as to the existence and where- 



178 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



abouts of previous officers ; of these few could be found, some 
had disappeared, many were dead, others were old and 
infirm. 

The nominal return of officers gave: — Colonel: John 
Blagrave; LieuL-Colonel : Charles Bacon; Major: John 
Leveson Gower ; Five Captains, namely : Henry Greenway, 
James Joseph Wheble, Hon. E. Pleydell Bouverie, Edward 
Blagrave, and Henry Pole ; Six Lieutenants : William 
Coles, John Norris, James Hance, John Parker, William 
Roe, and Henry Ince; Four Ensigns: Arthur Deane, 
James Winckworth, George Thomas Coleman, and Sir 
George Philip Lee, Bart.; Surgeon : Charles Greenhead. 

Out of these only the Colonel, Lieut-Colonel, Major, one 
Captain, one Ensign, and the Doctor, were found to be 
effective, so fresh Commissions were issued to complete 
the establishment, the Regiment not being fully officered 
until its embodiment in 1855. All the regiment possessed 
was found in the gaol, namely, twelve old muskets and two 
old drums (one, with the head knocked out, was used to store 
old papers in). I suppose the " papers " referred to, con- 
sisted of the two Court Martial Books of 1803-1815, and the 
Register of Officers of the Regiment, 1803, '^o^v in the 
Orderly Room, for they are the only old records existing. 

The first training took place in Reading, November i ith 
to December ist, twenty-one days. They still used the old 
ground in the Forbury, which had been the drill ground as 
far back as the days of Charles L, now it is built over and 
all traces of the " Garrison " have disappeared. Ever>' other 
available piece of ground in the town was utilised, each 
company being divided into squads and drilled by its own 
officers (all of whom had previously joined some Line 
regiment for instruction), assisted by the sergeants on the 
Staff and such others as could be obtained from the Regular 
Army as drill instructors. 



The companies were distinguished by numbers from one 
I to eight: No. i being the Grenadiers, and No. S the Light 
I Company. These were ordered to be selected from the rest 
I of the regiment in the spring or summer of 1855, the 
I Grenadiers being chosen for height, and the Light Company 
I for general activity. 

October 20th to November 16th. The whole 
^■^' regiment assembled at Reading, twenty-eight days 
I instead of t^venty-one days being allowed. It was a bad 
I time of year to choose for out-door work, and the weather 
proved unfavourable, cold and stormy. The Mayor of 
' Reading and the inhabitants expressed their appreciation of 
I the soldiers' peaceable conduct, no light praise at the time 
I when the men were billeted in the public houses all over 
I the town, and temperance was not so fashionable as now-a- 
Kdays, yet the regiment kept up its reputation for good 
I conduct. Non-commissioned officers and privates of the 

■ Scots Fusilier Guards had assisted in the drill, and good 
Bprt^ress had been made in the short time they were out in 

■ spite of ail disadvantages. 

In this year they assembled in May, again for 
'^ twenty-eight days. By this time the Berkshire 
I Militia had nearly regained its former state of efficiency. 
An old-fashioned house with a garden was rented in 

■ Merchant I'lace below Friar Street, and here four or five of 
wthe officers lodged. The house belonged to the British 
■Champagne Company, then managed by a man named 

Vhittaker, an excellent musician. 

The Mess was established and fitted out in 1854 with the 

necessary plate, kitchen utensils, etc. A warrant for em- 

diment was issued on November 27th, and on January 

1st the regiment assembled at Reading. As in 



1855- 



former generations the old Militia had always been 



prst and foremost in war times, the old traditions were kept 
pp by both officers and men volunteering for active service, 



i8o 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



all the men cared to ask was whether their officers were going 
with them. Their offer to serve in the Crimea was accepted 
by the authorities, and the regiment received orders to 
proceed to the Ionian Islands, an important garrison at that 
period. 

The precedency of the Militia Regiments was rearranged. 
In 1778, the Berkshire Militia had been 30th on the list, in 
1833 its number was 7th, and so it still remained in 1852 
and was confirmed in 1855. This again was altered when 
the Territorial System was established ; the 49th (Hereford- 
shire) Regiment was joined to the 66th (Berkshire) Regiment 
the latter then becoming the 2nd Battalion of the new 
regiment, the old Berkshire Militia becoming the 3rd 
Battalion. The latter were deprived of their title of Royal, 
given them by George III., 1804, a matter of serious dis- 
satisfaction to the whole regiment, who were extremely 
proud of a distinction not then possessed by either of the 
Line Battalions. It was, however, conferred on the regiment 
in 1886, for bravery of its ist Battalion in the Soudan War. 

The Berkshire Militia remained in billets in Reading 
from January ist until it went to Portsmouth, en route for 
the Mediterranean, in September. They had volunteered 
their whole strength to the Line, or more, and yet they were 
as strong as ever again when they sailed to Corfu. It is 
said 700 men of the Berkshire Militia had by that time 
joined the Regulars. 

Another fact still more to the honour of the regiment 
was especially noted by the Commander-in-Chief, namely, 
"that the Royal Berkshire Militia was almost the only 
regiment of Militia in which there had never occurred a 
Court-martial." Looking back, the old regiment had 
always been first and foremost in war times, eager to ser\'e, 
indeed, many men were punished in the old days for 
deserting to join the Regulars for war service. In 1799,11 
responded to the appeal so readily that only half the men 



lUld be accepted, and, after the regiment was disembodied, 
umbers of its soldiers enlisted and fought on the Continent. 
. whole troop of the 7th Hussars at Waterloo were said 
• be composed of Berkshire Militiamen, and many joined 
ic Blues and fought at Waterloo. Few counties in 
England furnish more recruits to the Army than Berkshire 

Iocs, and if the regiment is below its strength the fault lies 

■ntirely with the recruiting arrangements. 
Eager to testify their appreciation of their county 
igiment the ladies of Berkshire freely subscribed a 
rge sum of money, part of which was expended in 

landsomc colours, worked by the ladies themselves. The 
rst, the Queen's colour with the Union, and the name of the 
■gimcnt surmounted by a crown. The other, a rich royal 

ilue silk bearing the regimental crest, a stag guardant, and 

he motto ■' Pro aris et focis." This crest puzzles me, I find 
lat one of the crests borne by the Earl of Lovelace is a stag ; 
is ancestor was Lord- Lieutenant of Berkshire in the reign 

rf Charles II, Yet after that date I know the regiment bore 

<n their colours and on their drums the arms of the Duke 

if St. Albans, i,e., the arms of England with the bar sinister, 
nd of the colours applied for in 1762, I can find no details. 
These colours were presented July 31st. and at the same 
me a centre-piece for the mess table in silver, representing 
ic badge of the county, was given to the regiment from the 

urplus of the subscription raised for the colours. The 
'ternoon of July 31st proved cloudy and wet, an un- 
irtunate day for any out-of-door entertainment, but 

levcrthciess the town of Reading was all excitement at the 
nusual ceremony about to take place. The spot chosen 
rf the presentation was a large meadow near the Thames, 

Ipproached from Vastern Street. It had been used as a 
ground by the regiment. In the centre of tlic 
leadow a dais had been erected for the Lord-Lieutenant 

,od visitors. The ground was kept by the Hungerlord 



1 82 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Yeomanry Cavalry under Captain Willes, of Goodrest 
House, and Captain Seymour, who had no easy task io 
manage the large crowd collected, especially at the narrow 
entrance to the field. 

Admission was regulated by tickets, which had been 
given away by the officers of the regiment. By two o'clock 
carriages began to stream down Vastern Street to the 
ground, while the foot people came also through the King's 
Mead and the Forbury in crowds. Some thousands 
were assembled. The air was thick and dark, rain began to 
fall, and any ceremony seamed hopeless. At 2.30 the Lord- 
Lieutenant and the Countess of Abingdon drove on the 
ground in a carriage with the young Lord Norreys and Mrs. 
Blagrave. They were escorted by a guard of honour of the 
Hungerford Yeomanry Cavalry. 

The weather began somewhat to mend, and the regiment 
was drawn up three sides of a square. The new colours 
were placed upon a tier of drums. Since the regiment had 
been embodied the old colours had not been exhibited in 
public, as they were worn out, dingy with age and almost 
threadbare, a contrast to the glittering uniforms of the 
officers and men, (so says the newspaper report, but no one 
can remember ever seeing the old colours, nor is it known 
what became of them). 

Sunshine succeeded the storm, and the ceremony 
commenced, the Lord-Lieutenant, Colonel Blagrave, the 
Rev. S. W. Yates, Vicar of St. Mary's, and the two ensigns. 
Cox and W. Stares, forming a group beside the colours. 

The Rev. S. W. Yates had written the prayer of conse- 
cration, specially for the occasion, which he read with a 
clear, impressive voice, the Lord's Prayer was then read, 
after which the Countess of Abingdon unfurled the Queen's 
colour, presenting it to Ensign Cox, and the other to Ensign 
Stares, she spoke a few suitable words. 



Changes and Improvements. 183 

The regiment then formed up, marching in slow time, 
I escorting the colours, with a guard of honour consisting of 
I Captain Sir Paul Hunter, Lieutenant Thompson, and Ensign 
Tebbott. After this was over the Countess of Abingdon 
made a short speech, which was repHcd to by Colonel 
Blagrave, and another speech was made by the Lord- 
Lieutenant, Lord Abingdon. After this the ceremony was 
concluded. 

In the evening a splendid banquet was given in the Town 

Hall by the officers of the regiment ; covers were laid for 

I four hundred. All the county neighbours for miles round 

were present, and several officers of the g4th Regiment. 

I The evening was finished by a grand ball in the Town Hall, 

I the liberality of the officers of the Berkshire Militia and 

I Hieir attention to their guests made a great impression on 

all who were present. 

Before going out to garrison an important fortress like 

, Corfu, a little practice at Sentry work was deemed advisable 

I for the Berkshire recruits anil this the Adjutant ordered. 

Anxious to carry out the order, Captain Slocock took one 

' of his men to the towing path and stationed him there not 

far from a post, giving the order that " if any ships or boats 

came along, the sentry was to challenge them, and if they 

did not reply, to fire." The Adjutant walking that way, 

1 came across this sentry and asked what he was doing on 

' the river bank ? "Well Sir!" was the reply, "The Captain 

he said as I be to stop here and take care of this 'ere post 

and if any ship (sheep) came anigh 'ere, I be to fire on 'un ! " 

Another story of Berkshire innocence I have heard, was of a 

recruit who had been "watching a friend drinking!" when 

I required to take the oath swore faithfully to maintain " two 

religions" instead of " true allegiance" and nothing could 

persuade him to the contrary. Moreover being in a festive 

mood he would sing, not say, the words of the oath and was 

sworn accordingly. 



■ sworn accoi 



The officers who went to Corfu were : Lieut-Colonel 
Charles Bacon, Major Adam Blandy, Captains Sir Claudius 
Stephen Paul Hunter. Bart., William Richard Mortimer 
Thoyts, Charles Samuel Siocock, Richard Francis Bowles, 
James Douglas Christopher Deake Brickmann; Lieutenants 
Edward Tew Thomson, Henry Hanmer Leycester, Richard 
William Shackel, George William Bacon, George William 
Barker and Francis Reyncll Cox ; Ensigns: William Stares, 
Charles Stuart Voulcs, James William Smith, Robert 
Tebbott, Henry Bayntun, George William Morland, and 
Henry James Lane ; Surgeon : H, VV, Reed ; Assistant- 
Surgeon : J. B. Alder ; Quarter-Master : John Milne. 

The following officers remained at the Depot at Reading: 
Captain Henry Greenway, Captain William Francis Wheble ; 
Lieutenants : Arthur Deane and T. F. Maitland ; Ensign : 
Ward Soane Braham. 

The services of the Regiment for Foreign Service were ' 
accepted in July but it was not until autumn that arrange- 
ments could be made for its conveyance thither. At last, in 
September they were sent by train to Portsmouth, and were 
finally embarked on the 22nd September, 1855. 

The Report given by the Governor of Portsmouth was 
most gratifying and deserves to be recorded : — 

"Major-General Breton, commanding the South- Western 
IJistrict, has ordered the com man ding officer to express to the 
officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers of the Royal 
Berkshire Militia his great satisfaction at the appearance of the 
regiment, when inspected by him previous 10 embarkation. Their 
soldier-like appearance, steadiness, and the fact of there being no 
defaulters, prove to him that Her Majesty has selected a regiment 
worthy of Her Royal confidence, wherever they may \x called 
upon to serve; and lie should re|)ort to the General Commanding- 
in-Chief, for Her Majesty's information, that the Royal Berks 
Militia was the best regiment he had embarked for foreign service, 
and sincerely wished they would ever retain their justly-deserved 
commendation. 



The Head-Quarters of the Regiment sailed from Ports- 
mouth in the Sa/danka on 22rd September, 1855, arriving 
on the ijlh October following. Two companies of the 
Regiment, under Captain Thoyts, sailed in the Great 
Tiistnaniii in which was also conveyed the 3rd Middlesex 
Militia, under Lieut-Colonel Glossop. During the voyage 
there occurred a single case of small pox on board, the 
victim being Sergeant Read, but he recovered before they 
reached Corfu and is now Sergeant of i'olice under his 
former commanding officer, Colonel Blandy. 

In garrison at Corfu, were also the Oxfordshire and Wilt- 
shire Militias and some Roj'al Artillery. Garrison duty 
was varied with shooting expeditions to the Coast of 
Albania, for woodcock, snipe, wild fowl, and boar. 

The ladies of the Berkshire Militia who accompanied the 
Regiment were : Lady Hunter, Mrs. Bacon, Mrs. Cox, Mrs. 
Douglas and Mrs. Alder. 

Lady Hunter gave a ball on the !ast night of the year 
1855. The Fleet came to Corfu in January, 1S56, consisting 
of the Modeste, the Triton, the Sidon, and St. Jean d'Acre, 
then followed more entertainments with a ball given* by 
Lord Methuen on January i6th. 

Two captains, Slocock and Bowles, had obtained leave of 
absence and went to the Crimea, from whence they returned 
on January 18th, and a few days later Major Blandy went 
to Zaiite in command of the island, A large Fancy Ball 
was held at the palace on the 24th. 

Then an Austrian man-of-war came into port and the 
officers were invited to dinner. Tableaux at the Palace 
seem to have ended the gaieties, at which there had also 
been a F'ancy Ball and many smaller dances, given by Sir 
John Young, the Lord High Commissioner. On May i6th, 
the /wywrrtrfo;' arrived, having on board the "Buffs" from 
the Crimea, and a few days later came the Ripon with the 
68th Regiment. The Queen's Birthday was loyally cele- 



1 86 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



brated and a feu de joie fired, the tisxt day was Sunday. 
On Monday, May 26th, the Berkshire Militia bade farewell 
to Corfu ; at 5 o'clock that evening the Imperador sailed for 
England, being crowded with soldiers, for there were also 
1 50 of the 3rd Middlesex men on board, besides the Berk- 
shire Militia. The weather was stormy, few of the ladies 
appeared during the voyage. Off Algiers a fair wind b^^, 
to blow and Gibraltar was reached at 7 p.m. on June 2nd, 
where they had to put in to coal, after that it was wet and 
squally. A collision with a brig happened, luckily without 
damage to anything or anybody. Off Lisbon, on the 5th, 
there was sunshine but a rough sea, and all through the Bay 
of Biscay it was very rough, so much so, that there was no 
Sunday service. At last England once more appeared in 
sight, and the Imperador arrived at Spithead on June i ith 
at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The following day, early, 
crowds assembled to see the first Transport enter Portsmouth 
Harbour. The band played merrily as they drew to the 
landing stage. By June 13th, the Berkshire Militia was 
back again at Reading in their old quarters in billets in the 
to\^n. The officers being at the Great Western Hotel. 

There had been a dark side to the picture, the time spent in 
Corfu had not been all gaiety and brightness. An epidemic 
of Cholera had broken out, the regiment lost about fifty men, 
and nearly the same number of women and children, most 
of whom are buried in the Island of Vido. The kindly 
feeling existing in the regiment is well shown by the fact that 
during all this trying time there was no lack of hospital 
attendance, the numbers at each morning parade who 
volunteered their services as hospital orderlies much exceed- 
ing the number who could be profitably employed on that 
duty. This sad time is mentioned in The Militiamen at 
Home and Abroad (by "Emeritus"), which was written 
by Major Prower, of the Wiltshire Militia, and gives an 
interesting account of Corfu in 1855-56. 



Changes and Improvements. 



187 



May 8th. The order for disembodimmt was 
^ ■ agreed upon in Pailiament, and the thanks of the 
!ouse of Commons was voted to those regiments who had 
volunteered for service. Further to marlv appreciation the 
Commander-in-Chief signified the Queen's pleasure that the 
word " Mediterranean " should be granted to be in.scribed on 
the colours of the rollowing regiments ; — Royal Berkshire, 
for service at Corfu; East Kent, for service at Gibraltar; 
1st Royal Lancashire, for service at Corfu and Zante ; 3rd 
Royal Lancashire, for service at Gibraltar; Northampton, 
for service at Gibraltar ; 3rd Royal Westminster. Middlesex, 
for service at Corfu ; Oxford, for service at Corfu ; 1st 
King's Own, Stafford, for service at Corfu and Cephalonia ; 
Royal Wiltshire, for service at Corfu ; 3ud West York, for 
service at Malta. 

The Berkshire Militia was not immediately dispersed 
after their return home, they were again billeted in the town 
of Reading ; the only event being a theatrical performance 
given by the officers in the Theatre. 

July 4th. The men were paid off and dismissed to their 
homes after a year and a half embodiment, seven months of 
wrhich had been spent out of England, 

The Indian Mutiny broke out, troops had to be 
sent from England to quell it, To supply their 
place the Militia were again embodied on the jst October, 
and tlie Berkshire men were sent to Aidershot for duty, 
there they remained in the North Camp, until the following 
spring, May 7th. On their departure from the Camp, 
Major-General Hon. A. A, Spencer expressed his high 
approbation of their good conduct in quarters, and of the 
zeal of both officers and men during the period they had 
been under his command. 

The non-commissioned officers and men left behind at 
Aidershot were attached to the 4th Royal Lancashire 
Militia. Colonel Blagrave gave his soldiers great praise 
for their high state of discipline and orderly behaviour. 



1857. 



1 88 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



Recruiting was actively carried on from this time 
^ * for some years. Sergeants were stationed in the 
various large towns and villages in the. county for the 
purpose. The acting Adjutant, Surgeon, and sergeant 
assistant, went round to all the places to attest volunteers. 
Newbury, Maidenhead, Aldermaston, Wokingham, Abing- 
don, etc., are thus mentioned. 

This year the regiment did not assemble until 
59- July, a curious time of year to choose in an agri- 
cultural county where the hay cutting is quickly followed 
by corn harvest, and both usually are in progress at mid- 
summer ; no reason is given for this alteration of training, 
nor do I find any previous example of it, except in the 
autumn of 1769, the end of April or first week in May 
having been the usual time for assembling. 

Colonel Conway, of the Grenadier Guards, inspected the 
regiment on August 2nd, and both he and Colonel Bacon 
expressed satisfaction with it in every way. 

The following year the inspection was held by 
Colonel Lord Frederick Paulet, of the Coldstream 
Guards. Medals had been presented during the training by 
Colonel Blagrave to Quarter-Master Milne and Sergeant- 
Major Frederick Stadcn for long service and good conduct 

The clothing, etc., was given in after the training at the 
Forbury, and was stored in the gaol. 

August isth. Her Majesty the Queen graciously ap- 
proved of the distinctive regimental badge of the regiment, 
which had been worn for many years. 

The officers* cap badges of 1852 were embroidered in 
colours on the caps, and all varied according to the taste 
and fancy c)f the manufacturers ; there was also some 
difficulty in ^cttin^ them worked, so in Corfu a badge was 
designed by Captain R. F. Bowles,* and made in silver at 
the cost of twelve shillings each, which continued to be 
worn until 1880, when, most reluctantly, it was given up, 

* 'lliis badge will be found stamped on (he outxide of this book. 



i860. 



changes and Improvements. 



1861. 



and the regiment was obliged to adopt the " Dragon " of 

the 1st Battalion. Even the soldiers objected; " Be we to 

r they cats on our collars ? " they asked regretfully, 

When the crest was altered in 1880 I sketched roughly a 
parody of it and sent it to one of the officers. Some time 
M^erwards, to my amusement, another officer gave me a 
photograph of it, remarking that speculations were rife as to 
iV'ho was the author of it. I did not enlighten him. 

This year was marked for changes in the regiment. 
Colonel Blagrave and Lieutenant-Colonel Charles 
Bacon both resigned, and the command was taken by 
Lieutenant-Colonel Blandy with Colonel Charles Bacon as 
Honorary Colonel. 

Lord Norreys, who had entered as Lieutenant in 1S5S 
and resigned shortly after, was appointed senior Major by 
the Lord- Lieutenant, CaptainThoyts obtaining his promotion 
as second Major. Captains Slocock and Whcblc, both of 
whom had served since the reorganisation in 1852, now 
resigned. 

The Lord- Lieutenant of the county, the Earl of Abingdon, 
personally inspected the regiment on May 14th, and was 
received at the Great Western Station by a guard of honour 
with the regimental colours (the colours consist of the Queen's 
and regimental colours), at in. 20 that morning, and the 
parade took place the same afternoon on the Forbury. Year 
by year after this the annual training took place regularly 
at Reading until 1867, after which the regiment was sent to 
Aldershol for several trainings. They were inspected every 
year before being dismissed ; no event of special interest 
tK-orth recording seems to have occurred. The regiment 
was well up to strength, efficient and orderly, and in every 
in'ay kept up its character and traditions. 

In this year the strength was increased from 777 

'^72- tofioonien. 



190 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Early in this year Major Thoyts resigned, having 
'^' been away from the regiment, and seriously ill,&r 
two years. The majority was given to Captain Van de 
Weyer. 

I have not so far alluded to the regimental plate, ao will 
do so now. It is said that the old regimental plate was 
divided among the officers at the disembodiment in 1817, 
but I have not been able to trace any of it Of the plate 
now possessed by the regiment, this illustration shews tk 
beautiful centre-piece and dessert dishes presented byfle 
ladies of Berkshire in 1855. In front of it, looking aifflost 
as if it were part of the centre-piece, stands the great tanloid 
given by Lord Abingdon (formerly Colonel Lord Nontjfs) 
when his horse, " Sir Bcvys," won the Derby. The two 
cups, with covers, were the gifts of Major A. W. Hay; tliey 
are copies from an old Irish cup. The two pipe-IightaS^ h 
the form of the regiment badge, were presented by Captain 
Thornton. Among other gifts, were those of Capt. Nepean, 
Captain Van dc Weyer and others, a very fine service of 
fish knives and forks from Mr. R. Cazenove, lamps &00 
Mr. R. Hargreaves, etc., etc. 



CHAPTER XII. 
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS IN THE REGIMENT. — 1873-1897 
BV LIEUTENANT-COLONEL BOWLES. 
AVING been asked by the author of this Regimental 
History.as the present commanding officer, to carry 
on, as well as [ am able, the history of the regiment 
'rom 1S73 to the present lime, i will endeavour to set down, 
rom recollection and the records, something of its more 
lodern history ; an easy task when compared with the 
abour and research necessary for the first time to rescue 
vion, to compile and put together in a readable 
brm the scattered fragments of our county regimental 
■istory, and, in some degree, of the old Militia force (the 
:onstitutional defensive force) of the country at large. 

This history will be, I believe, of the very greatest interest, 
lot only to tliose at present serving, but to those who have 
er\'ed in it during more recent years, and those who may 
erve in it hereafter, and also, I venture to think, to very 
nany Berkshire men and women, many of whom have had 
elations serving, or whose forbears served at one time or 
jiother. I also welcome this work, as I believe it will bring 
lomc to some a knowledge, or a more complete knowledge, 
if their special county regiment's history, its past and 
■resent status, and its modern intimate connection with its 
listinguishcd ist and 3nd Battalions of the active British 
Vrmy, in which many soldiers, trained for a time in its ranks, 
lavc continued their service, and to which we send recruits 
almost dailj', receiving in return a percentage of good men 
ho have concluded their active and first class reserve 
:rvice. Anything that will bring home to our county the 



192 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

services of the regiment in the past, and its continuing 
efficiency at the present time will, I am sure, work for good, 
in causing more knowledge of the regiment, and more 
interest in it to be shown, to the increase of that esprit de 
corpSy which is so necessary to a regiment, and the marked 
existence of which I recognise at the present time, both 
among ourselves and, I believe, in the county at large. 

I will further express a hope that the result may be — and 
I would address myself here especially to all employers of 
labour — that more and more young men may be encouraged 
to come to us, rather than discouraged, when the many 
benefits in the nature of training, strict discipline, habits of 
cleanliness and order, and physical training are more fully 
perceived. Our only "defect," I was almost rash enough to 
say, but I will substitute "difficulty," is that we cannot obtain 
and keep a sufficient number of eligible recruits to maintain 
the numbers on the establishment, vis,, 901 of all ranks, 
including officers and Staff, of whom 842 are attested 
Militiamen. As an example of this I may say, that 
according to the annual inspection returns for the year, 1896, 
we were some 220 short of our number, a state of things that 
would have been seriously animadverted upon were it not 
that we had passed on almost that identical number during 
the recruiting year to the active army. Now the source of 
this difficulty is, without the shadow of a doubt, in the 
employers of labour, and it is for that reason that I have 
expressed a hope that young men may be encouraged, and 
not discouraged, in joining. At present an employer of 
labour invariably says: " If you join the Militia I will not 
employ you," for though it is contrary to law to discharge a 
lad because he joins, )'et nobody can make an employer 
engage a Militiaman. Now I will give three good reasons 
for encouraging recruiting. 

Firstly. Patriotism, which should be strong enough to 
overcome some personal inconvenience. 



Twenty-five Years in the Regiment. 



f93 



Secondly. The fact that the Ballot is still the law of the 
r land, and there is great danger in these somewhat critical 
I times, and in the face of England's comparative extreme 
I weakness, face to face with the enormous modem armies of 
I other nations, that tf the absolutely voluntary system fails, 
I the nation may have to enforce it, when all would be liable 
I to serve in the defensive army of England, anywhere in the 
, United Kingdom, though not out of it, except by their own 
j consent. Would not this be considerably more inconvenient 
[ than the temporary loss of the services of an employ^ ? 

Thirdly. The benefits of training and discipline that have 
I been referred to above. 

My preface has been a long one, but I will not apologise 
[ for it, for I believe it was my duty to say what I have. 

To introduce my story 1 must again become egotistical, 
[.and refer to myself, though I promise not often to offend 
[ again. I was gazetted in 1873, at a time when all 
I recommendations for a commission in the Militia were made 
by the Lord-Lieutenant; now the Lord-Lieutenant may 
recommend on a vacancy occurring, but if he does not do so 
within one month the Commanding Officer recommends to 
the Secretary of State for War. This power of recom- 
mending for first commissions is all that remains to the 
Lords- Lieu ten ant of all their old control over the Militia 
forces. 

At the time I was appointed I was at Oxford, and 
L joined after the training of 1874 had begun, at 
' Aldershot, in the old Guards' enclosure, now the 
L grounds of the General's House. I was the only recruit 
f officer, and was put through my facings day by day by 
a corporal of Scotch Fusilier Guards, behind a clump of 
'. fir trees, until I was supposed to be capable of carrying 
tthe colours and taking my turn on the duty Roster. The 
aining of that year was extended to six weeks. The 







194 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



regiment was commanded by Lord Norreys (now Lord 
Abingdon and our Honorary Colonel). The other officers 
were : — 



Joined, Retired, 

1862. 1886. 

1857. 1888. 

1855. 

1864. 

1871. 1883. 

1870. 1879. 

1871. 1894. 



1873. 1S77. 

1873. 1875- 

1871. 1881. 

1871. 1879. 

1872. 1874. 

1873- 1875. 

1873. 1875. 

1873. 1880. 

1873- 

1873- 1873. 



Major V. W. B. Van de 
Weyer. 

Major J. Blandy-Jenkins. 

Captain (Hon. Major) W. 
S. Braham. 

Captain R. C. Arbuthnot. 

Captain W. M. C. 
Pechell. 

Captain W. H. Morlaml. 
Captain G. B. Eyre. 



Captain C. C. Oldfield. 

Capt. C. E. H. Vincent. 

Lieutenant F. J. Eyston. 
Lieutenant F. M. Atkins. 
Lieut. Mowbray Allfrey. 

Lieutenant G. A. C. 
Reid. 

Lieut. W. H. Hippisley. 

Lieutenant C. V. Blyihe. 

Sub- Lieut. T. J. Bowles. 

Sub- Lieutenant W. H. 
( Iron fell. 



Remarks, 

Afterwards in com- 
mand. 

Afterwards in com- 
mand. 

Instructor of Mus- 
ketry. Is dead 

Is dead. 

Resigned & joined 
3rd Northumber- 
land Fusiliers. 

Is dead. 

Afterwards as 
Lt.-Col. Archer- 
Houblon in 
command. 

Captain (half-pay) 
late 38th Foot. 

Late Lieut. 23rd 
foot. 

Is dead. 

To 15th Hussars, 
1874. 

To a Highland 
regiment. 

To Scots Cireys, 

1875. 

Now in command. 



Did not join. 

Captain A. T. Pratt Barlow (joined 1861) resigned just 
before the training; also Lieutenant S. .A. Hankey (joined 
1 871), Lieutenant R. G. C. Mowbray (gazetted 1872, but 
never joined), and Lieutenant Hon. C C Bertie (to the 47th 



Twenty-five Years in the Re^ment. 195 

' Foot, November, 1873), The Staff officers at this time 
were: Instructor of Musketry, Captain (Hon. Major) W. S. 
Braham ; Adjutant, Captain Lang (late Captain 34th Fool) ; 
Quartermaster L. Miine (late 72nd Foot); Surgeon -Major, 
— Reed, M.D. . 

Major Blandy Jenkins had left the regiment as a subaltern 
soon after tlie Volunteer movement was started, in i860, and 
served for a short time, as a subaltern, in the Abingdon 
Company of Volunteers, but soon returned to the Militia. 
Major Braham {who joined in 1855) was a brother of Lady 
Waldegrave. and one of the best mimics and most amusing 
of men ; when in the mood he kept the whole mess in a roar. 
He lived by the river, close to Caversham Lock; and there 
returning, after a long absence, when the floods were out, to 
a damp house, he took a chill and died. He was for years 
Instructor of Musketry. Captain (now Sir Howard) Vincent 
joined from the 23rd Regiment as Captain; he was, at the 
time, reading for th<; Bar and studying French Law as well, 
I and, after being called to the Bar, was for some time head 
of the Detective branch at Scotland Yard. After leaving 
us he went to a London Volunteer Regiment, the Central 
London Rifle Rangers, and has now for some years com- 
manded the Queen's Westminster. He is M.P. for Sheffield, 
and married a grand-daughter of Mr. Morrison, of Basildon 
Park. Lieut. Hippisley is now second in command of the 
Scots Greys, and has been Adjutant of the Berkshire 
Yeomanry, Lieut. Grenfell, of Taplow Court, never joined. 
There were mantcuvres on a considerable scale at and 
1 around Aldcrshot this year, — following tlie very large 
I man»EUvres of the previous year on the Wylie, and about 
I Salisbury Plain and Amesbury (at part of which I was 
I present), — and the regiment took part in them. For the 
I most part, these maiiceuvres were carried out from the 
I Standing Camps, but the Royal Berkshire formed part of 
la force sent out to Woolmer Forest for two nights, from 

o 2 



196 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



whence it fought its way into Aldershot. The Royal BciS 
shire were brigaded with the 78th, 79th and 9;jrd Regiment^ 
the Tormer commanded by Colonel Mackenzie, with Lie 
J. AUin (who afterwards joined us as a Captain) as Actinf 
Adjutant. The 93rd Regiment had lately, come home aftn 
a long tour of foreign service, and I well remember th« 
counter- marching by half-companies round a pivot, in I 
old Style, on a brigade parade. Major Wallingford KnoUyl 
was Field Officer of the day when we reached Woolra 
and, as Orderly Officer, I remember taking him into ( 
mess at night, after he had been his rounds, and findin 
Major Braham entertaining General Herbert and his Sta 
who messed with us, with some story in which Maj 
Knollys figured, at the moment we lifted the curtain of tl 
tent. Major Braham got out of the difficulty by rcpi 
his story, which Major Knollys, of course, took in excelled 
part. I remember another of Major Braham's jokes 1 
the following riddle: "When Generals Smith and Parke a 
opposed to one another, to what well-known places -i 
London do they go?" The answer being: "One goes || 
Hyde Parke s.nA the other to Hammer-.S'w/;///." 

The regiment had some hard work; and poor WattB 
Morland, one of our Captains, during a day of outpost > 
near the "Jolly Farmer," at Bagshct, who was posted on-1 
hill all day with no food, sustained a sun-stroke, " 
neglected at the time, caused his death a few years later. 

Colours were carried on all occasions in those days, 1 
the subalterns who carried them had the best of ] 
times, generally lying down with the band in a wood, f 
of the day. and sampling the contents of the luncl 
cart. 

This was Captain Lang's last training as Adjutant; I 
had served in that capacity under the old regulations f 
many years, was rather fussy, but a smart officer, 
young officers, I think of the Guards, played a trick od t 



TweKty-fim Years in ike Regiment. 197 

I which, not unnaturally, made him very angry. He received 
I what purported to be a Divisional order, that the Royal 
J Berkshire were, on a certain day, to find a party "to carry 
I coal for the Guards !" His indignation was immense, but of 
I course the joke w(as not carried too far, and he allowed him- 
I s«lf to be appeased. Another story of him was that, on one 
I occasion, having forgotten something, he returned late at 
I night to the old Head-Quarters in Mill Lane, but had for- 
gotten the "Countersign ;" and the sentry, coming down to 
I the charge within an inch of the centre button of his great 
I coat, refused to let him pass, and he never got in that 
I night. 

The Mess at this time, during the recruit training, was 
held at the "Queen's Hotel;" but, on Assembly, the regiment 
I always went to Aldershot, partly to avoid the inconvenience 
I of having the men in billets all over the town, 

One incident of this training ought to be mentioned, viz.: 
I On the return from Woolmer to Aldershot, the Highlanders 
leading (they were all well-seasoned men, not boys) and the 
I Royal Berkshire being the rear battalion of the brigade, the 
I distance, five miles, to a certain bridge near Frensham, which 
I it was important to occupy, was accomplished by the lead- 
ing battalion in fifty-five minutes, the Royal Berkshire not 
losing distance. 

The Commanding Officer, having the option this year, 

I preferred not to have chakos for the men, but an extra 

glengarry instead; the chakos having to last many train- 

I ings, and naturally, in tents and billets, often getting sadly 

out of shape. The Commander-in-Chief, however, remarked 

upon our want of chakos at a review he held the same year 

I at Aldersliot No chakos or helmets have been supplied to 

I the men since, except specially for the Jubilee Review in 

8S7. till this year. 1897. 

The well-known Mutton, of Brighton, messed the officers 

I this year. 



igS Royal Berkshire Militia, 



The regiment was well repoited on, except that it was 
237 under strength. 

if?7C ^^^ regiment trained again at Aldershot. Lieut. 
Reid was Acting Adjutant, in place of Captain 
Lang, and Lieutenants Allfrey and Hippisley had gone to 
the 15th Hussars and Scots Greys respectively. The new 
appointments were E. Vincent (now Sir Edgar), J. W. Allin 
(from 78th Foot to be Captain), and E. G. R. Hopkins. 

The Assembly was on May loth, and the regiment pro- 
ceeded the same day to Aldershot. It lay on Cove Common, 
and was attached to the 3rd Brigade, under Major-General 
A. J. Herbert. The regiment took part in the Queen's 
l^irthday Divisional Parade on May 29th; also on June 2nd, 
in a Divisional Parade of Militia, when it was inspected by 
the Inspector-General of Auxiliar}' Forces, and on the same 
day by Major-General Herbert, C.B. On June 4th, it took 
part in a Divisional Field Day, when His Royal Highness 
the Commander-in-Chief was present, who expressed his 
satisfaction at the appearance and steadiness of the regi- 
ment. It returned to Head-Quarters on June 5th and was 
dismissed the same day. 

The recruits, previous to the training, were called up for 
firt)-six days' preliminary' drill, and then accomj)anicd the 
regiment to Aldershot. Very curiously the regiment was 
a^ain exactly the same number (237) under the strength of 
the establishment as the previous year, though there were 
1 36 recruits present with the regiment. 

Tlie Establishment at this date was 903 of all ranks. 
The variations in the Establishment at various dates, from 
i85<j, may here be noticed : In 1859 — 869 of all ranks; i860 
— S73; 1861-64—866; 1865-66—688; 1867—687; 186S— 
866; 1869-71—867; 1872-3—890; 1874—904; 1875—903; 
1 8/(3 — 902 ; and it now is, and has been for many years, 901. 

During the years 1865-67 the strength of the regiment 
was reduced (by a letter from the Secretary of State for 



Twenty-five Years in the Regiment. 199 

I War, dated August 23rd, 1S64) till further orders, to ei^ht 
I sei^ants, twenty-four corporals, and 600 privates (Militia- 
I men). The officers and Staff remaining practically the 



iSt6. 



In pursuance of an order from the Secretary of State for 
I War, dated War Office, October i6th, 1867, the regiment 
I was directed to enroll recruits to the full strength of its 
I quota, to be completed during the next two years. 

The regiment was ordered, on July 3rd, to take 

part in large manceuvres, and formed part of a 

Militia Division encamped on Minchinhampton Common, 

a high plateau near Stroud in Gloucestershire, remarkable 

for extensive traces of old earth dwellings. It belonged to 

the 3nd Brigade, under Major-Gen eral J. E. Thackwell, 

C.B. (who at one time rented Southcotc Lodge, near Read- 

I ing), forming part of the 3rd Division, under Prince 

I Edward of Saxe- Weimar, 5th Army Corps for mobilisation. 

Army Corps' Head-Quarters were at Salisbury. Though 

I nominally mobilised there was no transport, and the 

Division remained in a Standing Camp, but the tentage was 

I allotted on a manceuvre footing, and the baggage was 

restricted. The weather was generally extremely hot, and on 

the occasion of a Review by the Commander-in-Chief 

I numerous slight cases of sunstroke occurred, men falling 

I in the ranks as he rode down the lines, whereupon His 

1 Royal Highness at once dismissed the parade. There were 

J magnificent views from the Common but absolutely no 

I shade. 

Our beef, which consisted of Spanish cattle brought from 
Corunna, and which ran on the Common, was of the 
toughest, something like a " trek ox " at the Cap^ as it had 
to be killed and eaten the same day. 

In the Division, beside ourselve^ were the two Gloucester 
Battalions, the Oxfordshire, the WtftS. and the two Tower 
Hamlet Battalions, then red regiments. Old feuds between 



Royal Berkshire Militta. 



Line regiments are not uncommon, but it is singular that 
the same thing should occur between Militia regiments who 
may not have met for years; however, something nf 
the kind occurred here, and came to a head one Sunday, 
between some of our neighbours on either side, probably 
because the men had nothing to do; but by the exertions of 
their own officers and by a double line of sentries being run 
across our Camp between them by the two Majors and the 
Adjutant, who were in Camp, any serious mischief was 
prevented. OfRcers and strong pickets were posted at night 
down in the surrounding country and near the entrance b) 
the town of Stroud. 

Some large divisional sports were organised and success- 
fully carried out. Officers' sketching parlies were sent ont 
round the Camp, though, I am afraid, many of us wrre 
hardly as well up in that part of our duties as we might 
have been. This was Captain Murphy's first training as 
Adjutant ; he was the first of the new order of Adjutants 
appointed to us from the now 2nd Battalion, the old 66t]l 
Regiment 

The regiment was inspected by Major-General H.S.H. 
Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, C.B., who expressed his 
great satisfaction with its efficient stale. 

On the last day of the training, July 29lh, the regiment 
marched at 4.30 a.m., entrained at Stonehouse btation, and 
proceeded to Reading, where clothing and arms were taken in 
and the men marched to the trains for their various destina- 
tions on the same day. I believe we were the onl)- regiment 
who at that time adopted this plan of sending the men 
home, which has since been ordered to be done generally. 
It certainly had the effect of passing the majority of the 
men to their homes with their money in their pockets 
instead of their being tempted to spend it in the town, veiy 
often to the disadvantage of good order and discipline. 

Since the training of 1875, Captain C. E. H. Vincent had 
resigned, and also Lieutenant G. A. C Rcid, Lieutenant 



L Eyston was promoted Captain, and A. W. Craven, C. R. 
I Hunter never joined, C. L. M. Pearson, and G. F, Clayton 
I East were appointed. Captain T. Murphy, 66th Foot, was 
I appointed, September 30th, 1S75, as Adjutant. 

Captain Murphy rejoined the 2nd Battalion Berkshire 

Regiment in September, I S80, for a short time ; after which 
I he retired with the rank of Licut.-Colonel. He resided until 
I lately in Reading. 

This year i.'; to be remarked as being the first 
"■ under the Brigade or Regimental District system. 
I At this time the new Dep6t Barracks in the Oxford Road, 
1 not then in the Borough of Reading, but in the Parish of 
I Tilehurst. Berkshire, were called the "Depfit Centre;" they 
1 were afterwards called the 41st Brigade Depiit ; and finally 
I the District was called the 49th Regimental District, its 

Head-Quarters being at the new Barracks, where are also 
I the Dep6t of the 1st and 2nd Battalions Royal Berkshire 

Regiment and the Head-Quarters of the 3rd Battalion ; 

there also are the whole of the arms, stores, and clothing for 

the Depot, the 3rd Battalion, and for some of the Reserve. 
Formerly the Countj' had to find Head-Quarters and 
I stores for the Militia. The following in this place may be 
I of interest, and it may be premised that it is only of late 
I years that Reading has become " The County Town," 

{At the General Quarter Sessions of the 
Peace, of our Sovereign Lady the Queen, 
holden at Abingdon, in and for the said 
County, on Monday, the Sixteenth day of 
October, in the Seventh year of the Reign of our Sovereign 
Lady Victoria, etc., etc, and in Uie year of our Lord 1843. 
Before : Robert Palmer, Esquire, Chairman ; Percy Henry 
I Crutchley, Charles Eyston, Esquires ; and others, etc., etc. 

Messrs. Scott and Moffatt having obtained the sanction 
[ of the Inspectors of Prisons to the proposed Plan for 



202 Royal Berkshire Militia, 

providing a Depot for Militia Stores in the basement of the 
new Prison, and a Guardroom, etc., on the outside of the 
new boundary wall, with a covered way to connect the 
Guardroom with the Depot ; it is resolved by this Court, 
that the said Plan be adopted, and that the necessar}' works 
be forthwith completed ; and the Clerk of the Peace is 
directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to the 
Adjutant of the Berkshire Regiment of Militia, and to 
inform him that possession of the new buildings will be 
given to him with the least possible delay. By the Court, 

(Signed) GEORGE B. MORLAND. 

Clerk of the Peaa, 

At this time, 1877, the Militia Depot and stores were, and 
had been for a long time, in Mill Lane, Reading, and so 
continued till after this year, as the Barracks were not ready. 
The recruits however, on assembling, to the number of 178, 
on April 30th, were encamped in the field in rear of the Bar- 
racks, where the regiment is now-a-days usually encamped 
and drilled, in order to get the men out of billets. The recruits 
were inspected by Colonel T. Maunsell, C.B., commanding 
41st Sub-District, on June 22nd, and proceeded with the 
regiment on June 2Sth, the day of assembly, to Aldershot 
The regiment was attached to the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 
Army Corps, commanded by Colonel G. F. C. Bray. It was 
encamped on Rushmoor, and lay next to the 49th Regiment, 
to which regiment were attached the Dep6t Companies 66th 
Regiment, henceforth the ist and 2nd Battalion Berks 
Regiment. The regiment took part in some of the 
operations during the manoeuvres in the neighbourhood of 
Aldershot, chiefly on the Fox Hills, and was inspected by 
Colonel Maunsell, C.B., on July i8th. It returned to 
Reading and was dismissed on July 21st. 

There was some heavy rain during the training, and the 
camp being on a hillside the tents were often flooded 



Eh Regime" ""^„e fovrocr at »»'uon). HOI'S™' ■ 

C" W com<»a"'i='J ll« ,he 3rd Ba'<» ' „i,„ put ■ 

fcewarfs om A<ij»»"^^ „), ,„<1 many ^j^i,^„g ■ 

r ttaougH "'»*'=">',*te ttoc P<>»=«'=t that one nigM ■ 

K,„eMd it, a-td ^'^ it. , eariy parade ■ 

K «y """'■■"'5 r „ffi.^«s who »-ere "" ,;°4,geant of the ■ 

i" ?he res. of *°« ^'^oice of the D " Se ^ ^_^^^i„. | 

I «i nruch broken by th ^^^, „„^ dr _^^ ^ | 

I fomily of »>S='W«= f°«« .„ „d Hon. Major W- S. ■ 

■ ,87B. /nTn-cont^^ttth -t«.th tb- -^ r^tn I 

I a».y,-">^rre:rbn;:tedon^-r:;cinei tJ 

■ ta.-". <^*- ^'■■"'" „ , .,th, and was p.ced^ 

KB soiiiey""- J 



204 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



The officers' Mess hut was not then built, and the officerel 
tents and Mess were up in the Camp, taking off" from the j 
available space for drill. 

The regiment was then, and until i88t, ofliciaily known I 
as the Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Since the last training, in addition to Lieutenant Hopkins, 1 
Quarter-Master J. Milne had retired, with rank of Captain i 
on April 1st, having served as Quarter-Master since 1855. 
He came from the 72nd Foot. Quarter- M as ter-Sei^eant | 
C. Lewis was appointed Quarter-Master on the same \ 
date; he joined on March 3rd, 1868, from the S6th Foot j 
Lieutenant E. Vincent had resigned to the Coldstream 1 
Guards; he is now Director of the Ottoman Bank. C. 
Ashurst to Carnarvon Rifles, thence to 3Sth Foot The j 
Hon. M. C. F. Bertie {now Lord Norreys), A. Knox, C ] 
W. Darby-Griffith, and N. H. Vansittart had been appointed. 
This year the recruits assembled on March 17th 
' E and D Companies were in billets, the remainder^ 
in Barracks. They numbered 240 and were inspected^ 
by CoKmel J. Jordan, C.B., on May 8th. The regiment J 
assembled on May 12th and was placed under canvas in] 
the drill field. It was inspected by Colonel Jordan, C.B., ] 
Commanding 41st Sub-District on May 29th, and was dis- 1 
missed on the 31st. The regiment was favourably reported'4 



1879. 



Captain Blyth had, at this time, taken up road coachinfl 
and had his horses at Reading, making up his team 
preparatory to running the coach from Oxford to London.! 
He usually met the train leaving Paddington at 9 a.m., and! 
brought up any officers who had had leave for the night tol 
London. His coach was on the road before the end of the \ 
training; and the first day on the road all the officers who I 
could get away, went to Oxford, and Lord Norreys drove J 
the coach to London. The officers afterwards dined 4 
together. This was the first beginning of the Militu 



Twenty-Jive Years in the Regiment. 



205 



egimental Dinner, which, by invitation of the ist and 2nd 
attalions, was afterwards amalgamated with theirs and one 
inner club formed for the three battalions. This dinner 
ikes place in Derby week. 
Since the last training, Captain Morland (who was on 
■ave in 1873), Lieutenants C. L. M. Pearson (to Rifle 
>rigadc), G..F. Clayton East (to 3Sth Foot), L. S. B. 
'ristram (to Welsh Regiment), had resigned, and Lieut, A. 
[ai^reaves had died; while K. P. Burne, K. Apthorp, C. S. 
". G. Toogood and F. V. Allfrey had been appointed. 

The recruits (227) assembled on March ijlh; 
' G and H Companies in billets, the remainder in 
larracks. They were inspected by Colonel Jordan, C.B., on 
lay 5th, and went with the regiment to Aldcrshot on May 
0th. The regiment assembled on May lOlh and proceeded 
3 Aldershot, where they were encamped on Redan Hill 
nd attached to the 2nd Brigade, commanded by Major- 
iencral W. G. Cameron, C.B. The regiment was exercised, 
Tier a course of company and battalion drill, in brigade, 
nd took part in the Queen's Birthday Parade, 

Major-General Cameron gave a lecture in the Mess to the 
fficers and examined them I'fi'ii voce. He inspected the 
;giment on Rushmoor on June 3rd, and expressed himself 
'ell satisfied. 
The regiment was this year stronger in numbers than it 
ad been for years, or than it has ever been since. In fact 
xrruiting was stupped before the training, as no super- 
umeraries were allowed to be enlisted, with the result that 
\ the training the regiment was noi quite up to strength. 1 
id ninety-six men present with my company. At the 
lirthday Parade the regiment was in a second line in rear 
the S2nd Regiment (at that time very weak, having lately 
me home). I believe they only mustered 1 32 6les.a5 strong 
possible, so that we overlapped them tremendously. 



2o6 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

In marching past in column of double companies I 
remember the lookers on gave us great kudos^ but 
accused us of copying the old Highlanders trick, by 
holding the skirt of the next man's frock between the 
fingers, instead of the kilt. The regiment returned to 
Reading and was dismissed on June 5th. 

Since last training Captains C. V. Blytke and F. M. 
Atkins, Lieutenants A. W. Craven, E. Davis (to 8ist Foot), 
and C. W. Darby Griffiths (to Grenadier Guards) had 
resigned, and E. G. Costobadie, J. G. R. Homfray, A. 
W. H. Hay, and F. M. Birch had been appointed. 

The recruits (224) assembled on March 21st 

T 5s5s T \ • ^ 

The B, D, G, and H companies were in Barracks, 

and the A, C, E, and F companies in billets and lodgings 
outside. Captain Murphy had rejoined the 66th Regiment, 
and Captain C. P. Temple had been appointed Adjutant 
from the 49th Regiment in September, 1880. The recruits 
were inspected by Colonel Jordan, C.B., Commanding 41st 
Regimental Sub-District, on May nth. The regiment 
assembled on May i6th, and was placed under canvas in 
the Drill Field. Colonel Jordan made his inspection on 
June 9th, and the regiment was dismissed on June nth. 
Lord Norrc}'s had resigned on October 26th, 1880, and 
Major Van de Weycr succeeded him as Lieutenant-Colonel. 

The year 1881 is especially to be remembered, for it 
was then the Territorial System came fully into 
operation, and the regiment lost its title of " Royal," and 
became 3rd Battalion (Princess Charlotte of Wales'^ 
Berkshire Regiment, by general orders, on June 30th, 18S1. 

ICxtract of Horse Guards letter '^ 

"Horse Guards, November 28ih, 1S81. 

'' A stag under a tree has been sanctioned as the ]>ailgi: u»r the 
helmet plate and glengarry of the 15erkshire Regiment."' 

The following, though of later date, should follow here. 



Twenty-five Years in tke Regiment. 207 

Regimental Orders: " Reading, January gih, x%%2. 

"The following extract from Regimental District Orders is just 

kjnibUshed. Paragrajih i, dated January gtli, i88a ' It has been 

idecidcd by H.R.H. The Field Marshal, Commander-in-Chief, 

lat the "China Dragon," as worn by the ist Battalion of the 

erkshire Regiment {late 49th Regiment), is to be the badge for 

pbrage cap of qjlicers of the Berkshire Territorial Regiment.' " 

All this actually came into force after the training, but in 

he Inspection Report for this year the regiment is, for the 

Brst time, called the 3rd Battalion Princess Charlotte of 

. Berkshire Regiment. It will be noticed that the 

bevice of the Royal Berkshire Militia, "The stag under a 

we oak," was adopted for the helmet plate and glengarry 

r the territorial regiment, and the " China Dragon" of the 

k(9th Regiment for the forage caps. The 3rd Buttalion now 

rtianged its facings to white (all English regiments, not 

Royal, wear white facings), with a red mess waistcoat, until, 

5 is recorded later on, the Roya! title was restored for the 

icrvices of the ist Battalion in Egypt, where the Berki-hire 

ids proved themselves excellent soldiers. Gold lace was 

lubstituted for silver on the officers' uniforms, which was to 

; exactly the same as the Line Battalions, with the 

Addition of M on the shoulder strap. Silver lace had been 

made the regulation for Militia in 1830, and before that 

K)th Line and Militia wore gold and silver indiscriminately. 

This year, the Officers' Mess hut was built inside the 

larrack Square, thanks in great part to the generosity of 

tolonel Van de Weyer, and used for the first time ; it has 

Knee been added to and improved. 

Since the last training, in addition to Lord Norreys and 

^Captain Murphy, Captain Hon. Major Arbuthnot and Capt. 

■ Eyston, Lieutenants K. P. Burne (to 72nd Highlanders) 

Old K. Apthorp (to 18th Foot) had resigned; and Major 

«rd Algernon M. A. Percy, Captains Temple, T. W. R. 



2o8 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



Adams and J. T. F. Otway, and Messrs. F. W. Leybourne 
Popham did not join, G. W. Thomas Viscount Savemake 
and M. H. Burne were appointed. It will be seen there 
were a good many changes. Lord Algernon Percy, who 
had been Adjutant of his battalion of the Grenadier Guards, 
came in as Junior Major. Captain Adams had been in the 
Surrey Militia, but was living in Berkshire at this time. 
Captain Otway had been in the Sth Dragoon Guards, and 
aftenvards in the 49th Regiment. Captain Eyston was 
the only son of Mr. George Eyston, of Stanford Place, 
Faringdon, and nephew of Mr. Eyston, of Hendred; he is 
dead. Captain and Hon. Major Arbuthnot had been in 
the regiment since 1864. His sight failed him; he is also 
dead. 

The officers this year gave an afternoon dance in the 
new hut. 

H.R.H. the Commander-in-Chief, in his observations on 
the Inspection Report, says: "The report reflects credit 
on all concerned." 

^o^ The regiment assembled for its annual training 
on July 24th and proceeded the same day to 
Aldershot. It was this year armed with the Martini-Henri 
Rifle, in place of the Snider. 

The old recruit training was this year done awaj- with, 
the recruits henceforward being drilled with the Line 
recruits at the Depot, on attestation ; and, on completion 
v^f the recruit course, dismissed to their homes, to come up 
again with the regiment, with the exception of those enlist- 
ing shortly before the training, and whose recruits' course 
would not be finished on the assembly of the regiment. 
These men do an extended course at the Depot, and do not 
join the rci^imciit till the succeeding training. The Staff 
were to be utilised for all purposes at the Depot. No doubt 
this chanc^^c has opcratnd in gi\'inijf more recruits to the Line 
from the Militia Ikittalions. 



Twenty-five Years in the Regiment. 209 

The regiment, at Alderahot, was attached to Major- 
iGencral Spurgeon's Brigade and encamped at Rushmoor, 
I Major- General Spui^eon made his inspection on August 
|'l6th. The regiment returned to Reading on the 19th and 
he men were dismissed to their homes the same day. 
It is believed that the Royal Berkshire was the first 
FMilitia regiment to proceed on the day of assembly to their 
■destination, when training away from Head-Quarters, and 
Ito dismiss on the day of return. This was inaugurated 
I during Colonel Blandy's period of command. 

Lieut-Colonel Van de Weyer was absent on sick leave 
jfroni the training, and Major Blandy-Jenkins fell ill during 
the training and had to be moved to the " Queen's Hotel," 
Ae command devolving on Major Lord A. Percy, 

While the regiment was at Aldershot the 19th Hussars, 
ivho had been made up to War strength by drafts of men 
pnd horses from other regiments, and who were encamped 
ftlose to us on Rushmoor, marched out to embark for 



Some scratch sports for the men were carried out one 
fternoon. When at Reading they are an established insti- 
ition. 

The following officers had resigned since the last training : 

^ptain Allin, Lieutenants A. Knox, j. G. R. Homfray [to 

Bst Life Guards), F. W. Leybounie Popham (he had never 

joined); and Messrs. J. C. Blagrave, F. Pratt Barlow and 

B. Blandy-Jenkins had been appointed. 

. Training under canvas in the drill field at 

tlie Depot; Assembly. May 7th. Inspection by 
tolonel the Hon. W. H. Herbert, commanding 49th 
Kegimentai District, on May 31st. The men were dismissed 
1 their homes on June 2nd. 
The regiment was well reported on; but there were an 
knusual number of absentees, and the regiment was 178 
leiow strength. 



2IO Royal Berkshire Militta. 

Since the training of 1882, Lieutenant Toogood's services 
had been dispensed with. Lieutenant E. G. Costobadie had 
resigned (to the Royal North Lancashire Regiment); and 
Captain John Preston, who had served on the Gold Coast 
and at the Cape (medal), had been appointed, with Messrs. 

F. Theobald, A. G. Egerton and T. F. J. L. Hercy. 

As there was a good deal of small-pox in 
^* and around Reading this year, it was decided by 
the authorities that the training should not take place. The 
following letter was received : 

** Horse Guards, 

"War Office, April 22nd, 1884. 
** Sir, — With reference to your minute of 7th instant, and 
previous correspondence, I am now directed by the Field Marshal 
Commanding-in-Chief to inform you that, under the circumstances 
represented by the officer commanding the 3rd Battalion Berkshire 
Regiment, and as small-pox is still prevalent in the neighbourhood 
of Reading, the Secretary of State for War, in consultation with 
His Royal Highness, has decided that the above mentioned 
battalion shall not be called out for training in the present year, 
and I am to request that you will have the goodness to issue 
instructions accordingly. Steps will in due course be taken to 
obtain an order by Her Majesty in council dispensing with the 
usual training in the case of the battalion referred to. 

(Signed) JOHN ELKINGTON, 

B.A, Gen. 

Captain W. M. C. Pechell had resigned on January" 8th, 
1883, he was afterwards appointed to the 3rd North- 
umberland Fusiliers. During 1884, Quarter- Master C. 
Lewis had retired (January 23rd) with the rank of Captain. 
Lieutenants F. V. Allfrey, M. H. Burne (to Royal Sussex 
Regiment), F. Theobald (to Berkshire Regiment) and A. 

G. Kgerton, resigned. Lord G. M. Pratt (late Grenadier 
Guards and West Kent Yeomanry) was appointed Captain ; 
Messrs. C. C. Levcson-Gower, A. H. W. King, J. R. 



Gray, H. R. Homfray, and F. Porter were appointed, the 
last-named being transferred during the year to the 3rd 
Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Lieutenant and Quarter- 
Master Hollyer was appointed from the ist Battalion. 

In this year the regiment resumed its old title of 
Royal, the Berkshire Regiment having been 
granted the title of " Royal " for the services of the ist 
Battalion in Egypt. The training took place at Reading, in 
camp on the Drill Field, from May 18th to June 13th. 
Colonel A. Brown, commanding 49th Regimental District, 
Inspected the regiment on June nth. Lieutenant F. B. 
Pratt Barlow resigned to the Dorsetshire Regiment May 
2ist. The following were appointed before the training: F. 
T. Stewart, C. C. Williams, and D. Blake Maurice. This 
was Major Temple's last training as Adjutant, than whom 
no regiment of Militia ever had a better Adjutant. Major 
Temple rejoined the ist Battalion July 30th, 1S9S, served 
tt-jth ' it in Egypt, succeeded to the command, and 
commanded it also at Cyprus and Malta, where the 1st 
Battalion, keeping up the high character it had earned in 
Egj'pt, was remarkable for its excellent conduct, discipline, 
and smartness. It was composed almost entirely of 
Berkshire men, a lai^e number of whom had passed through 
the 3rd Battalion, as I found when I visited Malta, on leave, 
in 1S92. Colonel Dickson had then succeeded Colonel 
Temple in command. The battalion was 1050 strong, and 
about 80 per cent were Berkshire men, some of those who 
served with the ist Battalion in Egypt and the Mediterranean 
liave since been in the 3rd Battalion. This, in my opinion, 
as it should be. Colonel Temple had a great opinion of 
le soldier-like qualities of the Berkshire men; he has since 
>mmanded the Regimental District at Worcester, and is 
low Assistant Adjutant-General at Cork. 

The regiment assembled for training at Reading 
on May loth, and was placed under canvas in the 



2 1 2 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Drill Field. It was inspected by Colonel A. Brown, 
co»mmanding 49th Regimental District, on June 3rd, and the 
men were dismissed to their homes on June 5th. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Van de Weyer, having resigned on April 4th with a 
step of honorary- rank. Major J. Blandy-Jenkins was promoted 
to the command. Colonel Van de Weyer had ser\-ed in 
the regiment very nearly twenty-four years. Captain G. 
B. Eyre was appointed Major. Captain Hon. M. C. F. 
Bertie ^^now Lord Norreys) resigned April 9th. Lieutenant 
George \V. Thomas Viscount Savernake resigned April nth, 
1896, C. C. Leveson Gower (to Royal Warwickshire 
Regiment." April 29th, J. R. Gray (to Royal Irish Rifles) 
November 24th, 1885, and H. R. Homfray (to Royal 
Irish Rifles) same date. Captain H. Winton Holden was 
appointed adjutant from the 1st Battalion on October ist, 
1S85, and Messrs. John E. Duffield and H. J. M. Cleminson 
were appointed. 

The regiment assembled for training at Reading 
^^' on June 20th and proceeded the same day to 
Aldcrshot, where it was attached to the 3rd Infantry Brigade 
under Major-Gcneral Buchanan, C.B., and encamped on 
Cove riatcau. Major Lord Algcron Percy having been 
transferred on June 24th, 1886, to the 3rd Northumberland 
Fusiliers, I was appointed Major. The regiment formed 
part of the 8th Brigade, 4th Division, 2nd Army Corps. 
On July 9th, on the occasion of the Queen's Jubilee 
Review in the Long Valley, the 2nd Army Corps 
was commanded b)' Major-General Sir Evelyn Wood, 
V'.C., G.C.M.C. At the conclusion of the review it formed a 
part of the force which lined the road on each side by which 
the Queen returned to the Royal Pavilion. The regiment 
was inspected on July I2th by Major-General Buchanan, 
(M>., and returned to head-quarters on July i6th and was 
dismissed. The Inspecting Officer made a very thorough 
inspection of the regiment this year and reported very 



Twenty-five Years in the Regiment. 213 



Jfavourably; he was not, however, satisfied with the musketry 

KBystem, and noticed the worn out condition of the great 

;Coats, he also recommended that helmets should be issued. 

"he great coats were soon afterwards gradually replaced, 

Jiey have since been much better. Helmets were served out 

recially for the Jubilee review and then returned (there was 

little time to fit them). During 1896 they were issued 

3 the regiment and are available for this (1897) training, 

Dur old comrades, the 4th Oxfordshire Militia, were 

"encamped next to us on Cove Plateau ; the two regi- 

Ifnents held sports together. The Berkshire Yeomanry 

■ took part in the Jubilee review and made a halt at our camp 

Ion their return, to refresh men and horses, but had to leave 

lljcfore the regiment returned. The men of the regiment 

Jiad extra delicacies provided for them on the Queen's 

Qubiiee day. 

In addition to Major Lord A. Percy, Lieutenants T. F. 

Rj. L^ Hercy, F. Stewart (to Highland Light Infantry), 

^«nd H. J. M. Cleminson had resigned since the last training, 

B^nd Messrs. Sidney T. Hankey, F. H. G. Hercy, Baldwin 

Hodge (resigned before the training), C. E. M. V. Nepean, 

'. G. Barker, Arthur Jocelyn Charles Viscount Sudley, J. E. 

i and W. Thornton had been appointed. 

139 men volunteered for the line. 

The regiment assembled for training at Reading 

" on May 14th, and was placed under canvas in the 

BOrill Field. It was inspected by Colonel A. S. M. Browne, 

Ifconimanding 49th Regimental District, on June 7th in 

Review Order ; on June 8th in Marching Order. He 

■expressed himself well-pleased with what he saw, but 

bought care was required in fitting the new valise cquip- 

nent; hitherto the old pack or knapsack had been carried. 

Xhe men were dismissed to their homes on June 9th. 

Colonel Blandy-Jcnkins, who had been granted a step of 
tonorary rank January 29th, 1887, resigned immediately 



214 



Royal Berkshire Miiiita. 



after the training, Major Eyre (who afterwards assura 
the name of Archer- Houbl on) was appointed Lieut-Colo 
on the same date, June i6th. Captain Preston had rcstg 
since the last training (he was afterwards appointed j 
magistrate in Irelandj, and also Lieutenants J. Blani 
Jenkins and C, C. Williams. The following had '• 
appointed : E. M. Fowler, G. C. T. Willes, and P. L. Lew 
Gower. 

The Battalion furnished 128 men to the Line. 

The regiment, as last year, was placed uih 

'^°9- canvas in the Drill Field at the Dep6t, assetnbli^ 
on May 6th and being dismissed on June ist It ' 
inspected on May 30th and 31st by Colonel Browne, < 
manding the 49th Regimental District The regiment 1 
well reported on and, in addition to furnishing 145 men I 
the Line, was stronger in numbers by eighty-nine men. 

This was Lieut-Colonel Eyre's first training in 
mand ; Captain T. J. Whcble had been appointed to ( 
vacant Majority ; Captain King had resigned, Febni 
igth, 1889; Lieutenant F. H, G. Hercy had been I 
ferred to the 3rd Royal West Surrey Regiment; J. R.G 
returned to the Regiment as Captain ; and G. E. I 
had been appointed. 

The recruits assembled on April 28th Ibc 
^^ course of instruction in musketry before 
training ; this was a new departure this year. The tratid 
again took place at the Depot The regiment as.<>c[nbled I 
May Sth, and was dismissed on May 31st. It was insp< 
by Colonel H. C. Borrett commanding 49th Regimei 
District, on May 29th in Review Order, and on May '^ 
in Marching Order. Colonel Borrett expressed himself '1 
much pleased with all he saw. 

Lieutenants J, E, Dufficld, Arthur J. C. Viscount SacU 
(to Royal Horse Guards), J. E. Rhodes (to King's '. 
Rifle Corps), and G. E. Phillips had resigned ; and I 



Twenty-five Years in the Regiment. 215 

townes, W. J. B. Van de Weyer, Hon. R. C. Craven. E. T. 
Whitehurst, Robert Hargreaves, and W. A. F. White, had 
been appointed. 

Lieutenant Sidney Thornhill Hankey was appointed to 
[ 2nd Life Guards directly after the training. 

Second Lieutenant E. T. Whitehurst was drowned at 

I Shrewsbury on July iSth while gallantly endeavouring to 

save life, a very promising young life prematurely cut short. 

Major H. W. Holdcn had joined the 2nd Batta- 

" ' lion on October 30th, 1S90, on the completion of 

j his period of service as Adjutant, and Captain C. Mackenzie 

rEd wards had been appointed from the ist Battalion. 

The regiment assembled for training on May nth and 
Iproceeded the same day to Aidershot, where it was en- 
kcatnped on Watts's Common, being attached to the 1st 

■ Infantry Brigade, under Major-General Gregoric, C.B., by 

■ whom it was inspected on June the 4th and 5th, in Drill, 
•the Attack Formation, and Interior Economy. The 
■regiment returned to Head-Quarters on June 5th and was 

jdismissed. 

The work of the training, after the first three days of 

^at heat, was interfered with by continuous cold and wet 

weather. The musketry was carried out on the old Caesar's 

Camp ranges, where one man was hit by a party of a 

Cavalry Regiment firing on the adjoining range; he only 

:eived a ftesh wound. 

The In.specting Officer expressed himself well satisfied 

with the progress made in spite of the wet weather. 141 

volunteered for the Line. 

Captain, Hon. Major J. W. R. Adams was transferred to 

lithe 4th Middlesex Regiment, September 19th, 1S90 ; 

r Lieutenants D. B. Maurice to the ist Battalion, and E. M. 

I Fowler had resigned ; and S. H. Rickman, R. F. Cazenove, 

I M. M. Mercer Adam, and C. Knipc had been appointed 

(before the training, while S. L. Barry was appointed 

tiirectly afterwards. 



2i6 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

The recruits were again assembled for four- 
^*" teen days' preliminary musketry before the training. 
The regiment assembled at Reading on May 9th, and was 
dismissed on June 4th. 

During the training, Major General Lord Methuen, com- 
manding the Home District, inspected the Depot, he 
watched the 3rd Battalion drill and march past, and ex- 
pressed himself as extremely well satisfied with what he 
saw. 

Colonel H. Borrett, commanding 49th Regimental District, 
inspected the regiment at Battalion Drill and went through 
the Books, he also saw the regiment in extended order on a 
Field Day at Englefield Park, which Mr. Bcnyon had most 
kindly lent for the occasion. While on the return march 
through Theale, a short but very heavy thunderstorm gave 
the regiment a good drenching. With a view to not 
disturbing the deer and game, no blank ammunition was 
used. The Interior Economy of the regiment was well 
reported on. 

Lieutenant P. Leveson Gower resigned (to Sherwood 
Foresters), September 9th, 1891, and H. V. Rhodes was 
appointed. The numerical strength of the regiment had 
somewhat increased. 

This year the regiment was ordered to get 
^^* through its musketry course and then, as one of 
the regiments of the i8th Brigade (2nd Army Corps) in the 
Home Defence Scheme, to proceed to Forest Row, Ashdown 
Forest, for brigade drill and manccuvres. Accordingly the 
recruits assembled for preliminary musketry on April 15th; 
and the regiment on May ist. After the musketry course, 
carried out for the last time on the Coley Range with the 
Martini Rifle on May i6th, the regiment entrained at 
Reading and was conveyed to Forest Row station. It was 
encamped, together with the 3rd Royal Sussex, the 3rd 
Royal West Surrey and the West Kent, about one-and-a-half 



Twenty-five Years in the Regiment. 217 

Ktniles from the station, on Ashdown Forest, under Brigadier- 
IGeneral Fowler Butler, commanding 18th Infantry Bri- 
|gade. 

The regiment was employed with its own brigade and 
[ brigades of Regular troops in various Field Days and 
L mancEUvres, and in outpost work both by day and nigiit. 
I The regiment was inspected on parade by Brigadier-General 

■ Fowler Butler, and the books, etc., by Colonel Borrett, com- 
Imanding 49th Regimental District. 

H.R.H. the Commander-in-Chief witnessed the conclu- 
I ding day's operations and a march-past. The regiment was 
• very well reprartcd on, it returned to Reading on May 36th, 

■ where the camp had been left standing. The men were 
E dismissed to their homes on the following day. This was 

■ Colonel Archer Houblon's last training. 

There were no resignations since last training and no new 
I appointments, 

A short time previous to the training, Colonel 

"*" Archer Houblon resigned the command, and I 

I was appointed Lieut.-Colonet, to hold the appointment for 

I Eve years. This was the first appointment under the new 

I Time Warrant, 

The regiment was ordered to train at Reading in May 

land June. The recruits' musketry course and that of the 

lattalion to be conducted at Chum, which Lord Wantage 

■had placed at the disposal of the authorities for that 



The regiment was this year armed for the first time with 
L the Magazine Rifle, and for that rifle the range at Reading 
■ was pronounced unsafe to the public. A new valise equip- 
I ment was also issued. 

A Board reported on the Churn Range, that it was safe; 
I- compensation was paid by Government to two of Lord 
Wantage's tenants, for the periods when they were debarred 
I from using the ground behind the Butts. 



The recruits and the various companies proceeded 
march route to Churn and back, I'ia Pangboume, Upp( 
Basiidon and Aldworth ; the distance is 14J mil 
occupied 4 hours io minutes to 4i hours. The 1 
practice was a good deal interfered with by rain, and, unlea 
the sight was raised, the black powder used did not cat 
the bullet to the target. 

Major-General Lord Methuen, commanding the Hoi 
District, took the opportunity of his Annual Inspectioi 
the Dep6t, Royal Berkshire Regiment, to sec the regimei 

Colonel Borrctt made his Annual Inspection before t 
end of the training, and expressed his approval of the ( 
and conduct of the regiment. 

Mr. Benyon again placed a portion of his park at I 
dispo.sal of Colonel Borrett, in order that the regiment t 
practise the attack before him; but, unfortunately, Coloi 
Borrett was prevented by illness from being present. 
operations were, however, carried out, and the battaljqj 
marched back through Thcalc and the Dath Road to quartcf 

The Officers' Luncheon and Sports took place ; 
and were very successful, much amusement being caused b 
an officers' cigar and umbrella race on ponies. 

The regiment was in the course of the training, for I 
first time for some years, exercised in outpost duties, \ 
the neighbourhood of Tilehurst, on a line from the ', 
to the Bath Road. 

Promotions : Major T. J. Bowles to LieuL -Colonel, ) 
Lieut.-ColoncI Archer Houblon ; Captain Otway, Major. 

The resignations were : Lieut.-Cotonel Archer Houbl 
(Hon, Colonel), March 20th, 1894. Lieutenants: G. C. 1 
Willes, April 14th, 1894; S, H. Rickman (to Rifle Brigadri 
November 29th, 1893; M. M Mercer Adam, August ; 
1893; C. Knipe, February 3rd, 1894. 

Appointments: P. Cazenove, February lOth, 1894; H, I 
Henderson, March 3rd, 1894; H. C. F. Hay, March 12 



Thienty-fiue Years in the Regiment. 219 



As has been mentioned previously, the regi- 
^^' ment's place in the "Home Defence Scheme" was 
with the 2nd Army Corps, in the i8th Brigade, with Head- 
Quarters in the South-eastern District. A small sum of 
money was available for manceuvres, or tactical exercises, in 
that district in 1 895; and it was determined to mobilise, 
»>., make mobile, for the first time, a force of Militia for one 
week, and at the same time to try the experiment of steam 
traction, which is thought by some authorities to be the 
ideal transport for home defence on English roads. 

In accordance with this idea, the regiment was ordered to 
join its brigade in Camp at Lydd, near Dungeness, on May 
13th. having been preceded by fourteen days by the recruits 
and advance party for the recruits' musketry course. Accord- 
ingly, after the Assembly and Muster, the 3rd Royal Berk- 
shire entrained at the South-Eastern Station at Reading the 
same day, and, after six-and-a-half hours' journeying in great 
heat, marched into Camp on the flats of Lydd, in the dark, 
at about 9 p.m. 

The Brigade Camp was placed just to the south of the 
Rifle Ranges, opposite to the brick huts of the Royal 
Artillery. The Royal Sussex on the right. West Kent in 
the centre, and Royal Berkshire on the left. The remaining 
battalion, the Royal West Surrey, was at New Romney with 
one of their own Line battalions. The brigade was under 
the command of Colonel Tolson, of the 3Sth Regimental 
District, from Chichester. 

Lydd was formerly on the sea, now it is about two-and-a- 
half miles inland. The Camp lay on the reclaimed land, 
with acres and acres of shingle to south and west, and was 
much exposed to the winds on south-west from the sea and 
on the east over Romney Marsh. 

The work of the training went steadily on, facilitated by 
the close proximity of the ranges, where Lieut Swinlon, of 
the Depiit, attached as Instructor of Musketry, put the 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



regiment through the course. Some outpost work and 
battle formation, popularly known as "shingle-punching" 
(being carried out on the shingle), was got through by 
battalions and afterwards in brigade. The Surrey were 
brought in and the brigade was inspected by Lord W. ] 
Seymour, on Monday, May 28th. 

Mobilisation took place and the 18th Brigade marched 
to a position near Rye, on June 3rd, leaving a party behind, 
consisting of the Quarter-Master, one Subaltern, and about 
sixty men, who rejoined with the heavy baggage at Ashford 
on the following Friday. The iSth Brigade formed part of 
a force supposed to have landed near Lydd, at 4 a.m., on 
June 3rd. The defending force acted from Ashford as a I 
base. 

The regiment had a very hard day the first day. Packing j 
of tents, kit-bags, blankets, etc., had to be done before \ 
marching out for the Brigade rendezvous, which was reached j 
at 8 o'clock. The march was long, the weather very close I 
and sultry, the roads loose and dusty. The camping ground 
was reached in good time, but was not marked out. The 
men did not get their dinners till 4 p.m., owing to a partial | 
breakdown, which specially affected the waggons allotted to 
us. The transport only arrived at 10-30, when everything I 
had to be unloaded and carried some distance from the j 
roadside Into camp. Tents had to be pitched, kit-t 
and blankets sorted out, and the men turned in. Luckilyl 
it was a fine night; officers and men worked with a willf j 
but when " lights out" sounded, I was afraid there would be I 
many things missing in the morning ; this, however, turned I 
out not to be the case. The men were wonderfully chcety 1 
over their difficulties ; the officers were worse off than the I 
men (the mess waggon not arriving for hours after the men'SiJ 
dinner was served), and this, of course, the men knew. One! 
officer, one or two of the non-commissioned officers, and meil'l 
suffered slightly from heat apoplexy, but were all right in ti 



morning. The mess caterer, Captain Lewis, (late Quarter- 
Master), was seriously ill, but, recovering somewhat, he 
pluckily continued his work lo the end of the training. 
Colonel Davis and the Officers, Royal West Surrey, whose 
transport arrived in fair time, were most hospitable, and 
entertained many of the officers in the evening, in turn, as 
they could be spared from their duties. As may be imagined, 
the night was a short one for all ranks ; the Company 
Officers had to be in their lines at 5 o'clock next morning, 
as they had to be each morning during the mobilisation. 
The men turned out in capital spirits, struck camp, packed 
the waggons, breakfasted, and marched at an early hour for 
the second day's operations of the mimic campaign. During 
the previous day our brigade had not been actually engaged. 
There had been some cavalry work done, and a small cavalry 
engagement, in which cyclist scouts and signallers had also 
been employed. Near to our camp was a Volunteer Brigade, 
not mobilised, but in a standing camp ; they belonged to 
the British, or defending force, but were placed where they 
were for convenience. They took part in most of the 
operations when they could reach the scene from their camp. 
Captain Thornton had been appointed transport officer for 
the brigade, working under Captain Donovan, of the Army 
Service Corps, (This officer had been through the first 
Matabele War under Major Forbes), 

On the second day of the campaign the iSth Brigade 
joined hands with the other brigade of the division (Colonel 
Paton commanding the division), and fought its way another 
step towards Ashford, the large junction of the South 
Eastern Railway, and the objective of the invaders. The 
ground fought over this day was well adapted for the purpose. 
The defending force which consisted of Regular Infantry, 
Cavalry, Yeomanry, and Volunteers, were forced bade in the 
direction of their base at Ashfordj and we went into camp 
for the night, evcr^'thing now and henceforward working 



Royal Berkshire Mititta. 



well. The men marched and fought in marching order, 
carrying their valises. The operations of the following two 
days were much the same ; the defenders retiring before 
the invaders, as a result of the day's fighting, except that, in 
reality, the engagement fought on the fourth day was 
adjudged not to have been entirely favourable to the 
invaders, but the programme had to be carried out, and we 
marched into camp in the outskirts of Ashford. On this 
day. in the absence of Colonel Tolson (away inspecting a 
battalion in his command), Colonel Lord March commanded 
the brigade, and during the decisive action of the day 
assumed command of the division on Colonel Paton being 
put out of action, supposed to have been wounded. On this 
day, and the following, the men were relieved of their valises. 

On the fifth day, Friday, June 7th, we, the invaders, 
marched out to the position we occupied immediately 
previous to the action of the day befoie, and repeated the 
operations of that day, when, owing to a better combination 
of the force at our disposal, we were adjudged to have ' 
been successful, and it was thought that the Commander of I 
the invading force landed at Lydd on the Monday morning', 
had succeeded in carrying out his orders, and seized the ' 
town and important railway junction of Ashford. Could ] 
this plan of fighting over again, with the same resources, the j 
action of the previous day be adopted in real warfare, what I 
a different history of some campaigns would have to be I 
written. For introduction purposes, however, it is a very J 
good object lesson. On the side of the defenders an [ 
armoured train was experimented with. 

After the "cease fire" had sounded, the whole of the | 
forces engaged were formed up and marched past H.R.H. 
the Commander-in-Chief on some very good ground close I 
by. His Royal Highness spoke in complimentary terms trf'l 
the marching powers, conduct, and discipline of the Militia I 
Battalions. Two men only of the Royal Berkshire fell oil) 



Twenty-five Years in the Regiment. 223 

during the week. After the march past, the various regi- 
ments mached off, the i8th Brigade returning to Camp at 
Ashford. Lord WilHam Seymour, commanding the South- 
Eastern District, was in command of the whole of the forces 
engaged, and all the arrangements for the conduct of the 
operations were carried out by his Staff. 

After Mess on this, the last night of the training, the 
officers of the various regiments in the Brigade exchanged 
farewell visits. The whole Brigade had got on very well 
together, and, though exhibiting a very healthy spirit of 
rivalry, parted with mutual expressions of regret. 

At 3.30 a.m., on Saturday, June 8th, the regiment en- 
trained at Ashford, arrived at Reading about 7.30 and was 
dismissed the same afternoon. 

It is interesting to note that the last time the regiment 
had been in those parts was when it lay at Rye, in 1793, and 
at Ashford in 1803. 

The regiment, in addition to Lord W, Seymour's 
inspection in Brigade, was inspected in drill and interior 
economy by Colonel Tolson, commanding 35th Regimental 
District (Acting Brigadier). There were no courts martial 
during the training, and hardly any military crime. 

The officers, when not at work, found some difficulty in 
filling up their time, but visits to the Dungeness Light-house 
and the Signal Station, trollcying on the Government 
Railway to the shore, and the ubiquitous "bykes" helped 
out ; the latter were sometimes put to strange uses as 
steeplechase "gees," in which pastime Bobby (Hargreaves), 
with a large regalia in full blasts took many a toss with his 
usual imperturbability, 

The men seemed much to enjoy the fresh fish they got 
direct from the boats, and the sea bathing. The only 
grumblers, I believe, were the Field Officers, condemned, 
as we were, though fat and scant of breath, to "shingle 
punching" in long boots and spurs, instead of "putties." 



224 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



The regiment was very successful in the Brigade Sports,", 
carrying off both the regimental and officers' tugs of war I 
and many other events, and also winning most of the 
cricket matches. There was, one evening, a very successful ' 
grand torchlight Tattoo by the bands of the Brigade, 
organised by Captain Hamilton, Brigade Major, at which 
many civilians were present. 

Unquestionably an occasional training in Brigade with i 
other Militia regiments and in contact with Regular troops, 
tends to a very useful rivalry in drill and general smartness,', 
as well as in all manly sports, and increases esprit de corps , 
and a knowledge of their duties in all ranks. 

Since the training of 1S94, we had lost Major Otway I 
(Hon. Lieut-Colonel), Lieutenants P. Downes, Hon. R. j 
C. Craven, S. L. Barry (to loth Hussars); and the I 
following promotions and appointments were gazetted; 
Lord G. Pratt to Major vice Major Otway ; Lieutenant C. 
Hay to Captain vice Major Otway ; Lieutenant W. B. J. 1 
Van dc Weyer to Captain vice Lord G. Pratt; B. G. Van dej 
Weyer, A. H. Royds, and W. H. Bagot, Second Lieutenants. 

After this training the regiment was taken out of the , 
iSth Brigade, 2nd Army Corps, and was assigned to j 
the Portsdown Forts in the defence scheme, a position much J 
more easily reached from Reading. All the mobilisation J 
stores and transport hitherto stored at Reading were con- 
sequently removed. Captain Lewis also gave up the office J 
of Mess Caterer, which he had filled for a long time. Ou'l 
the occasion of his remarriage the year before, the officer^J 
by subscription, had presented him with a piece of plate and J 
a purse. 

For this year the suggestion was made from 

' ^ ■ Head-Quarters, through the Home District, thasj 
the regiment should train at Aldershot, in August anj^l 
September, for five weeks, to form part of a large force of.J 
Militia, in two divisions, ordered to take part in 



I 



Twenty-five Years in (he Regiment, 225 

manceuvres of the year, to be held at and around Aldershot, 
owing to the failure of the Government Manceuvres Bill to 
pass. I was requested to make any remarks I wished upon 
this suggestion ; and, therefore, while stating that the regi- 
ment was ready and prepared to train wherever ordered, I 
submitted that Berkshire was essentially an agricultural 
county, that the time named usually comprised the period 
of harvest, and that the 519 men at that moment on the 
roll classed as agricultural labourers would be deprived of 
their harvest earnings, and that in some cases their absence 
would also bear heavily upon the farmers, whereas, this 
would not apply in the case of Metropolitan regiments or 
those from mining and manufacturing districts ; moreover. 
. that, if this suggestion was carried out, it would probably 
have an adverse effect upon recruiting. The authorities 
eventually ordained that the regiment should train at 
Reading in May and early June, proceeding by detachments 
to Churn for musketry, by march route as in 1S94. The 
ground for the camp of the detachment being lent by 
Lord Wantage, and water provided free of expense to the 
country. 

The recruits, with the usual percentage of old hands and 
non-commissioned officers, assembled at Reading on April 
27th under Captain Turner of the ist Battalion, the new 
Adjutant, Captain Thornton, Lieutenant White, Inspector 
of Musketry, who had lately passed through Hythe, and the 
newly-Joined subalterns, after having been put through their 
preliminary musketry drills, they were marched to Churn, 
completed their musketry course and returned to Head- 
Quarters in time for the assembly of the regiment. 

Since the previous training, not only had a new Adjutant 
been appointed, but Hon. Captain and Quarter-Master 
HoUyer had retired on pension, and accepted an appoint- 
ment offered him by Major A. W, Hay; Quarter-Master 
and Hon. Lieut. T. Brown, from the 1st Battalion, being 



2 26 



Royal Berkshire MiOiia. 



appointed in his place, Sergeant- Major Seely ' 
at the head of the Stafir sergeants. The roll of i 
remained the same, except that Lieutenants R. C 
(to Gth Dragoons), P. Cazenove.and R. Hai^ea\-es p 
and the following new officers were appointed: 1 
Lieutenants Scott, Johnstone, Wadling. and Dn 
(the last-named resi[;ned before the training), C 
Birch and Lieut, Rhodes were granted leave of absent 

There is a very good group of officers inserted i 
work, taken by Sergeant- Major Beale, of the Dep6t. 
been the custom, for many years, to have a group C 
annually. 

The training was favoured with exceptionally J 
weather and, in consequence, the regiment made { 
progress, Major-General Lord Methucn made a i 
inspection of the Battalion on the occasion of his i 
inspection of the Dep6t Royal Berks Regiment, and C 
Dickson, C,B., held the annual inspection of the r 
just previous to its being disbanded. The conduct 
men was exemplarj-, there was no court-martial, i 
little ordinary military crime. Altogether the regii 
very well reported on. The men never before lived si 
modern improvements in the matter of messing andci 
arrangements working well, without any extra cost toj 
country. It is thought that the provision of hot 90tiilt<| 
bread left over from their allowance, in the evening 1 
great help, especially to the younger soldiers. All f 
hard, and had plenty of amusements in the way of ci 
(inter-company matches), football, etc. The annual a 
and officers' luncheon were well attended and succ 
or two improvements on previous years being introdlU 

A small tactical day's instruction. Major Thoyts" j 
being kindly lent for the occasion, was arranged to pra 
out-post work and battle formation, a rear guard i 
being fought ; Major VV'heblc holding Sulhamstead 1 



I 



Twfnly-fivc Years in llw Regimenl. 227 

its approaches, and adjacent woods, as Commander of the 
rear guard of a force retiring westwards along the southern 
ridges of the Kennet valley. His opponents, under my 
command, represented the advance guard of a strong force 
covering Reading, whose outposts had held during the night 
the line of the Bath Road, Rcading-Ncwburj- Railway, and 
the river Kennet from Theale to the Reading- Basingstoke 
line. Major Wheble was outnumbered, and though, accord- 
ing to his orders, holding on to Sulhamstcad Park and its 
coverts as long as possible, was forced to retire with 
considerable loss. The regiment was then formed up, arms 
were piled, the men fell out and were fed under the trees in 
the Park. 

Major Thoyts — who was for many years in the regiment, 
being present with it in Corfu — had invited Colonel 
Dickson, who was present to inspect and report upon the 
day's operations, myself, and the Officers of the Battalion, 
to luncheon in the house ; most unfortunately, owing to the 
death of a relation, at the last moment neither he nor any 
of his family were able to be present, but, all arrangements 
having been made, he would not allow it to be put off, and 
sent a kind message deputing me to act as his representative 
for the occasion. Af^er luncheon and a rest for the men, 
the Attack was practised on the way back to Barracks 
the reverse way of the Park, 

The Park, with its fine timber, was looking at its best ; 
and the outing was a pleasant cliange to all ranks from the 
monotony of the drill field. 1 believe some pheasants and 
partridges nesting in the Park remained undisturbed all 
through. One partridge never left her nest, which was in the 
gravel pit close to where the men halted for their dinner. 
Major Thoyts told me afterwards he was surprised at not 
finding a .single cartridge case left upon the ground, showing 
how carefully the men had obeyed orders and picked them 
up as they advanced or retired. I believe this was the first 



228 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

time for many years, certainly in my recollection, that 
officers of the regiment had been entertained in this way. 

Owing to a local outbreak of small-pox, supposed to haw^€ 
been imported from Gloucester, a few men were given lca^"'< 
from the training for fear of infection, and a slight outbrea.lf 
in Reading necessitated confinement of the men to Barraclcs 
for a day or two ; but this being energetically dealt with by 
the Local Sanitary Authority, the danger was soon over. 
The great improvement in stamina of the men, after a 
week or two of good food and work, was specially notic^ 
able. There were few absentees. 

It may be noted that all Militia recruits, during their 
recruit training, are now put through a modified course of 
gymnastics, in addition to their ordinary drills; a matter 
of great importance to young lads. A new sword exercise 
for officers was introduced and taught daily. 

Several changes of uniform have, in the dress regulations 
for the Army, been introduced for officers. Brass scabbards 
for infantry mounted officers have been abolished; brass 
spurs also, except for Levee dress. The old blue patfO^ 
jacket has been superseded by a blue serge fatigue jack^^ 
and the rolled collar mess jacket re-introduced, after maf^^ 
years; it is, undoubtedly, a more comfortable garmer^^ 
Officers are permitted, however, to wear out dress of o.--^ 
pattern for two or three years. The sword is now order^^ 
to be worn with the belt under the red serge, which h^^ 
now, for some years, taken the place of the tunic (except ^ 
review order) and the blue patrol. 

The ladies of the county, under the presidency of Lad^ 
Wantage, with a committee of three ladies of the regimei 
Lady George Pratt, Mrs. Hay, and Mrs. Thornton, raij 
a subscription to present new colours to the regiment, 
place of the very heavy old pattern ones, also present 
on behalf of the ladies of the county on July 30th, |8 
by Lady Abingdon. It was proposed that the presental 



IS97- 



should be made during the forthcoming training, but owing 
to the training talking place away from Head-quarters, at 
Churn, and the many Jubilee engagements, it has been 
found necessary to postpone it to 189S. 

Since the training of i S96, Major T. J. Wheble. Captain F. 
M. Birch, and Lieutenant Bagot have resigned. Captain 
and Hon. Major A. W. Hay has been promoted I^ajor, and 
Second Lieuts. Purneil, Adam.s, Chamberlayne, Urlwin, 
and Archer Houblon have been appointed. 

Lieutenant Evans, 3rd Worcester, and Lieutenant Dauncy, 
7th Rifle Brigade, were attached for the 1896 training. 
The regiment has been ordered to train at Churn 
in May and June, in brigade with the 3rd and 4th 
Oxfordshire Light Infantry, tliough at _one time it was 
feared that the training would take place at Aldershot, for 
manceuvres, during harvest. Recruiting has not been good. 

In conclusion, I think I may venture to hope that the 
regiment has every prospect of maintaining the high 
character it has always sustained for discipline, good 
conduct, and hearty and ungrudging efforts to carry out its 
duties. The rank and file of Berkshire men make excellent 
soldiers, are most willing and amenable to discipline. 

The history of the regiment during the time I have 
served in it would hardly be complete without allusion to 
those who have served in the rank of Sergeant- Major ; that 
connecting link between the Cotnmissioned ranks and the 
Staff Sergeants and men, and whose smartness and fitness, 
or otherwise, for their duties, may make .so much difltrence 
to the efficiency and conduct of the permanent Staff, Non- 
Comissioncd Officers and men. I will venture to hope that 
some day we may see Militia Sergeant- Majors again with 
warrant rank. 

When I joined, Sergeant-Major Staden, appointed 1855, 

, held the post (which he retained until October, 1876, when 

Serjeant- Major Butler was appointed), he was a non- 



330 



T^oyal Serhshire Mu^mT 



commissioned officer of the old type. Those who n 
him will, I think, agree with me that a better Scrgcad 
Major in every respect than Sergeant- Major Butler, c 
smarter drill, would be almost impossible to find, Serg 
Major Stadcn c.une from the 13th Light Infantry, a 
Sergeant-Major Butler from the 46lh Regiment, 
them came Sergeant-Major Dunn, promoted in the regiinefl 
he soon after got an appointment at the Recruiting 1 
in London. Then came a short interregnum, when we h 
an Acting Sergeant-Major, and then Sergeant-Major S« 
who now holds the appointment, was promoted. 

With few exceptions, I think, during all this time 11 

Permanent Staff have done their work well, and with icil' 
and efficiency. As in the case of the Sergeant-Majors, I 
should like to see an alteration made in the status of the 
Orderly Room Clerks. An addition, too, of two or three 
Sergeants to the Permanent Staff, would be a great help V> 
Militia battalions, so as to have always two Staff SergcaiUi 
for duty with each company. 

There is a good group of the colours and a colour paity, 
taken, like the others, by Sergeant-Major Beale. 

The Officers' Mess possesses a very fair chest of pUte, 
and among many pieces presented to the regiment, refeicMC 
may perhaps be made to the following and their doniw 
Centre-piece : an elegantly designed piece of pUte, pr^ 
sented in 1855 by the ladies of the county ; a lai^eand\'cii 
heavy old silver Tankard, capable of holding half-a-du 
bottles of wine, given by Lord Abingdon (then 
Norreys) when his horse, "Sir Bevys," won the Derby I 
1879 ; two large and handsome Cups and Covers, coine&l 
the old Irish Cup, given by Major Hay ; two silver In 
stands, one given by Lord Algernon Percy ; tvi'o Mq 
Stands, by Captain Nepean ; a very handsome Che 
forty-eight fish knives and forks, by Lieutenant Cazem 




Tiventy-five Years in the Regiment. 

Ktwo vcr\' handsome cut-glass, silver-mounted, Champagne 
I Jugs, by Lieutenant Barry; a set of Mustard I'ots, by 
1 Captain Van de Weyer ; three handsome Lamps, by Lieut. 
1 Hargrcavcs ; an Inkstand, by Major Otway ; a handsome 
I Clock, b\' Captain Adams; two Cigar Lighters, consisting 
I of a copy of the badge of the " Stag under the Oak," by 
E Captain Thornton ; and a Silver Bowl, by Lieut. Henderson. 
The camp at Churn is already formed and occupied by 
I the recruits, and a proportion nf non-commissioned officers 
I and duty men of the 4th Oxford and 3rd Royal Berks for 
I musketry, they having assembled on April 26th. The 
I 3rd Oxford {Bucks Militia) are carrying out their recruit 
I musketry at Wycombe, but will join the Camp when all 
I three regiments assemble on May 10th. Lord Wantage 
I has again granted the authorities the use of the ground and 
I water supply. He has, moreover, lent us the large hut upon 
1 the ground for our Mess-room, together with stabling at one 
I of his farms for the mounted officers' horses. Messrs. Unite, 
■ of London, have supplied the ante-tent, kitchen, etc., and 
1 fitted up the Mess-room in a very satisfactory manner, 
^ under the direction of the Mess President, Major Lord 
George Pratt, who we shall be very sorry to lose, on his 
retirement after this training. Our own furniture has been 
I brought from Reading. Messrs. Cross and Jameson have 
I been engaged as Messmen. Altogether the Mess promises to 
I be a very comfortable one, at no great expense ; having the 
I hut for a Mess-room, thanks to Lord Wantage, is a saving of 
I expense. It has always been the custom in the regiment, 
I while endeavouring to have everj'thing necessary for reason- 
I able comfort, not to unduly increase the expenses of the 
1 Mess for the sake, especially, of the young officers. 

Colonel Kingscote, commanding 43rd Regimental District 
► (Oxford), has been appointed Brigadier. Probably the 
1 Brigade will be inspected, during the last week, by Major- 
I General Lord Methuen, commanding the Home District, 




CHAPTER XIII. 

PLACES WHERE THE REGIMENT HAS BEEN. — 1614-1896. 

IHE soldiers of Berkshire without doubt exercised 
annually from the earliest period, but of these 
earliest Musters I have not enquired. Among the 
Reading Corporation MSS. are references to the calling out 
of troops during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Another 
bundle of MSS. giving the following interesting particulars, 
being the precepts issued by the Lord Lieutenant or Deputy 
Lieutenants to the Mayor and Corporation for mustering 
the Trained Band of Reading, both ** horse and foot, clergy 
as well as laity." 

The Trained Bands were called after the locality in which 
they were raised. They exercised annually in the chief 
town of their division. Thus we have an Abingdon troop, 
a Reading troop, also troops from Newbury, Wokingham, 
the Forest, etc. ; so they continued to be called until this 
century; now the companies are numbered, not named. The 
whole regiment was known collectively as the Trained Band 
or Militia of the county. 

From the precepts referred to, I am able to give the 
dates of exercising of the Reading company ; no doubt 
similar precepts were sent at the same time to all the 
Divisions. Each training occupied two days: the first two 
being at Whitsuntide, the last two being later in the year. 
This continued until the reorganization of the Army in 
1758. 

READING TROOP. 

16 14. October loth. The Forbury, 8 a.m. 

161 5. September nth. The Forbury, 7 a.m. 



Places where the Regiment has been. 233 



I6I7. 


September 23rd. 


The Forbury, 8 a.m. 


I6I8. 


September 18th. 


The Forbury. 


1 619. 


May 8th. 


The Forbury. 


1620. 


October 5th. 


— , 9 o'clock. 


1 62 1. 


April 9th. 


Bulmershe Heath. 


1622. 


July 1 6th. 


Bulmershe Heath. 


1623. 


September 15th. 


The Forbury. 


1624, 


June 2 1 St 


The Forbury. 


1625. 


October loth. 


Reading, 8 o'clock. 


1626. 


August 8th. 


Bulmershe Heath. 




October 9th. 


The Forbury, 9 o'clock. 


1627. 


Whitsun. Week. 


The Forbury. 


1629. 


June 30th. 


The Forbury. 




July 20th. 


The Forbury. 


1630. 


July 30th. 


The Forbiiry. 




September 22nd. 


The Forbury. 


163 1. 


July 26th. 


The Forbury. 




September 5th. 


The Forbury. 


1632. 


May 27th. 


The Forbury. 


1633. 


June 7th. 


The Forbury. Reviewed before 
Sir F. Knollys, in the Forbury, 
on June 12th. 


1634. 


May 28th. 


The Forbury, 7 o'clock. 




July isth. 


The Forbury. 




August 9th. 




1636. 


June 8th. 


The Forbury. They were ordered 
to be in " Modern Fashion." 


1637. 


Whitsun. Week. 


The Forbury. 


1638. 


May 1 6th. 
December i6th. 


The Forbury, 7 o'clock. 


1639. 


October 4th. 


The Forbury. 


1640. 


August 4th. 


The Forbury, 8 o'clock. Clergy 


1 




as well as laity were summoned. 


1 




and four, five, or six young men 


> 

i 

\ 




in each parish ordered to be 
ready in case of need. 



234 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



1642. September ist The Forbury. 
October 

During the Civil War the regiment moved about where 
it was required for defence or fighting. 

I have very little doubt, although no record remains 
to prove, that the Berkshire Militia — I may here remark 
the term Militia was used in reference to the Berkshire 
Regiment as early as 1640 ; the word seems to have first 
appeared in Queen Elizabeth's reign — was either embodied 
or trained yearly until the year 1667, when we know they 
were sent to the Isle of Wight to protect the coast. During 
the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion they were doubtless on 
active service. It is usually asserted that the Militias were 
neglected at this period, but I believe they exercised 
annually. From 1758 to the present day I am able to give, 
year by year, the localities of the Berkshire Militia. 

It is remarkable that although Abingdon was the count}' 
town, it was never used as a military station or training 
place by the county Militia, except as a store place for a 
few years during the present century. Reading and 
Newbury lay on the main road between London and the 
important garrison of Bristol, and were also better placed 
for speedy communication with the Southern coasts. 

The regiment, when moving from one place to another, 
usually marched in two divisions. They were billeted out 
as was found most convenient among the villages. Thus I 
have given the names of every village or place mentioned in 
connection with the regiment. Many weeks must have been 
spent on the march. They, like all other Militias, were moved 
about wherever their services were required, but were 
principally employed for coast defence. 

The plan of defence adopted in 1792 was, as far as possible, 
copied from that of Queen Elizabeth's Army in 1585-88, and 
I have little doubt that the military arrangements of the i6th 



Places where the Regiment has been, 235 



1759- June. 
July. 



1760. 



Century were drawn on the plan of a still older model, so 
that all the camps of the South of England have been used 
as military positions of value from time immemorial. 

PLACES WHERE THE BERKSHIRE MILITIA HAVE BEEN 
ENCAMPED, QUARTERED AND TRAINED. 

1758. December. Embodied. Strength 560, as 

decided. 
Reading. Review at Whitley 

Wood. 
Marlborough, Hungerford and 

Devizes. 
Newbury for a week, then to 

Devizes. 
Two companies from Hungerford, 

to Marlborough and Preshute. 
Winchester Barracks. 
Winchester Camp. 
October 9th, lOth. Hungerford, Ilsley, Newbury and 

Speen. 
November 5th. 5 companies to Reading. 

2 companies to Wallingford. 
2 companies to Wokingharri. 



August 2 1 St. 

August 

October. 
June 17th. 



1761. March ist. 



April. 



9 companies. 

Two companies to Witney, to 
help quell riots ; remained there 
about a fortnight. 

Reading. They were sent out of 
the towns during the Elections, 
and were at Abingdon and 
other places, but returned to 
Reading and were ordered to 
Winchester Camp, June 12th 
and 13th. 



236 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



1 76 1. October 20th. 



November. 
1762. March. 

April. 
June. 



1763- 



June 23rd. 

Oct. 24th & 25th. 

October 27th. 



1764. 




1765. 




1766. 




1767. 




1768. 


May 2-2 5th. 


1769. 


October 4th 


1770. 


May 7th. 


1771. 


May 6th. 


1772. 


May 4th. 


1773- 


May 3rd. 


1774- 


May 7th. 


1775. 


May 8th. 


1776. 


May 6th. 



Left Winchester Camp for Read- 
ing Head-Quarters, Wallingford 
and Wokingham. 

Newbury. 

Winchester, to guard French 
prisoners. 

Returned to Reading. 

Ordered to Winchester Camp, to 
arrive on i8th and 19th. This 
order must have been changed, 
as they were at Reading on 
June 2 1st 

Ordered to Winchester, to arrive 
there by 26th inst 

Left Winchester Camp and re- 
turned to Reading. 

Wokingham. 

Reading. Disembodied before 
Christmas. 

Probably were not trained that 
year. 



(?) Newbury. 
Reading. 
Newbury. 

The Forbury, Reading, and New- 
bury. 28 days. 
Newbury, June 2nd. 
The Forbury, Reading. 28 days. 
Market Place, Newbury. 28 days. 
The Forbury, Reading. 28 days. 
Market Place, Newbury. 28 days. 
The Forbury, Reading 28 days. 
Market Place, Newbury. 28 days. 



Places where the Regiment has been. 237 



1777. May 5th. Market Place, Reading. 28 days. 

1778. Reading Head-Quarters. 
June 13th. Coxheath Camp. 
November 9th. Reading. 

1779. Two companies at Woodstock, 

February to June 5th ; nine 
companies at Reading, left on 
June 7th. 
June nth. Romford, Ilford, Hare Street and 

Adarley Common. 

1780. May 30th. Reading. Five companies left for 

Winchester, to guard prisoners 
of War; four companies to 
Hilsea Barracks, started June 
1 0th, to arrive on the 14th. 
Left Hilsea Barracks, Ports- 
mouth, on October 17th and 
1 8th, for Oxfordshire. Two 
companies to Banbury and New- 
thorpe, one company at Burford, 
one company at Doddington, 
Adderbury and Bloxham, one 
company at Witney and Eyn- 
sham, two companies at Chip- 
ping Norton and Chapel House, 
one company at Bicester, and 
one company at Islip and 
Bletchingdon. 

1 78 1. April 9th. Moved to billets near London. 

Four companies to Barnet, 
Hadley, Kitts End, Ridge Mins, 
Potters Bar and Northall, one 
company to Whetstone, three 
companies to Hampstead, High- 
gate, Hornsey and St Pancras, 



238 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



1 78 1. May 7th. 



June 7th. 
October 20th. 



1782. 



July 1st. 
November 12th. 

November 15th. 



November 28th. 



1783. 
1784 

1785 



March. 



one company to Stanmorc, 
Edgware and Bushy. 

Detachment at Paddington. Five 
companies to Maidstone, two 
companies to Sevenoaks, Seal 
and Riverhead, two companies 
to Wrotham, Ightham, Oflfham 
and Mailings. 

Lenham Heath. Nine companies. 

Left Lenham. Two companies 
to Sevenoaks, Seal, and River- 
head ; one company to Tonbridgc 
and Hadlow; three companies 
to Tonbridge Wells ; one com- 
pany to Lamberhurst, Gond- 
hurst, and Horsemunden ; one 
company to Cranbrook, Milk- 
house Street, and Hawkhurst; 
one company to Westerham, 
Brasted, and Tonbridge, and 
other villages adjacent. 

Coxheath Camp. 

Light Company to Rochester and 
Stroud. 

The remaining companies to 
Rochester, Stroud, Finsbur>% 
Brompton, and Gillingsham. 

The regiment marched to New- 
bury, Speen, and Speenhamland, 
and Oakingham (Wokingham), 
December 4th. 

Reading. Disembodied. 

They were never trained the year 
following disembodiment 



Places where the Regiment has been. 239 



1786. 



1787. 


May 7th. 


Newbury. 


1788. 


May 1 2th. 


Reading. 


1789. 


May 4th. 


Newbury. 


1790. 


May loth. 


Newbury. 


I79I. 


May 1 6th. 


Newbury. 


1792. 


December i8th. 


The Foi 



1793- 



1796. 

1797. 
1798. 



July. 



December. 



1794. April. 
May. 

1795. May. 



November 28th. 



August. 



Probably were out for a month's 
training. 

28 days. 
28 days. 
28 days. 
28 days. 
28 days, 
rbury, Reading. Em- 
bodied. 

South coast towns. 

Left Hastings. Proceeded to 
Waterdown, near Tunbridge 
Wells. A detachment, with 
French prisoners, to Rye. 

Four companies to Southampton 
and Romsey. 

Eastbourne and Hythe. 

Deal and Ramsgate. Dover to 
Sandgate. Dover to 

Shorncliffe, Hythe, Margate and 
Ramsgate, Sandgate and Isle 
of Thanet. 

Totness and adjoining towns. 

Plymouth Garrison Dock Lines. 

Dartmouth and Bristol. 

Bristol. The Militia Horse Troop 
was at this time called the 
Berkshire Provisional Cavalry. 
It was sent to join the Militia 
under Major Stead, and from 
there proceeded to Ireland. 
Landing at Pigeon House, 
Dublin, in June. This is the 
last notice of the Militia Horse. 

Poole Barracks. 



240 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



1798. 


September. 


Weymouth. 


1799. 


November. 


Portsea Barracks, Southampton, 
Netley, and Portsmouth Bar- 
racks. 


1800. 




Portsmouth, and Weymouth. 


I80I. 




Weymouth. 


1802. 




Reading. 


The following is taken from the old Court-martial books 


of the 


regiment. 




1803. 


April. 


Reading. The Mess-room being 
at the "Crown" Inn. 




June 2nd. 


" The Ship " in Faversham, on the 
march to Ashford via Kings- 
down, Kent. 




June 30th. 


Ashford Barracks and Ashford 
Camp. 




October 15th. 


Shorncliffe Camp. 




December ist. 


Walmer Barracks. Deal Barracks. 


1804. 


March 5th. 


Deal, North Infantry Barracks. 
The Nore, left October 30th for 
Chelmsford. 




December 28th. 


Stoke Barracks, Ipswich. 


1805. 


August 28th. 


Walmer. Men were sent to work 
at Dover. 




October. 


Taunton. 




December. 


Detachment at Taunton. Bridge- 
water with Prisoners of War. 




December 13th. 


Berry Head,Torbay and Brixham. 
A Guard at Fishcombe Battery. 


1806. 


November 19th. 


Portsmouth Barracks. 


1807. 


February 3rd. 


Col wart Barracks and Portsea. 




July 7th. 


Steyning Barracks. 




July 20th. 


Blatchingdon Barracks. Men in 
quarters at Lewes. 


1808. 


March ist. 


Hailsham Barracks. 



Places where the Regiment has been. 241 



1809. July 



1810. November 30th. 

181 1. June I2th. 
November 

1812. February 12th. 



April 30th. 

May 25th. 

June. 

November. 
December 28th. 

18 1 3. January 22nd. 
April 29th. 



August 1 6th. 
18 14. September 21st. 



Yarmouth. [No Marching Orders 
can be found from 1809 to 

1815]. 

Norman Cross. 

Weeley Barracks. 

Nottingham. 

Nottingham, while the Sherwood 
Foresters were serving in Ire- 
land ; from there they were 
sent to quell the riots at Man- 
chester, Liverpool, and other 
places. 

Three hundred of the regiment 
passed through Derby. 

Preston, Blackburn, and Colne 
Barracks. 

Liverpool. 

Sommerton. Bideford. 

Bideford to PIvmouth and Mill 
Bay Prison Barracks. 

Marlborough Barracks. 

Sailed from Plymouth for Ireland. 
Landed at the Cove of Cork 
on May nth or 12th, possibly 
a detachment was left behind 
at Blackburn. The Militia 
Register states that they em- 
barked May 7th. 

Middleton to Athlone. 

Left Athlone for Galway. 

Left Tuam for Newry in North of 
Ireland, where they were ex- 
pected September 29th and 
30th to embark for England. 



R 



242 



Royal Berkshire Militia, 



I8I4. 


October. 


Liverpool. Returned to Reading 
and Wokingham 


I8I5. 


January 12th. 


Domingo House Barracks. 




July 15th. 


Fort Barracks. 




i 


Liverpool. 




September. 


Reading. 


1 8 16. 


March 14th. 


Disembodied all except the per- 
manent Staff. 


i8r7-J 


12. 


The lists of officers were regularly 
entered in the Army Lists year 
by year, with all additions and 
alterations. 


1852. 


November nth. 


Reading. Reorganised. 21 days. 


1853- 


October 20th. 


Reading. 28 days. 


1854. 


May nth. 


Reading. 28 days. 


1855. 


January ist. 


Embodied. Sailed for Corfu. 




October 17th.- 


Landed at Corfu. 


1856. 


May 26th. 


Left Corfu. 




June 13th. 


Reading. Paid off July 4th. 
185 days embodied. 


1857. 


September 30th. 


Embodied at Reading. 




October ist. 


North Camp, Aldershot. 


1858. 


April 25th. 


Left Aldershot. Paid off Mav 
7th. 219 days embodied. 


1859. 


July 15th. 


Reading. 21 days. 


1 860. 


May 4th. 


Reading. Inspected May 28th. 
27 days. 


1861. 


April 22nd. 


Reading. 27 days. 


1862. 


May 8th. 


Reading. Inspected by Colonel 
Alison, May 27th. Paid off 
May 28th. 21 days. 


1863. 


May 4th. 


Reading. 21 days. 


1864. 


April 2 1 St. 


Reading. Inspected May loth. 
paid off May nth. 21 days. 



Places where the Regiment has been. 243 



1865. 


May 1st. 


Reading. Inspected May 26th. 
Paid off May 27th, 27 days. 


1866. 


April 23rd. 


Reading. Inspected May iSth. 




• 


Paid off May 19th. 27 days. 


1867. 


April 29th. 


Aldershdt. 27 days. 


1868. 


April 27th. 


Reading. Aldershot. Inspected 
by General Horsford, May 21st. 
Dismissed 23rd. 27 days. 


1869. 


April 19th. 


Reading. 27 days. 


187Q. 


April 25th. 


Aldershot. 3rd Brigade. In- 
spected May 20th. Dismissed 
2 1 St 27 days. 


1871. 


May 1st. 


Aldershot. 3rd Brigade. 27 days. 


1872. 


September 30th. 


Aldershot. 2nd Brigade. 27 days. 


1873. 


May Sth. 


Aldershot. 3rd Brigade. 27 days. 


1874. 


May I Sth. 


Aldershot. 3rd Brigade. 41 days. 


1875. 


May loth. 


Aldershot. 3rd Brigade. 27 days. 


1876. 


July 3rd. 


Minchinhampton Common. 2nd 
Brigade, 3rd Division. 27 days. 


1877. 


June 25th. 


Aldershot. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Di- 
vision. 27 days. 


1878. 


May 13th. 


Reading First year at the Bar- 
racks. 27 days. 


1879. 


May 1 2th. 


Reading. 20 days. 


1880. 


May loth. 


Reading. 28 days. 


1881. 


May 1 6th. 


Reading. Title changed to 3rd 
Battalion. 27 days. 


1882. 


July 24th. 


Aldershot. 28 days. 


1883. 


May 7th. 


Reading. 27 days. 


1884. 




No training, owing to small pox 
in Reading. 


1885. 


May I Sth. 


Reading. 27 days. 


1886. 


May loth. 


Readin^j. 27 days. 


1887. 


June 20th. 


Aldershot. Cove Plateau, North 
Camp. 27 days. 

R 2 



244 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

1888. May 14th. Reading. 27 days. • 

1889. May 6th. Reading. 27 days. 

1890. May 5th. Reading. 27 days. 

1 89 1. May nth. Aldershot Watts* Common. 27 

days. 

1892. May 9th. Reading. 27 days. 

1893. May 1st. Reading. 

May 1 6th. Ashdown Forest 27 days. 

1894. May 7th. Reading. Churn Rifle Range. 

Lee Metford Rifles. 27 da>'s. 

1895. May 13th. Lydd. 27 days. 

1896. May nth. Reading. 27 days. 

1897. May loth. Churn Camp. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

LORDS-LIEUTENANT OF BERKSHIRE. 164O-1896. 

jT is curious that no history of the county gives a list 

ytS of the Lords-Lieutenant of this county, for the office 

was a most important one, as all military matters 

were under his control. Some historians say Henry VHI. 

created the appointment, others attribute it to Queen 

Elizabeth. 

The first Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire whom I have 
found mentioned is the Earl of Wallingford, after- 
wards Earl of Banbury, 161 8 — 1630. He was succeeded 
by his nephew, at his own special wish, when age and 
infirmities grew upon him ; the request was written July 
8th. 1630. 

Henry Rich, Earl of Holland. This nobleman 
sided first with one political party and then with the other, 
till finally, he was beheaded for high treason March 9th, 
1648. 

The Militia was placed under a Parliamenlary Council 
during the Commonwealth. 

In 1667 John, Baron Lovelace of Hurley, was 
Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire. He died 1670. The last of 
this family, Neville, Baron Lovelace, died 1736. 
1715. Charles, Second Duke of St. Albans. Died 

1751. 
I7SL George. Duke of St. Albans. December 

iSth. 
1 76 1. Verb, Lord Vere. 
1 77 1. George, Duke of St. Albans. 
1786. William, Lord Craven. 



246 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



1791. Jacob, Earl of Radnor. 

1 8 19. William, Earl of Craven. November 12th. 

1826. Montagu, Fifth Earl of Abingdon. Ma\ 

3rd. 
1855. Montagu, Sixth Earl of Abingdon. Februar>- 

28th. 
1 88 1. George Grimston, Earl of Craven. August 

nth. 
1884. Ernest Augustus Charles, Marquis of 

Ailesbury, January nth. 
1886. Robert James, Baron Wantage. November 

loth. 

colonels and lieut.-colonels 

commanding the BERKSHIRE MILITIA — 164O-1897. 

Sir Jacob Astlev, Bart. 

Christopher Whichcote. 

Arthur Evelyn. 

John Blagrave. 

Richard Hammond. 

Sir Thomas Dolman, Kt. 

Sir Willoughby Aston, Hart. 

Arthur Vansittart. 

John Dodd. 

William Earl of Craven. 

Jacob Earl of Radnor. 

Richard Sellwood. 

Charles Saxton. 

Penyston p. Powney. 

Edward Loveden Loveden. 

Sir Francis Sykes, Bart. 

George Henry Vansittart. 

Thomas Ravensilwv. 

William Viscount Folkestone. 



Colonels and Lieut.-Colonels. 247 

• 

John Blagrave. 

Charles Bacon. 

Adam Blandy. 

Lord Norreys (afterwards Earl of Abingdon). 

V. W. B. Van de Weyer. 

John Blandy Jenkins. 

George Eyre (afterwards Archer- Houijlon). 

Thomas John Bowles. 




CHAPTER XV. 

OFFICERS OF THE BERKSHIRE MILITIA. 

IIHIS portion of the Militia History has been more 
difficult to compile than any other ; it has been 
gathered together from many sources, but is still far 
from complete. The Regimental List of Officers only begins 
in 1803, it is obviously imperfect, and the ages given in itare 
far from accurate. The Berkshire Militia of the last century 
was so often embodied as to be on a footing with the 
Regulars ; then, as now, Ensigns joined and after a short 
service went into the Regulars ; their resignation only ^'as 
gazetted, without stating to what regiments they went 

It is interesting to notice how, in some cases, several 
generations of families have belonged to the County Militia, 
and I have endeavoured to trace the officers hoping that 
their descendants will keep up this old custom. There are so 
few " Berkshire " books, that I have tried, as far as possible, 
to make this unique as a record of Berkshire County 
families ; for in the old days only men of certain position 
were given Commissions. I hope any errors or omissions 
will be pointed out to me ; and where such occur I trust 
they may be forgiven, when it is remembered that I have 
had to rely entirely upon my own researches, and that 
newspapers and books of reference are not always trust- 
worthy. Where I could, I applied personally to relatives 
or descendants, which has involved nearly as much writing 
as all the book put together. 

I have never found an instance of county men joining the 
66th Regiment, which, although it was given the title 01 
Berkshire, had nothing to do with the county, and the fif^^ 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia, 249 



years of its existence were spent on Foreign Service ; nor, so 
far as I know, was it ever quartered in the county whose 
name it bore, until recent years. 

Abingdon, Montagu Bertie, Fifth Earl of, Lord- 
Lieutenant of Berkshire, 1826-1854; born, 1781 ; second 
son of Willoughby Bertie, fourth Earl of Abingdon ; 
succeeded to the title 1799. 

Abingdon, Montagu Bertie, Sixth Earl of, Lord- 
Lieutenant of Berkshire, 1855-1881. 

Abingdon, Montagu Arthur Bertie, Seventh 

Earl of. Entered the Militia as Lieutenant Lord Norreys, 
March 12th, 1858; resigned, but was appointed Major by 
his fatHer, the Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire, 1861; Lieut- 
Colonel, July 31st, 1863; Hon. Colonel, October 27th, 
1880. 

ACLAND, John Fortescue: Ensign and Surgeon, 1762; 
Lieutenant, 1779. 

Adams, Joseph William Richard, of Winkfield : 
Captain, July 24th, 1880; Hon. Major, March 19th, 1870; 
Went to the 4th Middlesex Regiment, August, 1890. 

Adam, Maughan Mercer Mercer: born 1861 ; Second 
Lieutenant, March 4th, 1891 ; Lieutenant, June 4th, 1892; 
resigned August 26th, 1893. Afterwards he left the Militia, 
and gave public entertainments in the style of Corney Grain. 
He was renting a cottage at Cranbourne when he joined 
the regiment. 

Adams, Fergus Eustace, of Cannon Hill, Maidenhead: 
born, November 26th, 1878, at Wick House, Brislington, 
County Somerset; son of Henry Adams, of Cannon Hill, 
Alaidenhead, by Eleanor, daughter of the Rev. John Fox, 
M.A., of St Bees, Cumberland, grandniece of the Rev. 
John Fox, D.D., Queen's College, Oxford ; Second Lieut, 
-April, 1897. 

St. Albans, Charles Beauclerk, Second Duke of : 

Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire; died 175L They had a 



250 Royal Berkshire Miliiia. 

house in Windsor, which had been given to Nell Gw>'n by 
Charles II.; but the family place was near Hanworth. 
County Middlesex. 

St. Albans, George Beauclerk, Third Duke of: 

Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire from July 3rd, 1776. Married, 
1752, "the Duke of St. Albans to Miss Roberts" (Universal 
Magazine), He died 1787. 

The first Duke of St. Albans was the illegitimate son 
of Charles II., by Nell Gwyn. He was created Baron 
Hedington, Earl of Burford, and lastly, Duke of St Albans, 
in 1684. Their coat-of-arms was the arms of England with 
the bar sinister. These were painted on the drums of the 
Berkshire Militia in 1759 and also borne on the colours. 

Alder, James Walkinshaw Bell : Assistant Surgeon, 
1855 ; resigned December 28th, 1858. 

Alexander, Hon. Charles: bom, January 26th, 1854, 
third son of James Due Pre, third Earl of Caledon, by Lady 
Jane Fredrica Grimston, fourth daughter of James Walter, 
first Earl of Verulam ; Captain Royal Tyrone Fusiliers ; 
Captain Berks Militia, March, 1897. By his own wish this 
was cancelled a fortnight later, and on April 23rd he was 
gazetted Captain in the 3rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment 

Allfrev, Mowbray, of Stanbury, resides at Flore Field, 
Weedon : born, 1853; eldest son of Frederick Allfrey, of 
Stanbury, by Emil\', daughter of Sir Robert Mowbray, of 
Cockairine, Fife, N.B. ; Lieutenant, August 3rd, 1872; went 
to isth Hussars, December 2nd, 1874; Adjutant Cheshire 
Yeomanry, 1883-8; retired from the Army, 1888; married, 
1881, Hon. Beatrice Augusta Emmeline, eldest daughter of 
Baron Saye and Sele. 

Allfrey, Frederick Vere, of Stanbury, now living 
at Aushridge Wood, near Wokingham : born, at Binfield, 
December 21st, 1854; second son of Frederick Allfrey, of 
Stanbury; Second Lieutenant, March 26th, 1879; Lieu- 
tenant, May loth, 1880; resigned, l^^cbruary 6th, 1884: 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 251 

had a cattle range for four years at N.W. Terrioz, Canada ; 
married, 1889, Miss Maud Hamilton Bruce, whose father 
rented Shinfield Lodge and afterwards Bulmershe. 

Allin, John W., of East Hendred : born, 1848; son of 
John Allin, of East Hendred, by Henrietta Jane, daughter 
of J. H. Grieve, of Wandsworth ; Lieutenant, 78th High- 
landers ; Captain, May 12th, 1875; resigned, September 
2Sth, 1 88 1. 

Andrews: Captain, Forest Division of Trained Bands, 
1640. 

Andrews, Sir Joseph, Bart., of Shaw : born, 1726, 
son of Joseph Andrews (who bought Shaw, 1749), by his 
first wife Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Beard ; Captain, 
1757 ; Major, 1763 ; created a Baronet 1766. He married, 
1762, Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Phillips, of Tarrington, 
County of Herts, but left no issue. Sir Joseph Andrews 
was the last of the family, he died, December, 1880, univer- 
sally regretted by all classes of society. His portrait, in the 
uniform of Major of the Berkshire Militia, I am able to 
reproduce here, through the kindness of Henry Eyre, Esq., 
of Shaw. 

Andrews, James Pettit, of the Grove, Donnington : 
born, at Shaw, 1738; half-brother of the above, only son of 
Joseph Andrews, of Shaw, by his second wife ; Ensign, 
1757 ; Police Commissioner for Queen's Square and St. 
Margaret's, Westminster ; married Anne, daughter of Rev. 
Thomas Penrose, Rector of Newbury; died, August, 1797, 
buried at Shaw. He was author of a History of Great 
Britain connected with the Chronology of Europe^ and other 
works. 

Andrews, William, of Shaw Mill : Captain, 1757 ; 

• Churchwarden of Shaw-cum-Donnington, 1754-57. . He 

was, probably, a cousin of Sir Joseph Andrews, as only men 

of position and means were given commissions ; perhaps he 

was the Mr. Andrews, of Reading, who died Max, 1784. It 



252 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

may have .been his son who owned the Mapledurham Weir 
Mills, and married, 1783, Annabella, daughter of John 



Anxesley, Franxis : son of Martin Annesley, D.D., by 
the niece of Sir John Cotton, Bart; Ensign, 171 2; M.P. 
for Reading, 1772-80-84 (refused election to Parliament, 
throu^ ill'health, in December, 1807). He was Master of 
Downing College, Cambridge, and Hereditary Trustee of 
the British Museum. Died, April 17th, 1812. 

Apthorp, Kendal Pretyman, of Earley: bom at 
Wolston, Count\- Warwick, May 9th, 1861 ; second son of 
Captain Richard Prctyman Apthorp (who lived at Bellevue, 
Earley, and lately at Sonmng), by Emma, daughter of Sir 

' A ; ias^l9Ey3i Ay^ March 5th, 1879; 

Lieutenant, May loth, 1880; went to the i8th Royal Irish 
Foot, April 23rd, 1881 ; in India, 1882 ; served in the Black 
Mountain Expedition, 1888 ; also in the Nile Expedition 
with Royal Irish Regiment, 1884-85 ; Aide-de-Camp to Sir 
James Lyle, Governor of the Punjaub Station ; Staff Officer 
at Lucknow, and at present Adjutant of the Oudh 
Volunteers at Lucknow. 

Akbuthnott, Robert Christopher: born, 1830; 

Lieutenant, Fcbruar\- 26th, 1864; Captain, May 4th, 1871 ; 
married Miss Brisco, whose father rented Southcote Manor. 
Major Arbuthnott afterwards lived in the Bath Road, 
Reading. He went blind, and died in 1889. 

Archer- HouBLON, George Bramstone Eyre, of 
Wei ford : born, 1843; o^'y son of Charles Eyre (formerly 
Archer-Houblon of Welford, who died 1886); Lieutenant, 
May 4th, 1871 ; Captain, February 5th, 1873 ; Major, May 
22nd, 1886; Lieutenant-Colonel, June i6th, 1888; resigned 
Mar«h 28th, 1894, with the rank of Colonel ; married 
Lady Alice, daughter of Alexander, 2Sth Earl of Crawford ; 
took the name of Archer- Houblon with the property o\ 
Hallingbury, County Kssex, 1893. 



Akcher - HouuLON, Henry Linrskv : born 1877 ; 
eldest son of George Bramslon Eyre, of Welford Park, who 
ifterwards took the name of Archcr-Houblon with the 
Hallingbiiry property ; 2nd Lieutenant, April 1897. 

AsHHROOK, Viscount William Flower, of Shelling- 
ford : born 1767; Ensign. June 15th, 17S7 ; Lieutenant. 

'ay 4th, 1789; Captain. February 22nd, 1793; resigned, 
'795; succeeded to the title. 1780; died, unmarried, at 
ttf'adlcy House, when the title devolved nn his brother, the 

m. Henry Flower. His monument is in Shellingford 
Church. 

A.SHHLrRST, CkarlE-S Henk\', of Waterstock, County 
)xon ; born, 1856; second son of John Henry Ashhurst, of 
Vaterstock, by Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Duffield, 
( Marcham Park ; Sub-Lieutenant, June 35th, 1877 ; 
■ansferred to the Carnarvon Rifles, March 19th, 1S7S; 
absequently joined the Royal Sussex Regiment ; married 
(iss Narren in 1896. 

ASTLEV, Sir Jacol, Bart.: Colonel of the Berkshire 
lilitia, 1640. Created Baron Astley of Reading, 1644. 
Vhen the soldiers disbanded themselves at Daventry he 
emained with the Royal Army ; he was made Major- 
reneral under the Earl of Lindsey, and was in all the 
attics of the Civil War. Married Agnes Imple, a German 
idy of family. He died 1651. 

ASTON, Sir Willoucmby, Bart., of Wadley, descended 
rom Sir A. Aston, Governor of Reading ; Colonel of the 
(erkshirc Militia, 1758 ; married Elizabeth, daughter of , 
Icnry Pye, of Farringdon. In [764 he sold the lease of 
Vadley, and died at Bath, 1773. 

Atkinson, Charles: born, 1791; Ensign, September 
4th, iSil, Lieutenant, November 17th; went to the -14th 
foot, December 23rd, 181 1, 

Austin, John: born, 1782; Lieutenant, December 
7th, iSqS; resigned, July 20th, iSog. In the Afiny List 



254 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

of that year there are two John Austins, one a Captain in 
the 25th Foot (the King's Own Borderers), August 4th, 
1809, the other promoted from Major to Captain in 58th 
Regiment, November, 1809. Mrs. Austen, of Weston, in 
Boxford, died, 1822. 

Bacon, Charles, of Elcott : born, 1799; son of Anthony 
Bacon, who rented Benham, and afterwards Elcott ; Captain, 
August 8th, 1822 ; Lieut-Colonel, November, 1842; Colonel, 
April 19th, 1861 ; married, June i ith, 1825. By his first wife 
Caroline, daughter of Henry Davidson, of Cavendish Square, 
he left two sons, Charles and George William ; he is buried 
in the family vault at Shaw. 

Bacon, George William : bom, 1832 ; second son of 
Colonel Charles Bacon ; Ensign, August 9th, 1853 ; Lieu- 
tenant, January i6th, 1855 ; resigned, November 21st, 1855. 

Barer, Thomas Draper, of Sunninghill Park : grand- 
son of Sir Thomas Draper ; Captain, 1759 ; died at Newton, 
Cambridgeshire, May, 1783. The property was sold 1769. 

Badcock, Nicholas: Captain, F Troop Berkshire 
Militia, 165 1. 

Bagot, William Hugh N., of Wargrave: born, 1877; 
Lieutenant, March 1st, 1895 ; resigned, November, 1896. 

Bailey [or Bavlev], Benjamin, of Caversham : born, 
1763 ; Ensign, April 17th, 1798 ; Lieutenant. July 6th, 
1798; resignec^, April 28th, 1806. Mary, wife of Benjamin 
Bailey, of Dalby Terrace, died in 1825, age 37. 

Baker, James (perhaps of Streatlcy) : Lieutenant. 1781 ; 
, resigned, 1792. 

Bardslev,James, of Southampton : born, 175 1 ; Ensign. 
June 9th, 1794; Lieutenant, October i8th, 1794; resigned. 
June 5th, 1809. 

Barker, Ge()Rc;e William, of Stanlake: born, 1832; 
Ensign, May 20th, 1853 ; Lieutenant, January i6th, 1855. 

^ARKER, Frederick Geor(;e. of Stanlake : eldest son 
of the Rev. Alfred Barker, of St. Leonard's, Sherfield ; 



Ojfficers of the Berkskiix Militia. 255 



I Second Lieutenant. March 19th, 1887 ; Lieutenant, Novem- 
I ber 17th, i888 ; Captain. March 23rd. 1891 ; married. 1895, 

1 Lucy, daughter of Harrison, of Bramley, Hants. 

BaRRV. Hon. Algustus : brother of Richard, Seventh 
[Earl of Barrymore ; Ension, May 23nd, 1790; resigned, 
I 1793. He became a clergyman, and died, December, 1818, 
I buried at Wargrave. 

Barry, Stanley LEohfARD, of Windsor: born, 1874; 
r son of Francis Tress Barry, of St. Leonard's Hill. Windsor ; 
Second Lieutenant, 1891; Lieutenant, April 4th. 1894; 
went to loth Hussars, June 2nd, 1S94. 

Barrymore, Seventh Earl, Viscount Buttevant 
AND Bakon Barry, Richard Barry, of Wargrave : born. 
August 14th, 1769; succeeded to the title, 1773; sent to 
Eton at 14 years of age; Ensign, July 1st, 1789; Lieutenant, 
May 34th, 1790; died, 1793 ; buried at Wargrave, February 
17th, 1793. The Right Hon, Lord Barrymore conducting 
sixteen French prisoners from Rye to Dover by the Berk- 
shire Militia under his command, the whole party halted at 
the turnpike at the top of Folkestone Hill ; after taking 
I some refreshment, on regaining his seat in his curricle, a 
fusee, which he carried with him for the purpose of shooting 
I sea gulls, went off, and shot him through the head. He died 
I in a few moments ; he was only 23 years of age, and so 
finished a short, foolish, and dissipated life, which had passed 
I very discreditably to his rank as a peer, and still more so as 
la member of society. Another magazine gives the same 
I account, except adding that he was Member for Heytesbury 
land an officer in the 2nd or Queen's Regiment. He must 
['have joined the Berkshire Militia after the Guards, as he was 
Lieutenant in the Militia at the time of his death. He 
■ represented Heytesbury in rariiament, and unsuccessfully 
tcontested Reading. In spite of his dissipated life he was 
I most popular ; he also kept a pack of hounds. 



25* 



Royal lierMshire AWiliit. 



n 

-ottage, I 



Barlow, Thomas Arthur Pratt, of the Cottage, 
Sonning, afterwards of Wellbank, Taplow : born, 1821 ; 
Lieutenant, August i6th, 1861 ; Captain, April 19th, 1S66; 
resigned, May 16th, [874; Proctor in Doctor's Commons'j 
married. May 3rd, 1859, Maria, daughter of Rev. T. 
Powys, of Mcdcnenham, Bucks; died, 1890. 

Barlow, Frederick Barrixgton Phatt : born at 
Sonning, 1863; second son of the above; Lieutenant, 
February nth, 1S82; posted to 1st Battahon, Dorsetshire 
Regiment, May 21st, 1885; transferred to 2iid Battaii< 
Dorsetshire Regiment, March, 1887 ; served as Adjutant 
2nd Battalion D(jrsctshirc Regiment from March, 1892, 
March, 1896; promoted Captain, May. 1893 ; served in 
Frontier Ficid Force, in Egypt, in 1885-86, with ist Hal 
lion; retransferred to 1st Battalion Dorsetshire Rcgimei 
October, 1896. 

RakkstEAI) : Colonel, 1645. His name is also 
Bacster or Baxster. A Parliamentary soldier. Governor ol 
Reading Garrison. Sir John Barkstead, Kt., Lieutenant of 
the Toxver; M.P. for Reading in Cromwell's last Parliament. 

Bassktt, FkaN'CIs: Captain, 1624; probably one of the 
Bassetts ofTehidy. County Cornwall. Many of the Bassctt 
family fought for the King; they were all staunch 
Royalists, The family owned land at Drajton, Shaw. anJ 
Letcombe Basset. 

BATsoN.STANLAKK.of Winkfield Place; son of Staniake 
Batson, High Sheriff of Berkshire, 1772, who died, 1812, 
in his 85th year ; Knsign, 1792 ; Lieutenant, March (4th, 
1793; resigned, 1795. 

Bayntun, Henry : born, 1836; Lieutenant, June 20th, 
1855; removed, December Slh, 1858. His father was in 
the Navy. 

Beales, Benjamin : born, 1778; Adjutant, March 30th, 
; resigned, July 23rd, 1812 ; Lieutenant, Royal Marines, 



at I 



haif-pay, I8i2; 



J 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 257 



Bedwards, Tom B. : Lieutenant, January 26th, 1800. 
Bellas, Joseph Henry : most likely a son of Dr. Bellas, 
Rector of Basildon and Ashamstead, 1767: Ensign, 1779; 
Lieutenant, 1781 ; resigned, February 13th, 1787. The 
living of Yattendon was held by the Rev. George Bellas 
in 1574; they evidently belonged to that part of the 
county. 

Belloes [or Bellairs]: Captain, 1640. 
Bertie, Hon. Charles Claude, of Wytham Abbey ; 
born, 1851; fifth son of Montagu Bertie, sixth Earl of 
Abingdon ; Lieutenant, February 23rd, 1871 ; went to 47th 
Foot, 1873. 

Bertie, Hon. Montagu Charles Francis (now Lord 

Norreys) : born, i860; eldest son of Montagu Arthur, 
seventh Earl of Abingdon ; Second Lieutenant, December 
loth, 1877; Lieutenant, June 2Sth, 1879; Captain, March 
lOth, 1883 ; resigned, April 9th, 1886. 

Bever, Samuel John, of Wokingham: born, 1779; 
Ensign, February 25th, 1807; Lieutenant, June 12th, 1807; 
Captain, December 12th, 1807. Dr. Bever was rector of 
Mortimer early in this century, and a member of the 
Aldermaston Bowling Club, 1758 ; this may have been his 
son or grandson. 

Birch, Francis Mildred, of Rickmansworth : son of 
John William Birch, of Rickmansworth Park, County Herts, 
by Julia, daughter of Joseph Arden, of Rickmansworth 
Park; Second Lieutenant, May 4th, 1880; Lieutenant, July 
1st, 1881; Captain, June 12th, 1886; Honorary Major, 
March 19th, 1890; served in 1895 with 2nd Battalion at 
Chatham and in Ireland; resigned, January, 1897. His 
brother, William Henry Birch, inherited the Grove, Old 
Windsor, from Miss Thackeray. 

BiRNiE, James : Lieutenant, 1798. The name Birnie is 

Scotch. Perhaps son of Sir Richard Birnie, a Bow Street 

magistrate, who was knighted, and died, 1832, he was in 

S 



the Royal Westminster Volunteers, and was of humblfl 
parentage from Banffshire. See Armorial Register, 1833. 

BlackstOne, Henry, of the Priory, Wallingford : bo 
1763 ; son of the celebrated lawyer, Sir William Blackstoi* 
of Wallingford, who wrote "Commentaries on the Law 
England," by Sarah, daughter of James CUtheroe, of Bostoi 
House. County Middlesex ; Ensign, April 24th, 1786^ 
Lieutenant, February 13th, 1787; Captain, October I9th,fl 
1792 : resigned, 1793 ; died, 1826, unmarried. 

Blagrave, John, of Reading; made Major to tald 
command of the Berkshire detachment of horse undej 
Colonel Dalbier, at the Battle of Newbury, 1642 ; marriec 
Hester, daughter of William Gore, of Barrow, Surrey; 
M.P, for Reading, 1660-79-80-81 ; died, March 3rd, 1703I 
This was. probably, the son of Anthony Blagrave, 
Dorothy, daughter of Sir Thomas Dolman, of Shaw, 

Blagrave, John, of Southcote; son of Anthony Bla-J 
grave, of Reading; Captain, 1758; High Sheriff of Berk<J 
shire, 1763; married, 1745, at St. George's, Hanover Squaffl 
Ann. heir of Sir George Cobb, Bart, of Addcrbury. 
bought Calcot from Benjamin Child, 1759. John Blagravi 
was buried at St. Mary's, Reading, December 17th. 1787. 

Blagrave, John, probably of Watchfield; Lieutenani 

177S; Sheriff of Berkshire, 1792; married Frances, daugl 

fter of Anthony Blagrave. 

Blagrave, John, of Southcote and Calcot: born. 178^ 
(according to one authority, and according to the Militi 
Register in 1772, but that would make him out to hav^ 
been eighty at the time the regiment was reoi^anised i 
1852); son of John Blagrave, of Watchfield, by Frana 
daughter and co-heir of Anthony Blagrave, of Calc* 
Southcote; Ensign, June 21st, 1800; Captain. March 1 
1801 ; Major, September nth. 1803; superseded, Jui* 
1809 ; he was, apparently, reinstated as Lieut-Colonel, Ju 
14th, 1S17 ; Colonel, November. 1S42 ; resigned in 1861. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 259 

Blagrave, John Charles: born, 1862; Lieutenant, 
January 31st, 1882; resigned, November ist, 1883 (never 
joined). 

Blagrave, Joseph: Lieutenant, 1779; Captain, May 
25th, 1780 ; Captain Commissary of the Royal Regiment of 
Artillery, 1794; resigned, 179S ; married, "St. George's, 
Hanover Square, May, 1782, Captain Blagrave, of the Berk- 
shire Militia, to Lady Leith, of George Street, Hanover 
Square." 

Blagrave, Thomas, of Lambourn : Captain-Lieutenant, 
1759 (the post of Captain-Lieutenant or Colonel-Lieutenant 
was abolished in 1802); married Catherine, heiress of 
Charles Garrard, of Kingswood. They had an only son, 
John Blagrave, who married Frances, heiress of Anthony 
Blagrave (see above). Thomas Blagrave, buried at St. 
Mary's, Reading, 1765. 

Blagrave, Edv^ard, of Magdalen College, Oxford : 
born, 1794 ; eighth son of John Blagrave, of Watchfield, by 
Frances, daughter of Anthony Blagrave ; Captain, August 
6th, 1845. 

Blake, John Cartwright: Ensign, 1782. 

Blandford, George, Marquls of, of Whiteknights : 
Lieut.-Coloncl of Local Militia, 1807, called the 3rd 
Battalion or Queen's Regiment, it consisted of seven 
companies. 

Blandv, Adam, of Kingston Bagpuize : born, 1782; 
Ensign, January ist, 1805; Lieutenant, April 5th, 1805; 
Captain, July 30th, 1805; resigned, November 19th, 1807; 
married, 1807, Sarah, daughter of William Mott, of the 
Close, Lichfield, and Wall, Staffordshire ; died, October 24th, 
1841. 

Blandy, Adam, of Earley, late Carabiniers and 15th 

Light Dragoons : younger son of the above Adam 

Blandy; Captain, October 4th, 1852; Major, September 

30th, 1855 ; Lieut-Colonel, April 6th, 1861 ; Chief Con- 

S 2 



26o 



Royal Bej-kskire Militia. 



stable of Berkshire, 1863 ; married, 1864, Anne, daughter c 
Robert Liston, Esq., and widow of A, Dalrymple, Esq., 
Norwich. He had two sons, both died young. 

BLYTH, Carleton v.: born, 1851 ; Lieutenant, Apri 
26th, 1873 ; Captain, June gth, 1877 ; resigned, March 131! 
1880. 

Booth, William; born, 1785; Ensign, February 1 
r8ii; Lieutenant, August 1st, 181 1; went to the 14th Ftx 
December 26th, 1814, 

Bowles, Francis Richard, of Milton Hill, now living 
at 38 Belgrave Road, S.W. ; born, March, 1830; son 
Thomas Bowles, of Milton Hill, by Hester Sophia 
daughter of Samuel Sellwood, Abbey House, Abingdonl 
Lieutenant, November 2nd, 1852; Captain, September 2 isoj 
1853; resigned. October, 1857; married. Louisa, daughtei 
of Rev. Wildman Yates, Vicar of St. Mary's, Reading. 

Bowles, Thoma.s John, of Milton Hill and StreatleyJ 
born, October sth, 1852 ; eldest son of John Samuel Bowld 
of Milton Hill, by Mary, daughter of Rev. Ashhuifl 
Gilbert, Bishop of Chichester ; educated at Eton and Chria 
Church ; Barrister of the Inner Temple ; Lieutenai 
December 31st, 1873 ; Captain, February 15th, 
Major, August I Sth, 1 8S6 ; Lieut-Colonel, April 28!^ 
1894- 

BowYER, Sir George, Bart., of Radley: bom, 1781 
according to Militia Register; 1783 according to Burk^jj 
eldest son of Admiral George Bowyer, Admiral of the BIqi 
(who was created a baronet for his bravery in the victory ( 
the Camperdown, 1794) ; he came of age in 1804, and . 
the tenants and people around Radley were lavishly entel 
tained for the occasion ; Captain, May i6th, 1803 ; resigrh 
March 13th, 1804; married, 1808, Anne Hammond, daughtt 
of Captain Sir Andrew Snapc Douglas. He was M.P, fij 
Malmesbury and Abingdon. Died at Dresden, July 1 
i860. 



BoULT, John, of Charridge in Winkfield : Ensign, 1759. 
Zechariah Boult owned a manor in Binfield. John Boult, 
Mayor of Maidenhead, 1770. John Boult, eldest son of Mr. 
John Boult, died at Boston, U.S.A., in 1822. 

Died, at the house of his sister, Mrs. Smith, at Maiden- 
head Thicket. Mr. Boult, of Hawthorne Hill, in his 80th 
year, 1833. 

BOUVERIE, Hon. Philii* Pleydell: born, 1777 (Burke 
says 1788); fifth son of Jacob, second Earl of Radnor; 
Ensign. August 13th, 1803; Captain.September 27th, 1803 ; 
esigned December 5th, 1804; married, 1811, Maria, third 
laughter of Sir William Pierce Ash A'Court, Bart. 

He was a bani;er in Westminster, and formerly M.P. 

BouVERiE, Hon. Edward Pleydell ; born, 1 8 ] 8 ; 
second son of William, third Earl of Radnor ; Captain, 
February 23rd, 1838 ; married, 1842, Elizabeth Anne, 
daughter of General Robert Balfour, of Balbirnie; Barrister- 
at-Law. Under Secretary Home Department. 1850-52; 
Vice-President of the Board of Trade and President of Poor 
Law Board. He lived at East Lavington Manor, 

BOUVERIE, Hon. Mark.: born, 1S51 : fifth son of Jacob, 
ffourth Earl of Radnor; Lieutenant, July 4th, 1870; resigned, 
July i8th, 1872. He was a Barrister. 

BKAHA.M, Ward Soane, of London: born, April 39th, 
1824 ; youngest son of Mr. John Braham, the great English 
tenor: Ensign, May 2nd, 1855; Lieutenant, October 10th, 
1857; Captain, February igth, 1S63; Instructor of Musketrj, 
■His brother-in-law, Lord Carlingford, writes: "He died, 
February 26th, 1877, at a cottage that he had owned for 
-some years at View Island, Reading. Having been first 
buried in Kensal Green Cemetery, his body was removed 
in 1879, after the death of hi^ sister, Frances Countes'; 
Waldegrave, and in obedience to her directions, to the 
churchyard of Che wton -Mend ip, Somerset, where it lies 



262 



Royal Berkshire MilUia. 



beside her own. Ward Braliam took a great interest in thd 
• regiment and in his own work as Musketry Instructor. Ha 
was a very intelligent man and a most agreeable companion,^ 
indeed the most amusing man I have ever known ; at the 
same time, so full of good feeling and good taste, that he 
never wounded or gave ofience in using his extraordinary 
powers of mimicry, and indulging a gift for fun and non- 
sense that amounted to genius. Among other things, he 
was a born comic actor and irresistibly funny on the stage^ 
invaluable, therefore, in private theatricals. There is . 
reference to Ward Braham in an epilogue, written by t 
late Ralph Bernal Osborne (given in his privately printet 
life), when he was actor and stage manager at the Chie 
Secretary's Lodge, Dublin — 

'To him the credit for this night's success — 
He planned alike our scenery and dress ! 
A ladies' man ! tho' at rehearsals sage 
He reigns alone, the Atlas of our stage ! 
Prompter ! and painter ! ever near at hand, 
To rouge a cheek, or dance a Saraband.' 



\ more t 

1 letter ^\ 



erious tribute to his qualities is to be found I 
ritten by the late Abraham Hayward, to Lad]| 
Waldegravc (see the Hayward Letters, 2, 2yg. Mu 
I S86), in which he says : ' Your brother's death would hav«^ 
caused me deep regret on your account, had I regarded hit! 
only as an agreeable acquaintance. But I had formed i 
high estimate of his qualities of head and heart. His find 
and varied humour, in particular, was the result or produd 
of observation and reflection. I have had many s 
conversations with him, and i know few men whose advioi 
or opinion 1 should have more prized on matters of conduct 
or right feeling in society.'" 

BRICKMANNiCIIRISTOPHEK DEAKE,of Bath: bom, iSai 
Lieutenant. October 5th, iii52; Captain, August 22nd, 185 jg 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 263 



cting-Adjutant, 1858 ; retired as Major, April I2th, 1871 ; 

esigned, May 4lh, 1871. 

BriSTOW, Henry: bom, at Eiing, Hants, February 19th, 
786; son of William Bristow, R.N., by Mary, daughter of 
Lnthony Sawyer, of Heywood Lodge, White Wallham, 
lerks ; Ensign, May 2Sth, 1805 ; resigned, September 30th, 

805 ; Sub-Lieutenant, 1st Life Guards, 1S05 ; Captain, ist 
ife Guards, 180S ; Major, i ith Infantry, January 7th, 1814 ; 
ieut.-Colonel in the Army, 1830; received a ist Certificate 
i Student nf Senior Department of the Royal Military 
lollege, 1810; served in the Walcheren Expedition, 1809: 
ribraltar, January, iSl I ; one of the officers of the Quartcr- 
I aster- General's Staff in the Peninsular Army, under the 
luke of Wellington, during a great part of the War; present 
■jth Lieut. -General Sir R. Wilson at the bombardment of 
adiz by the French, 1823; married Elizabeth Alchornc, 
f the Kentish family of Alchornc. This information 
i kindly given by Miss Bristow, of Broxmore I'ark, 
Lomsey. 
BrOCAS, Bernard i Captain ; killed on the King's side 
1 the first Battle of Newbury, 
Brocas, Bernard, of Reading: son of Bernard Brocas, 

if Wokefield, who died in 1777 ; Ensign ; Lieutenant, May 

toth, 1790; Captain, November 29th, 1793; married, 1769, 
liss Hunter, of Beech Hill. 
BROCA.S, Bernard, of Wokefield: born, 1802; son of 
lernard Brocas, of St. James's, Westminster, and in 1800, 
larried, at St. George's, Hanover Square, Sarah Ann 
Lcdhead, of St. George's parish ; Ensign ; Lieut. ; Captain, 
kUgust 24th. 1826; resigned, February i8th, 1831. He 
sId Wokefield. The family ()wned Beaurepairc, in Hamp- 
tiire. Bernard Brocas collected a very large quantity of 
ncient armour; it was sold, a few years before his death, 

rt the Queen's Bazaar, in Oxford Street. He died, August 

;tll, 1839, at Naples. 



264 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



Bromley, Hon. Henry, of Caversham : only son of 
Lord Montford ; Ensign, June, 1798 ; Lieutenant, June 29th, 
1798; Captain, February 4th, 1799; gazetted Major and 
Lieutenant Colonel in 26th Foot, 1803 ; married, 1793, Miss 
Eliza Watts, of Islington. 

Brookman, William Lawrence: Ensign, 1798; Lieut., 
December 13th, 1798. Mr. Brookman, of Reading, gave 
;f 200 to the Grammar School. Dr. Brookman, a friend of 
Dr. Penrose, of Newbury, married Miss Patty Head, whose 
sister, Sally Head, married George Vincent, Esq., of 
Thatcham. 

Brown, John: Ensign, January 23rd, 1809; volunteered 
to the 20th Foot, April 14th, 1809. There was a Sir John 
Brown, Bart, who died at Sunninghill, 1775. 

Brown, Tom: Quarter-Master, September, 1895; from 
1st Battalion. 

Browne, Richard: Parliamentary Governor of Abing- 
don, 1644. He displeased his party in 1648 and was 
imprisoned in Windsor Castle. He was a citizen of London. 
In 1660 he commanded the City of London Militia, and 
was Lord Mayor of London. At the Restoration, he was 
made Resident in Paris and created a Baronet. 

Brudenell-Bruce, Lord Bruce, Hon. Charles : 

second Earl of Ailesbury ; born, 1773 ; eldest son of Hon. 
Thomas Brudenell, second Baron Bruce, of Kinloss, by 
Susanna, daughter of Henry Hoare, of Stourhead, County 
Wilts, and relict of Viscount Dungarvan ; Ensign, March 
28th, 1792; married twice: 1793, Henrietta Maria, daughter 
of Noel, first Lord Berwick; 1833, Maria, youngest daughter 
of Hon. Charles Tollemache; created Viscount Savernake, 
Earl Bruce, and Marquess of Ailesbury, 1821 ; died, January' 
4th, 1856. 

Brummkll, William: died 1770; was a confidential 
servant of Mr. Charles Monson, brother of the first Lord 
Monson. He occupied a house in Bury Street, where 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 265 

apartments were taken by Charles Jenkinson, first Earl of 
Liverpool. His son, William Brummell, an intelligent boy, 
acted for some time as Mr. Jenkinson*s amanuensis ; was in 
1763 appointed to a clerkship in the Treasury, and during 
the whole administration from 1770 to 1782 was private 
secretary to Lord North, by whose favour he received 
several lucrative appointments. Among other things he 
was agent to the Royal Berkshire Militia, the Chelsea 
Pensioners, etc., etc. He further increased his means by 
his marriage with Miss Richardson, daughter of the 
keeper of the lottery office, and died in 1794, leaving 
;^65,ooo to be divided equally among his three children, 
two sons, William and George, and a daughter. George 
Bryan Brummell, known as Beau Brummell, the younger 
son, was born June 7th, 1778, and baptised at Westminster. 
In 1790 he was sent to Eton ; he was, at the age of sixteen, 
given a commission in the loth Hussars by his friend the 
Prince of Wales ; after losing everything by gambling, he 
died at Caen, quite imbecile, in 1840. 

Brummell, William, of Donnington Grove: born, 1776; 
Captain, 1803 ; resigned, 1805 ; married, 1800, to Miss 
Daniell, eldest daughter of James Danicll, of Wimpole 
Street, London. He purchased Donnington Grove after 
the death of James Pettit Andretvs, who had built the 
house. 

Brummell, William, of Wivenhoe House, Essex: died, 

1853. 
BULLEV, Francis Arthur, of Reading: born, May 

1 8th, 1808; son of John Bulley, surgeon, of Reading; 

brother of Dr. Bulley, of Magdalen College, Oxford. He 

practised for years in Reading, also brother of John Blagrave 

Bulley; Assistant Surgeon, November 20th, 1852; retired, 

1855, when the Regiment went on active service to Corfu, 

though he did some deputy work for it for many years after; 

married, August 12th, 1840, to Louisa Nash (she died, 1893), 



266 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



they had four sons and five daughters ; he died, April 2 1st, 

1883, age 74. 

BuLLEY, John Blag rave : born, September 25th, 1805 ; 
baptised, March 5th, 1806; Ensign, July nth, 1825; 
Lieutenant, March 24th, 1828; Captain, May i6th, 1831 ; 
resigned, August, 1852; married, February 24th, 1824, to 
Mary Jervis Briscoe (she died, April iSth, 1856), they had 
no children; he died, September 2Sth, 1864. His father 
married at St. Giles, Reading, April, 1802, ** Mr. J. Bulley, 
surgeon, to Charlotte, daughter of the late Captain Pococke." 
"Died, 1826, at Upper George Street, London, Mary, relict 
of Mr. J. Bulley, of Reading, and daughter of the late Rear- 
Admiral Toll, of Fareham." 

BuNNY, Edward John, of Speen, and Slinfold, Sussex: 
born, 1828 ; son of Edward Brice Bunny, of Speen ; Lieut, 
November ist, 1852; Captain in the Royal Sussex Light 
Infantry Militia in 1854; retired as Major and Hon. Colonel, 
1883 ; married Mary St. John, only child of Robert Burnett 
Brander, and grand-daughter of Henry St. John. The 
Militia Register calls him "John Bunny." He took the 
name of St. John under his father-in-law's will, 1877. 

Burgess, Benjamin : Captain, F Troop, 1651. 

BURNE, Malcolm Hilev: third son of Newdigate 
Burne, of Alleway, Guildford, and grandson of the late 
Rev. and Right Hon. Viscount Sidmouth, and cousin 
to Colonel Blandy-Jenkins ; Second Lieutenant, May i6th, 
1881 ; Captain, Royal Sussex Regiment, January- 29th, 

1884. Had a medal for Hazara (Black Mountain) 
Campaign. Has held Staff appointment of District 
Instructor of Signalling, Station Staff Officer, Regimental 
Paymaster, etc. He was killed by a fall of 600 feet 
down a Khud, May loth, 1895, while shooting with a 
brother officer in the Native State of Chamba, in the 
Himalayas, and buried at Dharmsala, where a memorial 
has since been erected to his memory by his brother officers. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia, 267 

BURNE, Knightley P.: bom, November loth, 1858; 
second son of Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Newdigate Burne, of 
Albury, Guildford, and grandson of the late Rev. and Right 
Hon. Viscount Sidmouth ; late Captain 72nd Regiment 
(Seaforth Highlanders) ; now of the Indian Stafif Corps ; 
medal and clasp and Khedive's Star for Egyptian Campaign 
(Tel-el-Kebir), 1883; medal and clasp for Upper Burmah, 
1886, where he served with distinction, led the attack and 
carried the fortified stockade of Chanyone, the Camp at 
Octong, and other places ; has served on the Stafif as 
District Recruiting Officer for the Dogra Sikhs, etc., etc. ; 
Lieutenant, Indian {asjl Service, 1891 ; married, October 
28th, 1887, Emma Marion, daughter of the late J. B. 
Summers, Esq., J. P., of Rose Moore, Pembrokeshire. 

BURNINGHAM, JOHN : Captain, F Troop, 1651. 

Burnett, Benjamin: born, 1790; Ensign, February 
17th, 1810; Lieutenant, April Sth, 181 1 ; appointed to 3rd 
Dragoon Guards, January, 1812; married, 1812, Elizabeth 
Burnett. 

Butler, Andrew: Ensign, October 15th, 1806; dis- 
placed April nth, 1807. 

Butler, Joseph, of Kirby House, Newbury: Lieutenant, 
1782; Captain, November 20th, 1786; resigned, October 
19th, 1792; his eldest son. Captain Butler, of the Wilts 
Militia, married, 181 2, at Guernsey, Eliza, only child' of 
Captain Dobsee, R.N. ; died at Wantage, of apoplexy, 1823, 
in his 74th year. 

Butter [or Butler], Thomas William, of Woking- 
ham: Ensign, 1807. 

Butler, : Major, 1655. 

Byrne, Joseph: Ensign, January 31st, 1800; Lieutenant, 
1800. 

Cane, Robert, of London: Ensign, 1797; Lieutenant, 
December 27th, 1796 ; resigned, 1798. 

Cannon, : Captain. 



268 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Cardiffe, William : born, 1782 ; Ensign, March i8th, 
1808; Lieutenant, October 6th, 1808; volunteered to 4th 
Foot, April nth, 1809. 

Cazenove, Reginald Frederick: born, 1872; son of 

Frederick Cazenove, of Forest Grove, Bracknell, by 

daughter of Colonel W. A. Orr, R.A., C.B., of Bridgeton, 
N.B. ; educated at Eton ; Second Lieutenant, January 24th, 
1891 ; Lieutenant, May 9th, 1892 ; went to the Carabineers 
(6th Dragoon Guards), 1894, which he resigned almost 
immediately; married, 1895, Lilian, Dowager Duchess of 
Cromartie. 

Cazenove, Percy, of Warfield : born, 1875 ; second son 
of Frederick Cazenove, of Forest Grove, Bracknell ; educa- 
ted at Eton; Second Lieutenant, February iQth, 1894; 
Lieutenant, February 20th, 1895 ; resigned, 1896. 

Cerjat, Augustus H. Sigismund de: Ensign, March 
lOth, 1838; resigned, April 15th, 1852. The name de Cerjat 
is unusual in England ; the following entry is from the 
register of St. George's, Hanover Square, ** Married, 1800, 
Henry Andrew Cerjat, of Landough House, County Gla- 
morgan, B., to Katherine Annabella Bristow." In 1802, 
Major Charles Cerjat became Lieutenant-Colonel of the ist 
Dragoons. 

Ciiamberlevne, a. : Second Lieutenant, March 23rd, 

1897. 

Chapman, John: born, 1788; Ensign, September 27th, 
1809 ; Lieutenant, February loth, 1810 ; volunteered to the 
Line. There were two John Chapmans in the Army, one 
a Lieutenant on half-pay, s6th Foot; the other, Captain in 
the 63rd (West Suffolk) Regiment. One of the Burgesses 
of Windsor, i8i3,was a Mr. Chapman. Sir John Chapman 
was a surgeon in Windsor about that date. Probably 
connected with the Chapmans of South Hill, Delvin, 
County Westmeath. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia, 269 

Chauval [or Charwell], Edward: born, 1790; 
Ensign, September 12th, 181 2; appointed Ensign in isth 
Foot. There was a Rev. A. R. Chauval, Rector of Great 
Stanmore, in 1824, Prebendary of St. Paul's. 

Clancy, Richard: born, 1777; Ensign, March 19th, 
1807 ; volunteered to 9th Foot, September 3rd, 1807. 

Clarke, John: bom, 1785; Ensign, October 2Sth, 1808; 
Lieutenant, December i6th, 1808 ; volunteered to 4th Foot, 
April I2th, 1809. "Buried at Maidenhead, August 2nd, 
1852, John Clarke, age 62." There was a William Clarke 
in the 4th Foot at Waterloo, gazetted Lieutenant in that 
Regiment July 28th, 181 3. 

Classon, Henry: born, 1780; Ensign, August 2nd, 
1803; resigned, 1804. 

Claveland [or Cleveland], William, probably of 

Hare Hatch : Ensign, 1780. 

Claver, Joseph: Captain, F Troop, 1651. If the F 
Troop meant the Faringdon Troop, then he may have come 
from that division of the County. 

Climenson, Henry John Montague, of Shiplake: 

born, December iSth, 1866; son of Rev. John Climenson, 
D.C.L., Vicar of Shiplake, by Emily Jane, only daughter of 
Hon. Spencer Dudley Montagu, thirteenth child of fourth 
Baron Rokcby, by Anne Louisa, only daughter of Sir 
Charles Flint, of the Irish Office, and widow of Joseph 
Jekyll, of Wargrave Hill; Lieutenant, April 14th, 1886; 
resigned his commission, May 14th, 1887; died at Lahad 
Datu, North Borneo, January 28th, 1891, where he was 
overseer on a tobacco estate. 

CoBHAM, Alexander Cobiiam, of Shinfield: born, 1808; 
Ensign, March 24th, 1828 (never joined) ; resigned, March 
8th, 1831; married at Ealing, 1831, Jane Halse, second 
daughter of Richard Chambers, of Cradley Hall, County 
Hereford. 



270 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

CODD, Rowland Bentinck, formerly 17th Regiment: 
Adjutant, 1855. Afterwards Governor of Clerkenwell 
Prison. 

Coleman, George Thomas: Ensign, June i8th, 1832; 

nothing was heard of him in 1852. 

Coles, William: born, 1788; Ensign, February 15th, 
1809; Lieutenant, February loth, 1810; volunteered to 
the Line ; Cornet, 2Sth Regiment Light Dragoons. 

COLLYER, John: born, 1787; Ensign, April 4th, 1810; 
resigned, April 6th, 1811 ; Lieutenant, 3rd Ceylon Regiment. 

CoLLis, William : probably eldest son of Rev. Samuel 
Collis, of Fort William ; Ensign, February 25th, 1799. In 
1809 Captain William Collis was promoted Major in the 
27th Regiment. Captain and Adjutant, Royal Kerry 
Militia; married, 1814, Deborah, daughter of Dr. Crumpe, 
ofTralee; died, 1834. 

CosTOBADiE, Gerald Edward, of Woolhampton : born, 
at Leicester, April 22nd, 1862; son of Major Costobadie, of 
Woolhampton Cottage; Second Lieutenant, February 21st, 
1880; Lieutenant. July, 1880 ; went to the 2nd Battalion 
Royal North Lancashire Regiment. January 27th, 1883; 
Captain, January, 1894. 

Cox, Francis Renell, of Aldermaston : born 1827; 
son of Dr. Francis Cox, who, for twenty-seven years was 
surgeon at Aldermaston, and died in 1852 ; another 
son of Dr. Francis Cox, is Dr. Richard Cox, of Theale. 
Ensign, January 6th, 1855; Lieutenant, September nth, 
1855; Captain, April 16th, 1861 ; resigned, July 19th, 1872; 
married. 1853, Miss Augusta Jenkins. For many years 
they have lived at Boulogne, in France. 

Craven, Earl ok, William: born, 1737; Colonel of 
the Berkshire Militia ; Lord - Lieutenant and Custos 
Rotulorum of Berkshire, 1786; succeeded his uncle, 1769; 
married, 1767, Elizabeth, daughter of Earl of Berkeley (she 
married after his death the Margrave of Anspach and lived 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 271 

at Hampstead Marshall till her death). He died at Lausanne, 
in Switzerland, November 24th, 1791 ; age, 52. 

Craven, Earl of, of Hampstead Marshall and Ashdown : 
Captain, February 14th, 1829; resigned, March i8th, 1831; 
died, 1833. 

Craven, Earl of, William : gazetted to 9th Battalion ; 
Garrison Major-General, 1805 ; A.D.C. to the King, 1798; 
Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire, 1819-25; died, July 30th, 1825. 

Craven, Hon. Osbert William, of Ashdown : born 
1847; third son of William, Second Earl of Craven; 
Lieutenant, May i6th, 1867; Captain, May 8th, 1878; 
resigned, June i8th, 1872; now commands Berkshire 
Yeomanry. 

Craven, Hon. William : Lieutenant, March 30th, 1787; 
Captain, 1787; Major, April 30th, 1797. 

Craven, Hon. Auciustus William : born. May 3rd, 
1858 ; eldest son of Hon. William George Craven, by Lady 
Mary Catherine Yorke, second daughter of Charles, Fourth 
Earl of Hardwick ; Lieutenant, August 28th, 1875 ; resigned, 
April 24th, 1 880; married, 1880, Florence Champagne, 
daughter of General Corbet Cotton. 

Craven, Hon. Rupert Cecil: born, 1870; second son 

of George Grimston, Third Earl of Craven, by Evelyn Laura, 
second daughter of Viscount Barrington; Second Lieutenant, 
January 7th, 1890; Lieutenant, February 7th, 1891 ; re- 
signed, March 27th, 1895 ; was in the Royal Navy before 
he joined the Militia. 

Croft, James Henry Herbert*, born, May 4th, 1840; 
second son of Archer James Croft, of Greenham, by his 
second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Boyle Deane; 
Ensign, October loth, 1857. 

Crowe, David, of Sindlesham : Ensign, 1795; Lieutenant, 
1797; resigned, 1798. 

Curtis, Thomas John, of Abingdon: born, 1828; 

Ensign, November 30th, 1852; resigned, March 24th, 1855. 



272 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Curtis, : Captain, 1651. 

Dalmer, Francis: bom, 1777; probably son of J. 
Dalmer, of Friar Street, Reading, whose daughter married 
in 1804; Ensign, April 2Sth, 1803; Lieutenant, July 21st, 
1803; appointed to 23rd Foot, March 9th, 1804; Captain, 
23rd Foot, December loth, 1807; Major, August 26th, 1813, 
mentioned in the Waterloo Dispatches ; fought at Waterloo 
as Lieut-Colonel and attained the rank of Colonel ; died, 
October 2nd, 1855. 

Dalzell, Robert, of Tidmarsh: born, 1740; son of 
Gibson Dalzell, of Tidmarsh, whose father was General the 
Hon. Robert Dalzell, descended from the Earls of Camwath. 
Robert Dalzell was heir to his grandfather, was educated at 
Westminster, and was a Gentleman Commoner at Christ 
Church, Oxford ; married, December 1762, Jane, daughter 
of Colonel John Dodd. He was Patron of the living of St 
Lawrence's Church, Reading. He lived at Toulouse, South 
of France. Died, 1821. 

The present representative of the family is Miss Dalzell, 
of St Alban's Priory, Wallingford. 

Damant, Guybon : born, 1788; Ensign, March 25th, 
181 2; Assistant Surgeon, March 26th, 181 2 ; resigned, 
November 3rd, 181 2. 

Danvill [or Darvall,] Charles : Ensign, September 
29th, 1807 ; appointed to the loth Foot, January 28th, 1808. 
Probably related to Mr. Darvall, Solicitor of Reading. 

Daveni'ORT, John Inam: born, 1787; Ensign, De- 
cember, 9th, 1812; Lieutenant, April 30th, 1814; resigned, 
July 26th, 1832. 

Davies, George: born, 1781 ; Ensign, July loth, 181 1 ; 
resigned, December Sth, 181 1. 

Davies, E., of Sandhurst : Second Lieutenant, August 
iSth, 1877; Lieutenant, August 20th, 1878; went to 8ist 
Foot, April 17th, 1880. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia, 273 

Deank, Arthur, of Waltham St. Lawrence: Ensign, 
May 3rd, 1831 ; Lieutenant, December 31st, 1852 ; resigned, 
October 31st, 1855. 

Deane, John, of Ruscombe: Ensign, 1759; died, 1784, 
after a long illness, age 76. 

Deane, Henry Boyle, of Reading, afterwards of Hurst : 
son of Henry Deane, of Reading, by Lucy, daughter of John 
Wilder, of Nunhide, whose wife was Beaufoy Boyle; Ensign, 
February 22nd, 1793; Lieutenant, June 19th, 1793; Captain, 
February 14th, 179S; resigned, 1799; both he and his father 
afterwards took Commissions in the Woodley Volunteer 
Cavalry as privates. 

Desborough, John: Lieutenant, November 2nd, 1872 
(never joined) ; resigned, November 20th, 1872. 

De Vitre, Henry Denis, of Charlton, near Wantage : 
born, 1 831; son of M. T. Denis de Vitre, of Southwick 
Crescent, Hyde Park; Lieutenant, January 8th, 1863. 

DODD, John, of Swallowfield : only son of Randall Dodd. 
of Chester, by Margaret, daughter of William Glascour; 
Major, 1758; Lieut-Colonel, 1762. He inherited a very 
large property from his great-aunt, Isabel, wife of Sir 
Samuel Dodd, Chief Baron of Exchequer. She was a 
daughter and co-heir of Sir Robert Croke, and her mother 
was one of the co-heiresses of Sir Peter Vanlore, of Tile- 
hurst. The property was in several counties ; that in Berks 
being in the parishes of Tilehurst, Tidmarsh, Beenham, 
Hampstead Norris, and West Compton. He came of age 
in 1737, and bought Swallowfield from Thomas Pitt for 
the sum of ^^"20,770. The following year he married at 
Shinfield, Jane, daughter of Henry Le Coq St. Leger, of 
Trunkwell, and she died 1778. His second marriage was 
with Julia, daughter of Philip Jennings, of Plas Warren, 
County Salop. John Dodd was Member for Reading in 
various Parliaments, 1755-1780. He died February nth, 

1782, aged 65, at his house in Audlcy Square, after a severe 

T 



illness, with painful operations bravely borne with the catm 
fortitude and Cliristian resolution so eminently peculiar to 
him; buried at Swallowfield. A fine portrait of John Dodd 
is in the possession of General Parke. 

DODD, : probably son of John of Swallowfield; Ue 

tenant, June 17S9; resigned, 17S9. John Dodd had otd 
two sons ; the eldest, John, was Colonel of the Guards, boi 
about 1743; the younger, Harry, born about 
Captain of the 1st Life Guards, married Castcllina, daughtf 
of Warner Westerna, he died of consumption, October 29) 
17S9, at Purley, in his twenty-fourth year. 

DODWiiLL, J. [or T.] W. : born. 1792; probably son of t 
learned Dr. Dodwell of Shottesbrook (in 1785. died in ' 
Close, Salisbury, age 75. Rev, Canon Dodwell, Archdeacoi 
of Berk'i, Canon of Salisbury, Vicar of Hucklebury and Whttj 
Waltham); Ensign, January 13th, 1813; died. December 5 

DoK -= ; Captain, 1651. 

Dolman, Thomas, of Shaw : baptised, 1657; second ! 
of Sir Thomas Dolman, of Shaw, M.l'. for Reading 1660, 1 
Margerj', daughter of John Hobilday, of Thornton, Counh 
Warwick; Knighted, 1703; married Dorothy, daughter of" 
John Harrison, of Scarborough, relict of Henry Ball ; died, 
171 1, without issue; described nn his monument as "CollotJoll 
of the Militia of this county." 

DOKAN, jAMKs GODDAltD : bom, 1787 (this is, no t 
the correct date); Captain. November 30th, 1815; rcsig 
April 13th, 1831. He founded G. S Navigation Compi 
and died, 1841. having sold Wellhouse a few years I 
his death. 

DoRAN, James Goddard, of Wcllhnusc; born 
Captain. February nth, i8n ; gazetted to the 14th Fo 
December 26th, 1814. I believe, although the Registerg 
his age differently, after a year returned again 
Berkshire Militia. His father married in 1782, at St. Ja 
London, Mrs. Doncastle, of Wellhouse, in Hampslead 1 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 275 

She died, 1785, and he married, secondly, Miss Goddard; 
he died, 1792, age 47, leaving this son to inherit. 

Douglas, James, of Hailingbury, County Hertford : 
born, 1825 ; son (or grandson) of James Douglas, M.D., of 
Reading; Ensign, November 30th, 1852; Lieutenant, 
January 5th, 1853; Captain, January 12th, 1855. 

DOWNES, Percy, of Newbury : nephew of Colonel 
Downes, of Donnington ; Second Lieutenant, November 
27th 1889; Lieutenant, February 7th, 1891 ; resigned, 
February 27th, 1895; married, at Folkestone, Miss 
Montgomery, daughter of Colonel Montgomery; went 
to Africa, 1895. 

DuFFiELD Charles John Edward, of Marcham Park : 
born, 1863; eldest son of Charles Philip Duffield, of 
Marcham Park, by Penelope, daughter of William Graham, 
of Fitzharris; Lieutenant, January 30th, 1886, resigned, 
February i8th, 1890. 

Drummond, , of Maidenhead : Second Lieutenant, 

resigned, 1896. 

East, Augustus Henry, of WooUey Hall, Maidenhead : 

born, August 24th, 1766; second son of Sir William East, 

of Hall Place, by Hannah, daughter of Henry Casamajor, of 

Tokington, County Gloucester; Captain, May 19th, 1798; 

Major, October 21st, 1801 ; resigned, October i6th, 1810; 

entered Trinity College, Oxford, 1787; married, December 

29th, 1792, Caroline Anne, eldest daughter of George 

Vansittart, of Bisham Abbey. Major East met with a 

serious accident in 1803, while travelling in his curricle; 

he dropped the reins, and while striving to recover them 

he overbalanced himself and pitched on his head, and 

becoming entangled in the harness, was dragged some 

distance. He was much cut^and bruised about the head, 

but was in a few days removed to London. Mr. Keate, 

the surgeon who attended him, pronouncing him out of 

danger. Died, 1828, at Bisham Abbey, which he rented. 

T 2 



276 Royal Berkshire Militm. 



East, Gkorgp: Frederick Clayton : born, October 
1 8th, 1857 ; only son of the late Frederick Richard Clayton 
East, Captain 8th Madras Cavalry, who was fourth son of 
Sir East George Clayton East, of Hall Place ; Lieutenant, 
June 28th, 1876; went to 2Sth Foot, August 14th, 1878; 
joined 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. 

Edwards, Charles Mackenzie: from ist Battalion; 
Adjutant-Captain, October 30th, 1890; Major, December 
7th, 1891 ; returned to ist Battalion, October, 1895. He 
was in the Siege of Kandahar, and gained a medal and one 
clasp, 1879-80; and another medal, with two clasps, in the 
Soudan Campaign, 1885-86. 

Edwards, Thomas Hughes: Ensign, February 13th, 

1799. 
Egertox, George Algernon : eldest son of Algernon 

Fulke Egerton, of Worster Old Hall, by Alice Louisa, 

daughter of Lord George Cavendish ; Lieutenant, April 

4th, 1883 ; resigned, March 6th, 1884. 

Elliott, Thomas: born, 1772; Ensign, August 26th, 
1801 ; Lieutenant, May 2Sth, 1803; volunteered to 52nd 
Foot, August 25th, 1807; married, Maria, daughter of 
Oliver Lloyd, of Coedmore. 

Elliott, George Henry, of Binfield Park: born, 1789; 
son of Rev. George Henry Glasse, Rector of Hanwell 
(assumed the name of Elliott); Captain, 18 13; Lieutenant, 
20th Light Dragoons; Lieut-Colonel of the Berks Militia; 
married, 1812, Mary Josephine, daughter of General Sir 
James Hay, commanding the Kent district. 

Elwes, George, of Marcham: son of John Elwes, of 
Marcham, whose father, Robert Meggott, came to Marcham 
in 1 7 17 (the name, Elwes, was assumed on succeeding to 
the property of Sir Harry Elwes, in Suffolk) ; Captain, 
1779. George Elwes was known as the Berkshire miser; 
his father died when he was four years old, and he was 
over forty when he inherited his uncle's property. His 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia, 277 

son was in the Guards, probably it was the latter who 
was in the Berkshire Militia. Died, 1789. 

Evelyn, Arthur: Captain, H Troop, August 23rd, 
1650; Major, October; raised to Colonel, October 30th. 
He was Governor of Abingdon, 1646, then called Adjutant 
Evelin, and was entrusted to destroy the fortifications of 
VVallingford Castle, November i8th, 1652. 

Evans, Henry: Lieutenant, 1779; Lieutenant in 
Captain William Sladden*s Company, 1781 ; Adjutant; 
died, 1782. 

Everett, Frederick, of Newbury : son of Rev. G. F. 
Everett, Rector of Shaw-cum-Donnington ; born, 1839; 
Ensign, October loth, 1857. 

Eyre, Matthew : Colonel of a troop which was raised 
for the King, 1648. 

Eyre, George Bramston, of Welford. (See Arclier- 
Houblofi), 

Eyston, Francis Thomas, of Stanford Place: born, 
April 30th, 1853; eldest son of George Basil Eyston, of 
Stanford Place, near Faringdon, by Maria Theresa, third 
daughter of George Thomas Whitgreave, of Moseley 
Court, County Stafford; Lieutenant, February 17th, 1871 ; 
Captain, March 20th, 1876; resigned, April 6th, 1881 ; 
educated at St. Mary s College, Uscott, County Warwick ; 
married, June 17th, 1880, Angela Vavasour, sister of the 
present Sir William Vavasour; they had no children; died, 
December 8th, 1 888. 

Fennell, Edward: born, 1770; Ensign, 1800; Lieute- 
nant, 1803; appointed in the Brunswick Fencibles, July 
12th, 1803. 

Fexnell, Edward: born, 1776; Adjutant, September 
i6th, 1806; resigned, February 22nd, 181 1. He returned 
to the Militia after three years* service in the Fencibles. 
The dates of birth given show how untrustworthy the 
Regimental Officers' List is. 



278 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

FiNUCANE, Michael: born, 1764; Ensign, 1804; dis- 
placed, 1805. 

Floyer, Peter, of Shinfield : Lieutenant, 1759; married 
the daughter of Sir James Clarke, of East Molesey (she 
inherited considerable property in Buckinghamshire on 
the death of her sister, Mrs. Rugge, 1768, and died 
in 1773) ; Peter Floyer died at Shinfield Place, 1778. 
" Peter Floyer, late Captain in Berkshire Militia, a gentle- 
man not more admired for his affability to all classes 
of people than for the excellence of his heart and under 
standing. He will be sincerely regretted by all who had 
the happiness of his acquaintance. His children lament 
a tender and affectionate parent : his companions, a true 
and faithful friend; and the world, a worthy and honest man.'* 

Folkestone, Viscount: bom, 1775 ; Captain, 1 803 ; 
resigned, June ist, 1805. 

Folkestone, Viscount: born, 1782; Lieut-Colonel, 
December 9th, 18 12; resigned, 18 17, when Colonel John 
Blagrave was replaced. 

Folkestone, Viscount: born, 1841 ; Second Lieute- 
nant, July 2nd, 1870; resigned, July i8th, 1872. 

FONBLANQUE, JOHN : Ensign, 1780; married, at St. 
George's, Hanover Square, 1786, Miss Frances Caroline 
Fitzgerald, youngest daughter of Colonel Fitzgerald; their 
infant daughter died July 8th, 1804. He was a Barrister- 
at-Law, and afterwards Member for Camelford, 1802-6. 
John Fonblanque, who assumed the name of De Grenicr 
before that of Fonblanque, 1828, was Senior King's 
Council, and Senior Bencher of the Middle Temple, having 
been called to the Bar, 1783. He published one or two 
works, and died in 1837. He was descended from an 
ancient family in Languedoc, and inherited the title of 
Marquis but never assumed it in England. 

Forrest, Thomas, of Binfield : born, 1782; Ensign, 
September 27th, 1803; Lieutenant, 1804; Captain, 1805; 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 279 



resigned, 1810; married the daughter of Colonel Lowther, 
M.P.; " i8d8, — Forrest, of Binfield, to the eldest daughter 
of Colonel Lowther, M.P., Westmorland." Mrs. Forrest, 
widow of Admiral Forrest, of Binfield, died, June, 1802. 
Forrest Lodge, Bracknell, was sold to Sir Warwick 
Morshead. They are a Hampshire family. 

F'ORREST, Arthur: Ensign, March i8th, 1831 ; Captain, 
December 23rd, 1831 ; resigned, April 7th, 1852. 

Forrest, Stanford : Ensign, August 5th, 1837. 

F'owLER, Ernest Mortimer, of Brimpton: son of 
Captain George Fowler, R.N. ; Second Lieutenant, Feb- 
ruary iith, 1888; resigned, November 28th, 1890. 

French, William Nathaniel: Ensign, 1779; Lieute- 
nant, 1 781; resigned, May i8th, 1790. 

Garnett, Taylor: born, 1766; Ensign, 1800; Lieu- 
tenant, 1802; resigned, 1803; married, 179S, "Dr. Garnett, 
of Harrogate, to Miss Cleveland, of Hare Hatch." Probably 
Regimental Surgeon or Chaplain. Canon Garnet was 
Canon of Windsor, 1793. 

Gill, Philip (of Midgham?): born, 1758; Ensign, No- 
vember 24th, 1779; Lieutenant, 1781 ; Captain, November 
1 8th, 1786; resigned, 1798; Rector of Tidmarsh, which 
living was given him in 1785, by Robert Dalzell, Esq.; 
married, 179S, "Rev. Dr. Gill, Vicar of Rousham, to Miss 
Tounshend, sister to Edward Loveden, Esq."; died, 1825, 
in his 67th year. Probably was Regimental Chaplain. 
There were Gills of Basildon and Ashampstcad. 

Gill, James: Ensign, 1780; Lieutenant, November 1 8th, 
1786 ; resigned, 1798. No doubt a brother of Philip Gill. 

GODDARD, Vincent, of Reading: son of John Goddard, 
of Upham, Wilts, by Elizabeth, daughter of Sir John 
P'etiplace, of Bcsils Leigh (so says Byrne, in his account of 
** Berkshire Members of Parliament "), but I think he wa-; 
probably grandson of John Goddard, and son of Richard 
Goddard, clothier, of Reading, christened at St. Mary's, 1612, 



28o Royal Berkshire Militia. 

who died 1654, after which date Vincent Goddard continued 
to rent the house his father had lived at, in Castle Street, 
but he wanted an abatement of rent, which the Corporation 
of the Town, of whom he rented the house, were reluctant 
to grant; Captain, F Troop, August 23rd, 1650; Major, 
October 30th, 1650. In 161 2, Vincent, son of Richard 
Goddard, was christened at St. Mary's, Reading, and, 
according to the Corporation MSS., he had been appren- 
ticed for seven years to his father. In 1656 he is styled 
Mr, Vincent Goddard, so had evidently left the Militia. 
He represented the County of Berks in Cromwell's Parlia- 
ment, 1653. 

Goddard, Richard, of Reading: Captain, F Troop, 
1 65 1. The Goddards being Wilts may easily have belonged 
to the Faringdon Troop. He was either a younger brother 
or cousin of Vincent Goddard. 

GOFFE, : Colonel; appointed, August, 1655, in 

command of the Militia Forces of the Counties of South- 
ampton, Sussex and Berkshire. 

GOWER, John Leveson, of Bill Hill : Captain, May 4th, 
1831 ; Major, July 12th, 1845; retired, September 20th, 
1855; married, 1825, Charlotte Gertrude Elizabeth, second 
daughter of Lady Harriett and the late Colonel Mitchell. 
He was in the Navy. 

Gower, Phiup Leveson, of Bill Hill : Second Lieu- 
tenant, April 2nd, 1888; Lieutenant, February 7th, 1891 ; 
went to the Sherwood Foresters, October 9th, 1891. 

GowER, C. C. Leveson, of Bill Hill: Lieutenant, January 
1 2th, 1884; went to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 
April 28th, 1886. 

Graham, Birchall George, of Newbury: born, No- 
vember nth, 1833 ; son of Robert Fuller Graham, solicitor 
and town clerk of Newbury; Ensign, January 6th, 1855; 
took one hundred volunteers to 33rd Foot (Duke of 
Wellin^ijton's Regiment); was wounded in the Crimea; 



Officers of tke Berkshire Militia. 



erved in Abyssinian expedition ; died, a tea planter, at 
Jarjccliiig, Upper India, August, 1893. He was well 
;nown locally as an excellent cricketer, 

Gray, John Robin, of Farley Hill: born, 1864; eldest 
on of Colonel Gray, of Farley Hill, and of Frankby. County 
Cheshire: Lieutenant, February 36th, 1884; went to Royal 
rish Rifles. November 24th, 1885 ; returned as Captain, 
ipril i6th, iSSg: married, 1S91, Blanche, only daughter 
tf the Rev. J. R, Fielden, Vicar of Honingham. 

Greene, Richard: Cornet, 1650. 

Greenhead, Charles, 7, Bellevue Terrace, Haverford 
Vest: born, 17S1 ; Surgeon, November 13th, 1813; resigned, 
"ebruary 24th, 1855. 

GreENWAV, Henkv, of Trunkwcll : Ensign, December 
13rd, 1831; Captain, September 14th, 1837; resigned, 

inuary 20th, 1858. "Married, at Newbury, May 29th, 
:So2, Henry Greenway, of Henley-on-Thames, to Miss 
Woodroofe, eldest daughter of B. Woodroofe, of Newbury." 
Mrs. Greenway, relict of Henry Greenway, of Trunkwell, 
mly died a couple of years ago. 

GRENFELL, G. G. : born, 1786; Captain, February ist, 
'811; resigned, May 2nd, 1813. 

Gkeneell, William Henrv, of Taplow Court: born, 
'855; Sub-Lieutcnanl, April 34th, 1874; never joined. He 
ucceedcd his grandfather to the Taplow Court property, 
867. 

GiilliULE, JuHN; bom, 1772; Ensign, 1*104; Lieutenant, 
804 ; resigned, 1S05. He probably went to the Line. 

Griffith, Christopher William Dardy, of Pad- 
mrth: born, i860; only son of Christopher Darby Griffith, 
if Padworth ; Second Lieutenant, May 8th, 1S78; Lieu- 
enant, June 3Sth, 1879; went to the Grenadier Guards, 
aay 7th, 1880. 

Griffin, John: born, 1782; Ensign, 1807; Lieutenant, 
1S08 ; resigned, 1808; married, 18S7, Ethel Anne, only 



282 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

daughter of Hon. Julian Fane. " Died, February, 1783, much 
regretted by his friends and acquaintances, John Griffin, 
of Wokingham, age 57, after a severe and prolonged 
illness endured with fortitude." Probably related to Lord 
Braybrooke. 

Grove, ThomAvS: born, 1759; son of John Grove, of 
Feme, by his second wife, Phillipa, eldest daughter of Walter 
Long, of Preshaw, County Hants; Lieutenant, 1779; Cap- 
tain, 1781 ; resigned, February 9th, 1787; married, 1781, 
Charlotte, daughter of Charles Pilford, of Effingham, County 
Surrey; died, April 22nd, 1847. Probably related to 
Thomas Grove, buried at St. Mary's, Reading, 1779. 

Grubr, George: born, 1789; Ensign, September 14th, 
181 1 ; Lieutenant, August 2Sth, 1812; resigned, April 29th, 
1 81 3. He was, I fancy, a younger brother of Lieutenant 
Grubb of the Blues, who died of fever, in Spain, 1813, son 
of W. H. Grubb, of East well House, Wilts. 

Guy, George: bom, 1767; Ensign, January 19th, 1799; 
Lieutenant, March nth, 1799; Quarter- Master, March 19th, 
1807. George, son of Rev. Mr. Guy, Vicar of Speen, gave 
forty shillings per annum to Speen School, 171 3. This was 
probably a son of George Guy, of London. Probably went 
to the Line. George Guy, aged 21, married, at Portsca, 
1799, Jane Mortimore, daughter of John Grant; she was 
a minor. 

GUYENETT, Francis: Lieutenant, 1798; resigned, May 
1 8th, 1799. 

Hallett, William, of Denford: born, 1784; Lieutenant, 
August 26th, 181 2; Captain, November 17th, 181 2; resigned, 
November 29th, 18 1 3. Mr. Hallett bought Little Wittenham 
Estate, 1787. William Hallett, of Denford Park, bought the 
valuable property of Letcombe Basset, 181 2 ; his wife died, 
1833, in Southampton Street, IMoomsbury, after a happy 
union of forty-eight years; he is described then as of Candy, 
near Southampton. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 283 

Hallett, W. (no doubt son of the above) : Ensign, 
181 3; was living at VVatchfield House in 1823. 

Hallett, George Hughes, of Surbiton: born, 1832; 
Ensign, March i8th, 1855 ; afterwards Royal Artillery. 

Hamilton, Arthur: Ensign, 1805; Lieutenant, Feb- 
ruary nth, 1806; appointed Quarter-Master 7th Garrison 
Battalion, April 21st, 1808. The Hon. Captain Hamilton 
sold Bear Place, 1780. 

Hammond, Richard [or Roheut] : fought in the first 
battle of Newbury, 1642, as Captain ; Governor of Carisbrook 
Castle when King Charles was taken there a prisoner, 1647; 
Governor of Reading; High Steward of Reading. He 
married a daughter of John Hampden ; died, 1656. 

Hankey, Sidney Alers, of Heathlands, near Woking- 
ham : born, 1847; Lieutenant, May 8th, 1871 ; resigned. 
May i6th, 1874; married, 1863, Louisa Fanny, daughter 
of Thomas Thornhill of Beddlesworth, County Norfolk ; 
sold Heathlands, 1896, to Howard Palmer, of Reading. 

Hankey, Sidney Thornhill, of Heathlands; born, 

1869; eldest son of the above; Lieutenant, June 5th, 1886; 
went to the 2nd Life Guards, June 28th, 1890. 

HanCE, James: born, 1794; Ensign, April 29th, 1814; 
Lieutenant, October 15th, 1814; resigned, October, 1852. 

Hargreaves, Arthur, of Arborfield : born, August 
20th, 1859; eldest son of Thomas Hargreaves, of Arborfield, 
by Sarah, daughter of Washington Jackson, Esq. ; Lieute- 
nant, May, 1877; died at Sunbury-on-Thames, October 
25th, 1878. 

Hargreaves, Robert, of Maiden Erleigh: born, 1878; 
third son of John Hargreaves, of Maiden Erleigh and 
Whalley Abbey, by Jane, only daughter of Alexander 
Cobham-Cobham, of Shinfield; Lieutenant, February 7th, 
1891; resigned, 1895. 

Harrison, J. S. ; born, 1839; Ensign, January 24th, 
1856; Lieutenant, February, 25th 1858. 



284 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Harvey (or Hervey), Lionel Charles: bom, 1784; 

third son of Felton Lionel Hervey, by Selina Mary, heiress 
of Sir John Elwell, Bart: educated at Eton; Ensign, 1805; 
Lieutenant, 1805; Captain, April 5th, 1805; Major, August 
24th, 1826; married, 1825, Frances Mary, daughter of Vice- 
Admiral Thomas Wells; died, June 4th, 1843. His two 
elder brothers assumed the name of Bathurst, and were 
baronets. 

Hatch, George, of New Windsor: Ensign, 1758; he 
was several times Mayor of Windsor, and died an old man 
in the autumn of 1800; one of the oldest members of the 
Corporation of Windsor. 

Hay, Arthur Willlam Henry, of Oakley Park, E>-c, 
Suffolk: born, 1862; eldest son of Hon. Charles Rowley 
Hay, of Harewood Lodge, Sunninghill, by Arabella 
Augusta, daughter of Colonel W. H. Meyrick, grand- 
daughter of William Henry, first Duke of Cleveland ; 
educated at Eton; Second Lieutenant, April 27th, 1880; 
Lieutenant, June i8th, 1881 ; Captain, May 22nd, 1886; 
Honorary Major, May 7th, 1895 ; served with the 2nd 
Battalion in Ireland and at Chatham in 1895 ; Major, 
December, 1896; married, November 24th, 1891, Mar>% 
youngest daughter of Sir Edward Scott, fifth Baronet, of 
Lytchct Minster, County Dorset. In 1891 he succeeded to 
part of the Estates of his great-uncle, the Duke of Cleveland, 
and is now a Justice of the Peace for the Counties of Wilts 
and Suffolk, in which counties, and also in Gloucestershire, 
he owns property. 

Hay, Harry Claud Frederick, of Sunninghill : boni, 
December i8th, 1864; brother of the above; Second 
Lieutenant, March 12th, 1894; Captain, April 19th, 1895 ; 
married, 1889, Lepel, youngest daughter of the late Captain 
Sayer, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. 

Hayes, John Beauciiamp, of Arborfield : born, 1848; 
only son of Rev. Sir John Warren Hayes, Bart, of Arbor- 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 285 

field, by Ellen, daughter of George Beauchamp, of The 
Priory, Beech Hill ; Lieutenant, April i8th, 1866; Captain, 
1 2th Lancers; married, Julia, daughter of H. H. Hopkins; 
died, 1885, leaving three daughters. 

Hawes, Francis: born, 1746; Ensign, 1780; Lieutenant, 
November 17th, 1786; Captain, 1794; Captain-Lieutenant, 

November 24th, 1794; Quarter-Master, ; displaced, 

February 28th, 1807. Probably the last owner of Purley 
Hall, which was sold to the Wilders in 1779, and some of 
the deeds mention Francis Hawes, linen draper, of Reading, 
and his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Hawes. "In 1782, at his 
daughter's house in the Minories, died Francis Hawes, of 
Great Marlow, aged 86." " I775, died at the house of her 
mother in Charles Street, London, Miss Hawes, late of 
Purley Hall, aged 36." 

Hawkins, Benjamin : born, 1795 ; probably son of 
Benjamin Hawkins, Mayor of Newbury (Benjamin Hawkins 
died, 1825, aged 70) ; Ensign, September 9th, 181 5 ; Lieute- 
nant, September 28th, 1818 ; left about 1820. 

Heath, James: born, 1789; Ensign, April 4th, 1812; 
resigned, December 14th, 18 12. 

Henderson, Harold Greenwood, of Buscot: born, 

October 29th, 1875 ; son of Alexander Henderson, of 
Buscot ; educated at Eton ; Second Lieutenant, March 3rd, 
1894; Lieutenant, May 3rd, 1895; went to ist Life Guards, 
1897. 

Hercey, Thomas Francis John Lovelace, of Crutch- 
field : born, 1864 ; eldest son of Thomas Joseph Hercey, of 
Crutchfield, by Rowena Maria, daughter of William L. Pyne; 
Lieutenant, June 6th, 1883; resigned, April 27th, 1887. 

Hercey, Francis Hugh George, of Crutchfield: 

younger brother of the above; Lieutenant, July 6th, 1886; 
went to the Royal West Surrey Regiment. 

Hill, Frederick: Lieutenant, February 5th, 1799; 
resigned, 1800. 



286 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



Hill, John, of Barkham : Ensign, 1795 ; resigned, 1796. 
Hill, Swann, of London: Ensign, December, 1793; 
resigned, Januar>% 1795. 

HiPPESLEY, William Henry, of Sparsholt: born, 
185s; second son of Henry Hippesley, of Lamboume, by 
his second wife, Elizabeth Mary, eldest daughter of Right 
Hon. Lawrence Sullivan; Lieutenant, March 15th, 1872; 
resigned, April 5th, 1875; went to the Scots Greys; 
married Flora, fourth daughter of Mrs. Hargreaves, of 
Arborfield. 

Hodge, Baldwin : brother of Hermon - Hodge, of 
Wyfold; Second Lieutenant, January 29th, 1887; resigned, 
March 26th, 1887 (never joined). 

Hodgson, W. S. : born, 1781; Ensign, November 28th, 
1809; resigned, November 25th, 18 10. 

Hodgson, W. S. : born, 1783; Lieutenant, October 29th, 
1811; resigned. June 14th, 181 5. I cannot help thinking, 
in spite of the age being given differently, that these two 
Hodgsons are one and the same; the initials are alike. 
Perhaps, for some reason, he left the county, and returned 
after and re-entered as a Lieutenant. 

HoLDSWORTii, Francis Robert, of Dartmouth ; Lieute- 
nant, March 12th, 1797; Captain, October i8th, 1798; went 
to the 15th Foot, 1799, with his company. 

HOLDEN, Harry WintoN: from ist Battalion; Ad- 
jutant, October 1st, 1885; rejoined 2nd Battalion, October 
30th, 1890; married, at Gibraltar, 1884; died, 1893. 

Holland, J. S. : born, 1779; Ensign, September 25th, 
1809; Lieutenant, January loth, 1810; displaced, February 
28th, 181 1. Sir Nathaniel Holland purchased the Manor of 
Little Wittenham early in this century. 

Holland, Thomas: born, 1777; Ensign, March 28th, 
1803; resigned, April 27th; probably went to the Line. 
Thomas E. H. Holland was Ensign in 4th Foot, gazetted 
December 9th, 1813. 



Officers of the B irks hire Militia, 287 

Holland, Earl of, Baron Kensington, Henry 
Rich, High Steward of Reading (three who held the office 
perished on the scaffold); second son of the first Earl of 
Warwick; Lord-Lieutenant for Berkshire, 1632; Constable 
of Windsor; Knight of St. George; Groom of the Stole; 
Justice in Eyre; married Isabel, daughter and heiress of 
the Copes, from whom came the Manor of Kensington. 
He fought first on one side, then on the other, in the Civil 
War, and consequently was not appreciated by either 
party. His portrait was painted by Vandycke. He was 
said to be the handsomest man at Court. Executed for 
High Treason, March 9th, 1648. 

Holloway, Benjamin, Jun., of Charlbury, County 
Oxon : Ensign, 1795 ; Lieutenant, December 19th, 1795; 
resigned, June, 1798; Benjamin Holloway, of Lee Place, 
married Susanna, daughter of Richard Wykham, of Swal- 
cliffe, by his wife, Alicia, daughter of Rev. Richard Fiennes. 

Holt, George: born, 1778; probably son of John Holt, 
of Westmorland and Enfield, and Tottenham, Middlesex, 
descended from Sir Thomas Holt, who married (time of 
Charles I.) the daughter of John Peacock, of Cumnor; 
Ensign, January 28th, 1808; resigned, June 14th, 1808; 
probably went to the Line. 

HoMFRAV, John Glynnk Richards, of Penlynn Castle, 
County Glamorgan; born, 1861; eldest son of John 
Richards Homfray, of Penlynn Castle (who died 1882), 
by Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Glynne Earle Welby- 
Gregory, Bart; Second Lieutenant, April 19th, 1880 ; 
Lieutenant, January 12th, 1881. 

Homfray, H. R. : brother of the above ; Lieutenant, 
March 7th, 1884; went to Royal Irish Rifles, November 
24th, 1885. 

Hopkins, Edmund John Roijert, of Tidmarsh : born, 
April 8th, 1856; eldest son of Robert John Hopkins, of 
Tidmarsh, by Elizabeth Clara, daughter of Rev. David 



288 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Rodney Murray; Lieutenant, May 12th, 1875; resigned, 
July 18th, 1877; educated at Eton and St. John's College, 
Oxford ; died, June 2nd, 1861. 

HORNE, Arthur : Ensign, F Troop, August 23rd, 1650 ; 
probably the Militia troop of Faringdon. 

HORWARD, J. J. : born, 1839 ; Ensign, June 8th, 1859. 

HOUBLON. (See Archer), 

Houghton, Thomas Alderman, of Broom Hall, 

Sunninghill ; born, 1826; only child of John Houghton, 
of Armsworth, Hants, by Anne Sophia, eldest daughter of 
Stephen Shelden ; Ensign, August 8th, 1853; resigned, 
January i6th, 1855; married Mary Cecilia Wakefield, 
daughter of Richard Attree, of Blackmore, Hants. 

Howard, Thomas Aubrey, of Yattendon : born, No- 
vember 1 3th, 1 802 ; eldest son of Thomas Howard, of 
Yattendon House, by a daughter of — Aubrey, Esq.; 
Captain, December 31st, 1852; resigned, Januarj' 12th, 
1855; married Charlotte Mary, daughter of — Corrancc, 
from Leicestershire, who died 1864. Mr. Howard died at 
Newbury, 1882. 

Hunter, Bart., Sir Claudius Stephen Paul, of 

Mortimer: born, 1825, at Ghazepore, East Indies; son 
of John Hunter, E.I.S., who was son of Sir Claudius 
Stephen Hunter, of Mortimer; Captain, October 8th, 
1852; resigned, 1856; afterwards Lieut-Colonel of the 
Berkshire Volunteers; married, 1855, Constance, daughter 
of William George Ives Bosanquet. He died January 
7 th, 1890. 

Hunter, Bart.. Sir Charles Roderick, of Mortimer : 
born, 1858; eldest son of the above; Sub-Lieutenant, 
September 22nd, 1875 (never joined); went to the Rifle 
Brigade; married, 1887, Agnes Lillie, eldest daughter of 
Adam Kennard, of Crawley Court, Hants. 

Imhoff, Charles, of London: Lieutenant, January- 
24th, 1794; Captain, January 6th, 1796; Major, July, 1797; 



resigned, February 4th, 1799, "February 14th, 1853, at 
Darlcsford House, Worcestershire, aged 86, General Sir 
Charles Imlioff, Knight of St. Joachim," Sir Charles 
Imhoff, though of German extraction, was, we believe, a 
native of this country, and related to the celebrated Warren 
Hastings, who was a native of Darlesford. Perhaps he 
was son of General Imhoff, whose regiment was one 
of those who received the Princess Augusta, daughter of 
George III,, in 1764, when as the bride of the Prince 
of Brunswick she arrived af that town. In 1786, he was 
recommended by Queen Charlotte to the notice of the 
reigning Prince of Waldeck, and was appointed by His 
Serene Highness to the command of a company in one of 
his regiments, which he joined, in 1787, at Arolsen, the 
capital of Waldeck, He remained in Germany for some 
years ; but, having completed his military education, 
returned to England at the commencement of the war in 
1793, and accepted a commission in the Berkshire Militia, 
which he quitted a Captain in 1798, and then purchased a 
troop in the ist Regiment of Life Guards, by commission 
■ dated April 4th, 1799. In iSoi, he became Major in the 
14th Foot; and, on February 5th, 1S02, Lieut-Colonel in 
Ithe same regiment At the Peace of 1803, he again visited 
I the Prince of Waldeck, but returned home from Berlin at 
[the renewal of the war. He continued on half-pay until 
I 1807, when he was, for a short time. Inspecting Field Officer 
of the Volunteers of the North Inland District of Notting- 
ham ; and was next appointed Lieut-Colonel of the 4th 
Garrison Battalion, stationed at Jersey. He retained that 
I command in the Channel islands until June, 1S12, when he 
I was placed on the Staff as Inspecting Field Officer of the 
f Guernsey Militia ; and, after having occasionally officiated 
as Commanding Officer of the Garrison during the absence 
of the Licut.-Governor, he was regularly sworn into that 
office on June 25th, 1814, and exercised its functions until 
' U 




290 



Royal Berkshire Militta. 



otcd to 



August 20th following, He was successively promote 
the rank of Colonel in the Army, in 1818 ; Major-Gcneral. 
1814; Lieut.-General, 1830; and General, 1S46. On May 
iSth, 1807, he received the Royal Licence to accept thfij 
insignia of a Grand Commander of the Order of '. 
Joachim, and from that period he had enjoyed the titulai 
distinction of a Knight in this country — the regulation 1 
the contrarj', with respect to Foreign Orders of KnighthcM 
not being issued until the year 1813. He was one of t 
Stewards for Westminster Schdol 1828. Sir Charles Imhol 
married, February 19th, 1795, Charlotte, sixth daughter \ 
Sir Charles William Blunt, Bart.; she died, March t4tK 
1847. Warren Hastings rented Purlcy Hall during : 
celebrated trial ; Charles I mhuff was said to be his stcps< 
A portrait of a Colonel Blunt is at Purley ; said to havi 
been a connection of Mrs. John Wilder, whose husbai 
was Major in the Berkshire Militia. 

INCE, Henrv [James given in the Army List as 1 
Christian name] : born, 1795; Ensign, December 21st, iSlJjS 
Lieutenant, July 2nd, 1821 ; resigned, October, 1852. Hifl 
name is omitted in the Army List after 1825. 

iNCE, Henry Rouert, of Westminster: Ensign, March 
15th, 1793 ; left before 1797. 

IsHKRwooD, Richard : bom, 1784; Captain, June 261 
lSt3 ; dismissed, September iSth, 1815. Probably son i 
Henry Isherwood, M.P. for New Windsor, 1796, 1 
the following year. 

Jenkins, John Blandv, of Kingston and Llanhan 
born, 1839; Ensign, October, 1857; Lieutenant, April tS 
1864; Captain, April 18th, 1866; Major, March 29th, iS/S 
Lieut.-Colonel, July i8th. 1885 ; Honorary Colonel, Janu^| 
29th, 18S7; resigned, June i6th, 1888; twice mam'ei 
firstly, Martha Alice, daughter of Charles Wilson Fab) 
secondly, February 13th, 1897, at St. Gappan's, Glanmir 
County Cork, Elizabeth Norah Dniry, fourth daughter \ 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 291 



the late Major-Gcneral George Drury, R.M.L.I., of North 
Huish, County Devon. 

Jenkins, John Blandy, of Kingston: born, 1864; 
Lieutenant, November i8th, 1882; resigned, November 
20th, 1887 ; married, 1888, Helen, only daughter of Thomas 
Duffield. 

Johnstone, Charles John: born, 1877; second son 

of George Charles Keppel Johnstone, Lieut-Colonel Grena- 
dier Guards, by Agnes Caroline, daughter of Thomas 
Chamberlayne, of Cranbuty Park and Weston Grove, 
Hants; Second Lieutenant, 1896; Lieutenant, 1897. 

Jones, John : born, 1773 J Ensign, September 30th, 
1803; Lieutenant, 1803; displaced, March 7th, 1804; 
married, 1805, "Lieutenant John Jones, of 36th Foot, to 
Miss Pye, daughter of Henry James Pye." 

JUDD, Stephen: born, 1772; Ensign, 1803; Lieutenant, 
November 26th, 1805 ; Assistant Surgeon, July 25th, 1803 ; 
resigned, 1852. 

Justice, Thomas, of Sutton Courtney: Lieutenant, 
1758 ; married, November 24th, 1763, Catherine, daughter 
of Thomas Goodlake, of Letcombe Regis; "Died, June 
1777, at his house at Appleford, near Abingdon, Thomas 
Justice, Esq." Another Thomas Justice died at Appleford, 
1789. 

Justice, .Thomas, of Sutton Courtney : Captain ; died 
at Sutton Courtney, December, 1802, age 71. 

Kearney, Henry John, of White Waltham : Colonel 
of Beynhurst Volunteers, 1803 ; Lieut-Colonel of the 2nd 
Battalion of Militia, otherwise called the " Local Militia/' 
1809, it consisted of eight companies. "Died, July 20th, 
1827, at White Waltham, in his 80th year, Henry John 
Kearney, Lieut-Colonel of the 2nd Berkshire Militia. He 
was great-nephew to the first, and son-in-law to the second 
Duke of Chandos. He was son of the Rev. John Kearney, 
D.D., by Henrietta, fifth daughter of the Hon. and Rev. 

U 2 



292 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Henry Bridges, Archdeacon of Rochester. Married : firstly, 
in 1778, his second cousin, Lady Augusta Brydges, daugh- 
ter of Henry, second Duke of Chandos ; she died childless 
a little more than a year after her marriage ; and he 
married, secondly, the daughter and heiress of Joseph 
Banks, of Lincolns Inn, Chancellor of York. The Colonel 
embraced the Military profession at an early age, and 
served under General Elliott at the siege of Gibraltar." 

Keepe, Andrew : Lieutenant, F. Troop, 1650. 

Ken RICK, William, of Tilehurst : Captain, 1667. The 
Kenricks owned the property of Tilehurst The daughter 
and heiress of Sir William Kenrick (who married, 1679, 
Grace, heiress of Peter Kibblewhite, of Swindon,) last of the 
family married Benjamin Child. She was the " Berkshire 
Lady,*' of whom the romantic story is told, that she fell in 
love with the handsome Reading attorney at a wedding and 
sent him a challenge. At the appointed place of meeting, 
she arrived masked, and gave him the choice of fighting the 
duel or marrying her ; he chose the latter, wisely, and she 
proved so devoted a wife that he was broken-hearted after 
her death, and sold Calcot to John Blagrave. The story of 
the " Berkshire Lady " is prettily told in a novel written by 
Katherine Macquoid. 

Key, Thomas: Ensign, December i8th, 1798: probably 
son or grandson of Rev. Thomas Key, Canorv of Windsor 
and Vicar of Upton Church, Bucks, who died, 176a 
Thomas Keays, of Speen, married, at St. George's, Hanover 
Square, 1 797, to Sarah Davis. 

KiNGE, John : Muster-master of Reading, March, 1626. 

King, Augustus Henry W., of Warfield; bom, 1865; 
son of Captain William Wallis King, 12th Lancers; by 
Katherine, daughter of John Stuart Sullivan ; Lieutenant, 
January 26th, 1884; Captain, February 15th, 1888; 
resigned, February 19th, 1889. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 



293 



KiNNF-RSLEY, WiLLlAM TliOMAS, of Binfield : Lieu- 
Btenant, February 24th, 1S63 ; Captain, May 4th, 1871 ; 
r resigned, March 24th, 1S73 ; married Rose Bertha, eldest 
daughter of M. A. Kazille Corbin ; died, 1S7G. 

KNOLLVS, , of Stanford-in-the-Vale : Captain in 

the Abingdon Division of the Trained Bands. He was 
Lbrother to the Earl of Banbury. Died, 1640. 

Knox, Arthur, of Sonning: Second Lieutenant, Janu- 
lary 19th, 1878; Lieutenant, June 25th, 1879; resigned, 

■ January i8th, 1882. 

Knipe, CiiristOphek, of Frilsham : born, 1871 ; son of 

rGeneral Knipe, who was renting a house at Frilsham, which 

■he left in 1894; Second Lieutenant, March 28th, 1891; 

|.l.ieu tenant, November 25th, 1893; resigned, February 3rd, 

[1894. 

Lane, James Henry : born, 1835; Ensign, November 

[isth, 1855. 
Lang, Frederick Henry, from 34th Regiment : 

I Adjutant, July 17th, 1S5S. 

LANOrORD, Joseph: Ensign, 1762. 

Lee, Bart., Sir George Philip, of Windlesham : 
jEnsign, July, 1840; married, 1843, Charlotte, daughter of 
■John Ede ; died, 1870. 

Lee, Henry Pincke, of Woolley Firs, White Waltham : 
|eldest son -of John Lee, of Woolley Firs, by Dorothy, 

■ daughter and heiress of Thomas Hasker, of Kempshott, 
r County Hants, baptised at White Waltham, September 4th, 
I 1770; niece and heiress of Henry Pincke, of Arborfield ; 
[Ensign, 1793; Lieutenant, August, 1793; resigned, 1795 ; 
Imarried Matilda, daughter of Stanlake Batson, of Winkfield 
Iplace ; buried at. White Waltham. March 8th. 1826 ; age, 55. 

■ His eldest surviving son is Rev. Stanlake, Rector of 
F Broughton, County Hants. 

Leycester, Henrv Hanmer, of Cookham : born, 1808 ; 
L second son of George Hanmer Leycester, of White Place, 



294 • Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Cookham, by Charlotte Jemima, daughter of Hans Winthrop 
Mortimer, of Caldwell, County Derby ; Lieutenant, Januar>' 
1853; Captain, October lOth, 1857; died, January 22nd, 
1862. He was so tall, that he was called '*Long Leycester," 
and when he went to Corfu the berth had to be cut to 
fit him. 

Leycester, Oswald Walden : fourth son of George 

Hanmer Leycester, of White Place, by Charlotte Jemima, 

• daughter of Hans Winthrop Mortimer, of Caldwell, Count>' 

Derby; Ensign, May 4th, 1831 ; resigpied, June 7th, 

1833. 
Lloyd, William, of Shrewsbury : Lieutenant, 1795. 

Loveden, Edward Loveden, of Buscot: Captain, 
1779; Lieut-Colonel, 1794. He married three times. By 
his first wife, married in 1773, Margaret, daughter and 
heiress of Lewis Pryse, of Woodstock, County Oxon, 
and Gogerthan, he had a son, Pryse Loveden. Colonel 
Loveden was M.P, for Abingdon. A lawsuit was brought 
against him in 1799, by Mrs. Elizabeth Cotterell, inn- 
keeper of Pangbourne, for election expenses. Her bill 
was for ;^IS7, of which he paid ;^I05 into court; and the 
jury decided against her that the charges were absurd. 
Edward Loveden Loveden died, January 4th, 1822, at 
Buscot Park, in his 72nd year. He was L.D. of the 
University of Oxford, F.R.S. and F.S.A., and likewise 
member of several other scientific societies. He had, 
until the last few years of his life, enjoyed almost un- 
interrupted good health. His miniature has been engraved; 
a copy of it was kindly sent me by his descendant, 
Sir Pryse Pryse, of Gogerthan. 

Loveden, Pkvse, of Woodstock and Buscot : son of the 
above ; Ensign, 1794. He married twice : his first wife was 
Harriet, daughter of William, second Viscount Ashbrook, 
she died childless, 1813 ; by his second wife, Jane, daughter 
of Peter Cavallicr, of Gisborough, he had a son born, 1815. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 295 

Pryse Loveden took the name of his ancestors, and thus 
became Pryse Pryse, of Gogerthan. He died, 1849. 

Lovelace, Baron John, of Hurley: Lord- Lieutenant 
of Berkshire; died at Woodstock, September 24th, 1670; 
buried at Hurley. 

Lush, John : Captain in F Troop, 1650. Perhaps 
Faringdon. 

Lynch, Edward: Captain from 13th Light Infantry; 
Adjutant, February 8th, 1855. 

Macpherson, Lachlan: Ensign, December 17th, 1798. 
Perhaps related to the Neale Vansittarts. 

Madocks, John Edward, of Vron Iw., County Denbigh 
(described as of Mount Mased, Kent): Ensign, October 
19th, 1792; resigned, 1793. He married twice; his second 
wife was Elizabeth, daughter of William, eleventh Earl of 
Craven. She died in 1779. He was M.P. for Denbigh. 
His eldest son was also John Edward Madocks. He 
married, 18 17, Sidney, daughter of Abraham Robart 
Robartes, of London. She died in 1852, her husband 
having died in 1837. 

Magrath, Philip: Ensign, 1800. 

Maitland, Thomas Fuller, of Wargrave and Garth, 
County Radnor; born, 1818; third son of Ebenezer Fuller 
Maitland, of Stanstead, Essex, and Park Place, Berkshire, 
by Bertha, grand-daughter and heiress of William Fuller, 
of Ponders End; Lieutenant, January nth, 1853; Captain, 
September 2Sth, 1857; Major, May 8th, 1865; resigned, 
April 1 2th, 1871 ; married, 1842, Anna, only daughter of 
Captain A. B. Valpy, R.N., of Blagdon, County Somerset. 

Martin [or Marten], Henry: Colonel. A Common- 
wealth officer, one of the Regicides. Probably of Berkshire 
descent, as in 1614 Henry Martin had property at Clewer 
and Bray. 

Martin-Atkins, Atkins Edwin, of Kingston Lisle; 
born, 1778; eldest son of Edwin Martin-Atkins, of Kingston 



296 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Lisle, by Ellen Frances Halhed ; Captain, June 5th, 1799; 
married, 1806, Anne, daughter of Major Cook; died, May 
1st, 1825. 

Martin- Atkins, William Hastings, of Farley Castle: 
born, 1 8 10; was christened after his godfather, Warren 
Hastings ; second son of Atkins Edwin Martin-Atkins, of 
Kingston Lisle, by Anne, second daughter of Major Cook, 
descended from David Martin, a French Protestant Divine, 
born 1639, who, on the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, 
took refuge in Utrecht, becoming Pastor of the Walloon 
Church, and died in 1721 ; Captain, April 15th, 1861; 
resigned. May 7th, 1871. Married first, 1844, Diana Mary, 
second daughter of the Rev. James Wyld, and widow of 
John Tyrell, of Hew, who died 1862; and second, 1865, 
Georgiana, widow of Edward Lloyd Edwards, of Cerrig 
Llwydion, and eldest daughter of George E. Beauchamp, 
of the Priory, Beech Hill, and Thetford, County Norfolk, 
wb© died 1881. The name, Atkins, was assumed by 
Letters Patent, 1792, by Edwin Martin, the great-grandson 
of David Martin. 

Edwin Martin = Susannah Atkins, 



of Clapham, London ; grandson 
David Martin, of Utrecht. 



1734. 



Born, 1741 ; succeeded his uncle, 
Abraham Atkins (who died child- 
less), in the old Barony of Kingston 
Lisle, and, by Letters Patent, March 
24th, 1792, was empowered to add 
the name and arms of Aikins to his 
own of Martin. 



Edwin = Ellen Frances Halhed, 



1773- 



Edwin Atkins =• Anne, 

Bom, 1778; 1806; second 

Died, 1 83-. daughter of 

Major Cook ; 

Died, 1825. 

Martin-Atkins, Francis: born, 1852; Lieutenant, 
May 4th, 1871 ; Captain, June 9th, 1877; married Miss 
Johnstone. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 297 



Maton, Charles Joseph: resigned, 1795. "Married, 
1783, at St. George's, Hanover Square, Mr. Maton, of 
Hartley Row, Hants, to Miss Anne Head, of Newbury, with 
a fortune of £30,000." "Married at St. George's, Hanover 
Square, 1790, Joseph Maton to Miss Ann Pinnelt." These 
are the only entries I find of the name Maton. 

Maurice, David Blake, of Reading: eldest son of Dr. 
Oliver Maurice, of London Street; Lieutenant, June 19th, 
1885 ; went to ist Battalion, of which he is now Adjutant. 

Maves, William : born, 17S7 ; Ensign, June 20th, 1809 
Lieutenant, August 23rd, 1809 ; Volunteered to loth Foot, 
May 1st, iSii. 

Mears, Ellis, of Southampton ; Ensign, February 15th, 
1795 ; Lieutenant, 1796; resigned, February, 1796. 

Medley, A. L., of Faringdon : born, 1S39; Ensign, 
November 14th, 1857. 

Meter, Joseph Charles, of New Sarum : Ensign, 
December, 1793. 

Meyrick, Samuel: born, 1783; probably he was son of 
Rev. Edward Meyrick, Master of Hungcrford Grammar 
School, who married, 1777, at St. George's, Hanover Square, 
Miss Greaves, of Great Maddox Street, London ; unless it 
was Sir Samuel Rush Meyrick, Bart, of Goodrich Court ; 
Ensign, 1804; Lieutenant, 1805 ; resigned, May 7th, 1805 ; 
his age is given in the Militia Register as 38, but it is not 
reliable and he may have been younger. Sir John Rush 
lived at Streatley the middle of 18th century, 

MiCKLIN [or MiCKLEM], ROBERT, of Hurley, afterwards 
of Stratford, near Salisbury : born, 1785 ; perhaps son of 
Robert Micklem, Mayor of Reading, who died in his 
mayoralty, 1793; Lieutenant, June 26th, 1S12 ; resigned, 
December 26th, 1812; married at St. James' Church, 1815, 
Miss Cruthwell, only daughter of the late Mr. Richard 
Cruthwell, printer of the Balh Chroniele ; she died, 1818, at 
Sonning, only 27 years of age. 



298 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Milne, John : Quarter-Master Sergeant in 72nd High- 
landers, then in the Berks Militia ; promoted Quarter- 
Master, June, 1855. 

MiLMAN, William George, of Levaton Woodland, 
County Devon: bom, 1781 ; eldest son of Sir Francis 
Milman, by Frances, daughter and heiress of William Hart, 
of Stapleton, County Gloucester; Captain, 1808; resigned, 
181 2; married, 1809, Elizabeth Hurrey, only daughter of 
Robert Alderson, Recorder of Ipswich ; succeeded his 
father as 2nd Baronet, 1821 ; died, August 21st, 1857. 

MoNCK, William Berkeley, of Coley: bom, 1842; 

eldest son of John Bligh Monck, of Coley, by Elizabeth, 
daughter of Rev. Wild man Yates, Vicar of St Mary's, 
Reading; Lieutenant, February 22nd, 1863 ; Captain, May 
20th, 1870; resigned, April 26th, 1873; married, 1872, 
Althea Paulina Louisa, eldest daughter of Charles Alexander 
Fanshawe, Esq. 

MoRLAND, Walter Holroyd : born, October 31st, 
1847; fifth son of George Bowes Morland, of Abingdon, 
Clerk of Peace, by Marie, daughter of J. Thornhill, Woodleys, 
County Oxon; Lieutenant, August 25th, 1870; Captain, 
February 5th, 1873; resigned, February ist, 1879; died, 
July 20th, 1880. 

Morland, George William, of Abingdon : born, 
August 8th, 1839; second son of G. B. Morland and Maria 
(Thornhill,) as above; Ensign, September i6th, 1855; 
obtained a commission in 6th Regiment in 1857; died at 
Amritgar, India, September 23rd, 1874. 

MORETON, John: born, 1776; probably son or grandson 
of John Moreton, M.P. for Abingdon, 1754-62, who was 
made Chief Justice of Chester, 1762; his widow died in 1803; 
Ensign, July 2nd, 1803; resigned, October 7th, 1803. '" 
18 17, a Thomas Moreton lived near Pangbourne, from his 
house the unfortunate Dr. Lonquet was murdered. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 299 

MoRRES, E. J., of Wokingham ; born, 1830; son of Rev. 
T. Morres, of Wokingham ; Ensign, January i6th, 1855; 
resigned, May 17th, 1855. 

MORRICE, Charles: Ensign, December 29th. 1792. In 
1774, a marriage was celebrated between Rev. Dr. Morrice 
and Miss Hatch, of Windsor. She was probably the 
daughter of George Hatch, of New Windsor, who was 
Ensign in the Militia, 1758. Rev. Charles Morrice was 
Chaplain of Windsor ; Rev. Charles Morrice was appointed 
Chaplain of the Berks Fencible Cavalry in 1794. Colonel 
Charles Morrice. of 69th South Lincolnshire Regiment, was 
killed at Quatrebras, 

MoR,sHEAD, Bart., Sir Warwick Charles, of Forest 
Lodge, Bracknell: born, 1824; only child of Sir Frederick 
J. Morshcad, of Trenant, Cornwall, by Jane, daughter of 
Robert Warwick, of Warwick Hall, Cumberland ; Major, 
August loth, 1863 ; resigned, March 4th, 1864 (never Joined) ; 
married, 1854, Selina, daughter of Rev, William Vernon 
Harcourt.of Nuneham, she died, 1883 ; secondly, 1887, Sarah 
Elizabeth, second daughter of Montague Wilmott, sister to 
Sir Robert Wilmott. Bart. 

Moore, Charle.s: born, 1779; Ensign, June 7th, 1803; 
resigned, June 27th, 1803. In 1806, Charles Moore was 
auditor of Pubfic Accounts, 

MowuRAV, Robert Gray Cornish, of Mortimer: born 
in London, May 21st, 1850; eldest son of Sir John Cornish 
Mowbray, Bart, of Warennes Wood, Mortimer, by Elizabeth 
Gray, only child of George Isaac Mowbray, of Bishop- 
wearmouth, whose name he assumed by Royal License 
Lieutenant, June 1st, 1872; resigned, April 29th, 1S74 
(never joined) ; educated at Eton, 1863-8 and Baliol College, 
Oxford. 1S68-72; Fellow of All Souls, Cxford, 1873; 
Barrister-at-Law, Inner Temple, 1876; Member for Prestwich 
Division, S. E. Lancashire, 1886-95 i Secretary to the Royal 
Commission on the Stock Exchange, 1S76 ; Private Secretary 



300 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

to Mr. Goschen, Chancellor of the Exchequer, 1888-92 ; 
Member of Royal Commission on Opium, 1894; also Royal 
Commission on the Finances of India, 1896. 

Murphy, T. C, Captain, 66th Regiment; Adjutant, 
September 20th, 1875; rejoined 2nd Battalion, September, 
1 880; retired with the rank of Colonel He afterwards 
lived in Reading; removed to Southsea, 1895. 

Nepean, Charles Evan Molyneux Yorke: born, 
1867 ; only son of Rev. Sir Evan Nepean, Bart., sometime 
Rector of Appleshaw, Hants, now residing at Bourne- 
mouth, by Maria Theresa, second daughter of Rev. F. 
Morgan-Payler, Rector of Willey ; Second Lieutenant, 
February 19th, 1887; Lieutenant, November 17th, 1888; 
Captain, February i8th, 1891 ; married, November, 1896, at 
Heytesbury, Mary Winifred, only daughter of Rev. W. J. 
Swayne, Vicar of Heytesbury. 

Newbolt, John Thomas, of Wokingham : born, 1765; 
son of William Newbolt, by Anne Kent, of Wokingham 
(who died, 1786); Ensign, 1792; Lieutenant, March 15th, 
1793 ; resigned, April 4th, 1804; Knighted by William IV 
for services rendered to Leopold I, (afterwards King of the 
Belgians, in 1831); married Catherine Dennis (who died, 
181 1, age 40); secondly, Miss Baldwin. They lived in 
London till 1802, Wokingham 18 13, then went to Ghent 
and Brussels. Their daughter, Maria Newbolt, lived with 
the Duke and Duchess of Maxilien, of Bavaria, as governess 
to their daughter, the present Empress of Austria ; she 
married later the Count de Spietti. He had besides the two 
sons who were in the Berks Militia, Lieutenant Charles 
Kent Newbolt, R.N. (who brought home the Frigate 
MenclauSy with the body of Sir Peter Parker), and Colonel 
George Newbolt, served in India 37 years in the 31st 
Native Infantry and had medals for Ghuznee and Chillian- 
wallah. He died, 1837, at Brussels ; leaving six sons and 
four daughters. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 301 



Newbolt, William Kent, M.D., of Barnstaple : born, 
1786; son of the above; Ensign, January" 30th, iSog; 
Lieutenant, June 20tli, 1809; Surgeon's Mate; resigned, 
Februaiy 23rd, iSiz ; married Elizabeth Olivia Morrison. 
Mr. Henry Newbolt gives his wife's name as Louisa Maria 
Hyde. His commission, signed by Lord Radnor, is in the 
possession of his grandson, George P. Newbolt, F.R.C.S., of 
42, Catherine Street, Liverpool (who is also a Physician). 
After leaving the Berkshire Militia, VVilUam Newbolt studied 
anatomy, &c., in London, under Sir Joshua Brookes, and 
later on joined the North Devon Militia. In 18 18, he acted 
as second to Lieutenant O'Callaghan in the duel with 
Lieutenant O'Brien, in which the latter was killed. The 
seconds were imprisoned for some months as a punishment. 
After the North Devon Militia was disbanded in 1820. he 
practised as a medical man and died at Bath, 1859, His 
name is mentioned in the Geiitlemmis Magasine as having 
served in the Peninsular War. 

Newbolt, Frank N.: born, 1791 ; son of John Thomas 
Newbolt; Ensign, November 36th, i8tl; Lieutenant, 
January 13th, 1813; appointed to the Royal Waggon 
Train, December 2Sth, 1813 ; married Jane Douglas; died, 
1SS4, leaving a son and daughter. 

Newburv [or Newberv], John, of Heathfiold Park. 
Sussex: Lieutenant, December 19th, 1795. In 1806, John 
Newbury, Lieut.-Colonel of the Sussex Militia, married at 
Rothwell, near Leeds, Miss Cleaver, daughter of Rev. Dr. 
Cleaver, of Malton, County York. 

Newton, Edward: born, 1772; probably of the family 
of Newton, of Bulwell Hall, Nottingham ; Ensign, July 6th, 
1806 ; Lieutenant, 1807 ; volunteered to 66th Foot, August 
2Gth, 1807. 

Neville, Richard Alduorth, of Billingbear: born, 
I/go; only son of Richard Neville Aldworth, of Staniakc, 
County Oxon ; Lieutenant, 1779 ; became second Baron 



302 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Braybrooke ; assumed the surname and arms of Griffin in 
addition to Aldworth Neville in 1798; married, 178-, 
Catherine, daughter of Right Honourable George Greenville, 
M.P. for Reading ; died, 1 821. 

Neville, Honourable Richard, of BilHngbear ; bom, 
1783 : son of Richard Aldworth Neville, second Lord 
Braybrooke; Captain, 1803; resigned, 1804; M.P. for 
Berkshire, 1812 ; married, 1819, Jane, daughter of Charles, 
second Marquis of Cornvvallis. He edited several literary 
works ; died, 1858. 

NORREYS, Lord. (See Abingdon). 

NORRIS, John : bom, 1793 ; perhaps of Hughendon, 
County Bucks; Ensign, November 17th, 1812 ; Lieutenant, 
April 29th, 1 8 14. "Died 1816, at Colchester, Lieutenant 
John Norris, of the Engineer Company in Fort St George, 
East Indies, late of Castle Street, Reading.** 

NORRIS, H. C, born, 1822; Ensign, April 24th, i860; 
Lieutenant, April i6th, 1861. 

NoYES, Thomas Buckeridge, of Southcote: son of 
G. Noyes, of Andover and Southcote, by Ann, daughter 
of Charles May, of Basingstoke, whose wife was Anne 
Noyes, of Southcote; Ensign, 1758; married, 1762, Sarah, 
daughter of Robert Hucks, of Aldenham, Herts, and Great 
Russell Street, Bloomsbury, she died at Southcote, 1789. 
Daniel May, of Sulhamstead, entailed his property on the 
children of his sisters, Jane, wife of William Thoyts, and 
Anne, wife of George Noyes; thus the property of 
Sulhamstead came to the Thoyts family, but if John 
Thoyts had died it would have gone to his cousin, Thomas 
B. Noyes. Thomas Buckeridge Noyes was buried at St 
Mary's, Reading, November i8th, 1797. 

Oldfield, Christopher Campbell: Half-pay, late 
8sth Regiment; born, 1838; son of Henry S. Oldfield, 
Bengal Civil Service ; Captain, October i8th, 1873 \ married, 
1872, Edith, daughter of Richard S. Guinness, of Deepwell, 
County Derby. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 303 

OsBORN, William : Lieutenant, 1800. 

Osgood, Lawrence Head, of Barkham ; Lieutenant, 
1758; Sheriff of Berkshire, 1747. "We hear, from New- 
bury, that Lawrence Head Osgood, of Winterbourne, has 
given twenty guineas to the poor of several parishes in 
that neighbourhood" {Readmg Mercury, 1768). He died 
at Salford, near Oxford, September, 1768, aged 46, and 
universally regretted. 

Otway, Christopher C. : born. 1838 ; Captain, October 
1 8th, 1873. 

Otway Jocelyn Tufton Farrant, late sth Dragoon 
Guards and 49th Regiment: born, 1852; fourth son of 
Captain William Majoribanks Hughes, who assumed the 
name of Otway in 1873, by Georgina Frances, heiress of 
Sir William Loftus Otway; Captain, May 3rd, 1881 ; 
Hon. Major, June 17th, 1890; Major, May ist, 1894; 
resigned as Lieut-Colonel. March 13th, 1895; married, 
September 2Sth, 1884, Eva May, daughter of John Lane 
Clairmonte, Esq. 

Page, Frederick, of Goldwell House, Speen : Lieut- 
Colonel, commanding the ist Battalion of Local Militia, 
consisting often companies, 1809; died, April 8th, 1834, 
age 64. 

Parker, John: born, 1791 ; Ensign, April 30th, 1814; 
Lieutenant, October 6th, 1814; resigned, October, 1852. 

Parker, Robert : probably son of Robert Parker, who 
died 1778, descended from Rev. Thomas Parker, Vicar of 
Newbury, a Puritan, who emigrated to Massachusetts in 
1634 and died 1677. Ensign, 1779; Lieutenant, 1781 ; 
resigned February 12th, 1787. "Married, May, 1782, at 
St. James's, London, Robert Parker, to Miss Shelley, of 
Turville Park, Bucks." 

Peacock, : Major, 1660. Among the estates seques- 
trated by Parliament and compounded for, occurs the name 
of John Peacock, of Cumnor. 



304 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



Pearson, C. L. M. : born, 1859; son of General Pearson, 
Assistant Commissioner of Metropolitan Police ; Sub-Lieu- 
tenant, February 9th, 1876 ; Lieutenant, February 9th, 1876 ; 
went to the Rifle Brigade, December 3rd, 1878. 

Pechell, Edward Rodney Cecil: bom, \9^^o {Burkes 
Peerage says 1837) ; son of Captain Samuel George Pechell, 
R.N., of Bereley, Hants, by Caroline, second daughter of 
William Thoyts, of Sulhamstead ; Lieutenant, April 9th, 
1870; Captain, March 27th, 1872; resigned, July 23rd, 
1872; was also in looth Canadian Rifles and the Military 
Train ; married Alice Alleyne, daughter of Rev. John 
Rothwell ; died 1880, leaving two daughters. 

Pechell, William Mortimer Charles: bom, 1850; 

nephew to the above and son of William Mortimer Pechell, 
8sth Regiment, by Georgina, daughter of John Harrop; 
Lieutenant, February 17th, 1871 ; Captain, February 5th, 
1873; resigned, August 1st, 1883; afterwards went to 
3rd Northumberland Fusiliers; married, 1888. 

Percy, Lord, George Arthur Malcolm : bom, 1851 ; 

Adjutant, Grenadier Guards, May 9th to April, 1881 ; then 
in the Berkshire Militia; transferred as Major to 3rd North- 
umberland Fusiliers, June 24th, 1886, and now commanding 
officer; married, 1880, Lady Victoria Frederica Caroline 
Edgcumbe, daughter of William Henry, fourth Earl of 
Mount Edgcumbe. He was M.P. for Westminster. 

Phillips, John, of Culham : born, at Hagbourne, 1784; 
son of John Phillips, of East Hagbourne, who married, 1783, 
Miss Selwood, of Abingdon; Ensign, 1805; Lieutenant 
1806; Captain, June 30th, 1806; resigned, 1808; D.L. for 
Berkshire, 1807; D.L. for Oxfordshire, 1816; High Sheriff 
for Oxfordshire, 18 16; married, in 1809, Frances Anne, 
daughter of William Cunliffe Shaw, of Singleton Lodge, 
County Lancaster; she died in 1824; he also died in the 
same year, and left his property to his nephew, John 
Phillips. An adventure happened to the Phillips, April, 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia, 305 

1799, while travelling in their own carriage from Henley 
to Maidenhead. They were stopped by two highwaymen 
at Maidenhead Thicket, good-looking young men, mounted 
on blood horses. They took away Mr. Phillips* watch and 
eight guineas in money, but returned the lady's watch 
most politely. They were afterwards tracked along the 
road for some way, but took to the woods at Bisham and 
so escaped capture. Another John Phillips, of Culham, 
was Carpenter to His Majesty's Board of Works. He 
died December, 1775, his wife having died the previous 
October in Reading. 

Phillips, William : born, at Culham, 1789 (the Militia 
Register says 1792) ; son of John Phillips by his second 
wife, Miss Morland ; Sub-Lieutenant, June 26th, 181 5; 
Lieutenant, October 13th, 1825. 

Phillips, Gerald Edwin, of Culham: born, 1870; 
second son of John Shaw Phillips, of Culham, by Maria 
Elizabeth, only daughter of Henley G. Greaves, M.F.H., 
of Newhouse, Abingdon ; Second Lieutenant, May 4th, 
1889; resigned, February 7th, 1890. 

PiNKNEY, George: Ensign, February 2Sth, 1800. 

POCOCKE, John, of Blewbury (or North Fawley in 1786); 
Ensign, April ist, 1795 ; Lieutenant, August 4th, 1795.^ 

PococKE, John Blagrave, of East Hagbourne: born, 
1766; Lieutenant, 179S; Captain, May i8th, 1798; Major, 
November 19th, 1810; resigned, 1825; married Charlotte, 
daughter of John Blagrave. 

Pole, Henry, of Waltham Abbey: born, 1819; Lieu- 
tenant, December 30th, 1845; Captain, July 2nd, 1846; 
resigned, 1853 ; married, 1849, Eliza Anne, daughter of the 
Rev. Watson William Dickens, Rector of Adisham, Kent. 

POPHAM, Francis William Leyborne, of Littlecotc: 
born, 1862; eldest son of Francis Leyborne Popham ; 
Second Lieutenant, January 12th, 1881 ; resigned, March 
28th, 1882 (never joined) ; succeeded his uncle, 1881. 

X 



3o6 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Porter, Frederick, of Whiteknights : Lieutenant, 
March 20th, 1884 (never joined); transferred to the 3rd 
Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, May Sth, 1884. 

Powell, Arthur Annesley: Lieutenant, 1792; re- 
signed, 1795. 

POWNEY, PoRTLOCK Penyston, of St. Ives' Place: 
son of Penyston Powney, M.P., of Windsor, who died, 1758 ; 
Captain, 1779; Major, August 31st, 1786; Lieut-Colonel, 
April 28th, 1787. He became Colonel eventually, but 
1 have not the dates of his promotion. He married, in 
1772, Miss Franklin, daughter of Major Fred Frankland 
[or Franklin], of the Blues, niece to Sir Thomas Franklin, 
Bart., a very agreeable young lady with a large fortune; 
she died the following year, being only 22 years of age, and, 
in 1 776, he married Miss Floyer,of Southcote, but apparently 
left no son. He was M.P. for New Windsor, and died at 
the house of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Floyer, in Reading, 
1794, in his 5fth year. He was the last of the family, 
and was buried with his father at Windsor. 

Pratt, Lord George Murray, of Sunningdale : bom, 
1843; second son of George Charles, second Marquis of 
Camden, by Harriett, daughter of the Right Rev. George 
Murray, D.D., Bishop of Rochester; Captain, November 
24th, 1883; Major, May Sth, 1895; formerly Captain, 
Grenadier Guards, and West Kent Yeomanry. He married 
Charlotte Harman, eldest daughter of first Lord Chey- 
lesmore. 

Praed, William Mackworth, of Warfield : third son 
of William Mackworth (who took the name of Praed, and 
died in 1752); Captain, 1758. He had a quarrel with 
Colonel John Dodd in 1762, when he asserted the latter had 
prevented his promotion ; by Court-Martial the suit was 
decided against him, and, I suppose, he then left the 
regiment. William Mackworth Praed, of Bitton, Devon, 
married Susannah, daughter and co-heiress of Thomas 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia, 307 

Stokes, of Rill. He was M.P. for Cornwall; and, in 1765, 
he sold the Manor of Foxley, in Binfield, to Henry 
Vansittart. 

Prestage, Thomas: born, 1777; Ensign, September 
13th, 181 1 ; Lieutenant, January 23rd, 1812; resigned, 
August 1 2th, 1 812. 

Preston, John: Sergeant; married, while at Winchester 
Barracks, June 29th, 1799, Elizabeth Mountain, of St. 
Thomas; he was 24 and she 22. 

Preston, John, late Militia : born, 1849; Captain, 

March 28th, 1883; resigned, February 24th, 1888; served 
local forces — medal — South Africa, also Gold Coast. Re- 
sident Magistrate in Ireland. 

Price, John Charles, of The Ham, Farnborough: 
born, 1747 ; second son of John Price, by Anne, daughter 
of Henry Robins, of Wootton Basset; Captain, 1781 ; 
matriculated at Brazenose College, Oxon, October 26th, 
1764. He was a Justice of the Peace, and Deputy- 
Lieutenant for Berkshire; died, unmarried, August nth, 
1786, aged 36. Mr. Leonard Price says he died May nth. 
(See also page 1 19.) 

PURCELL, John : born, 1779; Ensign, 1805; Lieutenant, 
March 3rd, 1806; appointed Ensign, 6th Foot; married, 
Margaret, daughter of Christopher Wyvill, son of Sir 
Marmaduke Wyvill, by his wife Henrietta Maria, daughter 
and co-heiress of Colonel Thomas Blagrave, Governor of 
Wallingford Castle. 

PURNELL, Edward Kelly: son of E. K. Purnell, 
Master of Wellington College ; Second Lieutenant, July, 
1 896. 

PURVLS, Edward, of Darsham, County Suffolk : born, 

1786 (Militia Register, 1789) ; second son of Charles Purvis, 

of Darsham Hall, Suffolk, by Elizabeth, daughter of Edward 

Holdon, of Cruttenden ; Adjutant, January i6th, 181 3; 

resigned, February 19th, 1846; married, 1817, Lettice 

X 2 



3o8 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of Rev John Mileso, of 
Twywell, Northamptonshire ; they lived at Watlington 
House, Reading, now the Kendrick Girls' School. He was 
in the 4th Foot, fought in the Peninsular War, and was 
wounded at the Battle of Corunna. There is an account 
of Captain Purvis in Mr. Darter's interesting Reminiscences. 
Pye, Walter, of the Temple, London: Lieutenant, 
1779; Captain, 1781 ; Major, October 22nd, 1793. He was 
the son of Henry Pye, of Faringdon, M.P. for the County of 
Berks, by Mary, daughter of Rev. David James, Rector of 
Wroughton, Buckinghamshire ; she was the only sister 
of Anthony James (James, of Denford, near Hungerford), 
who assumed the name of Keck, in 1737. 

Sir Robert Pye, 
Auditor of the Exchequer to James I. 

I 

Sir Robert Pye = Anne, 

eldest daughter of the patriot, 
John Hampden. 



^ I I I II II 

Edmund. [six other sons and daughters.] 



Henry Pye = Mary, 
M.P. for Berkshire. 



daughter of Rev. Dr. James. 



I I 

Walter Pye. Anne. Robert Hamixien 
I lenry James Pye = Mary, 
of Faringdon ; Poet Laureate ; August 23rd, 1 766, 
M.P. for Berkshire; died, 1813, daughter of Lieut. -Colonel 
age 68. The Annual Register William Hooke, of 

says he was in the Berkshire Minstead. 

Militia. He remarried after the 
death of first wife. H. J. P*ye 
was described in his marriage 
license as of Holvrood, 
Southampton. 

Walter Pye died unmarried, at Carmarthen Street, Bed- 
ford Square, London, on January 9th, 1824, age 72. He 
was Senior on the hst of Commissioners of Bankruptcy. 
Henry Pye was elected five times Member for Berkshire 
without opposition; he died, 1766, just as his eldest son 



Offi.cers of the Berkshire MilUia. 309 



Henry James Fye, came of age. This last gentleman 
injured his fortune so materially in a contested election 
for Berkshire, that, in 1784, he was obliged to sell the 
paternal estate ; he then was appointed Poet Laureate, 
and he was a Police Magistrate of Westminster. The 
family was said to have come over with William the 
Conqueror, and settled in Herefordshire, and from thence 
to Faringdon. 

Radnor, Second Earl ov, Jacob: born. 1750; Lord 
Lieutenant of Berkshire from 1 79 1 ; Colonel of the Berkshire 
Militia, December 24th, 1791 ; resigned. May 30th, 1801 ; 
married, Hon, Anne Duncombe, daughter and co-heiress of 
Anthony, Lord Faversham, so says Burke, but the Reading 
MercHty of 1776 gives the following entry : " Married, at St. 
George's, Hanover Square, the Earl of Radnor to Miss 
Duncombe, daughter of Thomas Duncombe, Esq., Member 
for Downton, Wills"; died, 1S2S. His portrait may be seen 
in the Town Hall, Wallingford. 

Ramsey, ; Lieutenant. June, 1798. 

RavKNSHAW, T[IOMA.s William, of Bracknell : Ensign, 
February 20th, 1794; Lieutenant, August ist, 1794; Captain, 
October i8th, 1796; Lieut.-Colonel. August 21st, i8oo; 
Colonel, December 9lh, 1812; died, August 14th, 1S43. 
His name disappears from the Army List, 1842. " 1763, 
married, Thomas Ravenshaw, Esq., merchant, to Miss Ann 
Wilmott, of Old Jewry"; this was probably his father's 
marriage. In 1803, Colonel Thomas W. Ravenshaw took 
out a shooting license as "of East ha mps lead." 

Reed, H. Wilson, M.D.: Surgeon, February 34th, 1855; 
resigned, 1878 (?), since which time the Regiment has not 
had its own Regimental Surgeon. 

Reid, GKOKUE Ale.VANDER CaradoC: Lieutenant, 
March 15th, 1873; resigned, November 20th, 1873; after- 
wards in the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (formerjy 
79th Regiment), as Lieutenant, November 20th, 1875, 



-»io Royal Berkshire Militia. 



o 



Captain, September 19th, 1881. (Lieut-Colonel George 
Alexander Reid was M.P. for New Windsor, 1845, and died, 
1852. In 1773, Rev. Mr. Reid bought White Waltham 
Place, but sold it again in 1776.) 

Reeves, Edwin, of Arborfield: born, 1756; Lieutenant, 
Januar}', 1794; Captain, May 27th, 1797; resigned, June 
1 6th, 1806; married, 1805, "Edwin Reeves to Miss Warner, 
eldest daughter of John Warner, of Beaulieu, Hants." 

Reeves, John, of Arborfield: Captain, 1758; married 
Dorothy, daughter of Charles Gore, of Hackston, County 
Lincoln, sister and heiress of Pelsant Reeves, Captain ist 
Royals, who was killed at Toulon, 1793 ; died at Andover, 
1 81 3, in his 80th year. He was verderer of Windsor Forest. 
In 1774, a servant of his was stopped by two highwaymen 
between Guildford and Frimley, who robbed him of 2^2 
guineas in gold and some silver. 

RiCKMAN, Stuart Hamilton: born, 1873; so" of 
Colonel Albert Rickman, late of Rifle Brigade, living at 
Inkpcn, near Newbury; Lieutenant, January 24th, 1891; 
went to the 3rd Battalion Rifle Bri$2^ade, November 29th, 
now in 1893 ; the Punjaub. 

RnoOKS, JoHX EmvARD, of Hcnnerton : eldest son of 
John William Rhodes, of Hcnnerton (a Lieutenant in 6oth 
Rifles), by Marie Ada, eldest daughter of Edward Mackenzie, 
of Fawley Court; Second Lieutenant, June 7th, 1887; 
Lieutenant, November 17th, 1888; went to King's Royal 
Rifle Corps (60th Rifles), October 29th, 1889; married, 
February 18th, 1897, at St. John's Church, Rydc, Beatrice 
Zoe, youn<;est daughter of Sir Richard Sutton, fourth 
baronet, of Benham, County Berks. 

Rhodes, Hubert Victor, of Hcnnerton: born, 1874; 
brother of the above ; Second Lieutenant, February 8th, 
1892 ; Lieutenant, February 20th, 1895. 

ROHBIXS, John: born, 1783; Ensign, June 6th, 1809; 
Lieutenant, August 22nd, 1809; resigned, November 17th, 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 3 1 1 

1810; Lieutenant Half-pay 44th Regiment, 1810. Probably 
of the Hampshire family; he had a son and heir born 181 5. 
In 1802, John Robbins, 4th Foot, age 21, married at 
Portsea, Anne Collins, of Petersficld. 

Roe, William: born, 1794; Lieutenant, February 22nd, 
181 5. " Married, 1775, William Roe, Esq., to Miss Thomas, 
daughter of Sir William Thomas, of Yapton, Sussex." There 
was a Rev. John Roe, Vicar of Newbury, 1797; he came 
from Macclesfield. 

Round, Henry: bom, 1786; Ensign, 1807; volunteered 
the same year to the 63rd Foot. Some land in Swallowfield 
belonged to the Rounds, one of whom was a lawyer in 
Windsor, and died at Foster House, Egham, 1804. Another 
of the family, Henry Round, was buried at Henley in 1821, 
age 71 ; he lived at Abney House, Woburn. Stephen 
Round lived at Beech Hill. 

Rouse, Richard: born, 1774; Ensign, December 26th, 
1805; resigned, 1807, 

ROYDS, Albert Henry: born, at Brownhill, Rochdale, 
April 7th, 1876; eldest son of Edmund Albert Nuttall 
Royds, of Falinge, Lancashire, by Augusta Eliza, daughter 
of A. H. Lemonius, of Stonehouse, County Lancaster; 
educated at Eton; Second Lieutenant, August 3rd, 1894; 
Lieutenant, May, 1895. Mrs. Royds rents Standen Manor, 
near Hungerford. 

Rudland, Jones: born, 1785; Ensign, September ist, 
1809; Lieutenant, November 28th, 1809; volunteered to 
lOth Foot, May ist, 1811. 

Savernake, Viscount, George William Thomas: 

2nd Lieutenant, January 29th, 1881 ; resigned, April nth, 
1886; married an actress; died, 189-. 

Saunders, Lieut.-Colonel, 1667: probably one of the 
Saunders of Chaddlcworth. One branch of the family lived 
at Sulhamstead and many are buried in Meales Church. 



312 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Saunderson, Anthony: born, 1762; Ensign, 1806; 
Lieutenant 1807; displaced, 1808. He may have been a 
cousin of the Vansittarts. There was an eminent architect 
named Saunderson, who died in 18 12. 

Sa\V\ER, John: born, 1762; eldest son of Anthony 
Sawyer, of Heywood, by his second wife, Phoebe, daughter 
and co-heir of Richard Harcourt, of Wigsell, County Sussex: 
married, 1785, Sarah, daughter of Anthony Dickins, of 
Cherrington, County Warwick; Lieutenant, February 12th, 
1787; resigned, May, 1790 ; died, 1845. 

Sawyer, Charles, of Heywood, White Waltham : bom, 
1 81 3; son of Charles Sawyer, of Heywood, by Henrietta, 
eldest daughter of Sir G. Bowyer, Bart. ; Ensign, March 
1 6th, 1831 ; Captain, December 23rd, 1831 ; Major; went to 
the Line, i6th Light Dragoons; became Lieut.-Colonel 6th 
Dragoon Guards; married Anna Maria, daughter of T. J. 
Timins, of Hilfield, Herts. 

Schrader [or Schroder], Frederick Henry: 

Ensign, December 19th, 1798; Lieutenant, February 5th, 
1799. "In 1749, John Adolph Schroder married Miss 
Anne Mighello." — Universal Magazine, "1781, at St. 
George's, Hanover Square, Henry Otto Schrader to Virginia 
Louisa Forster, of Paddington." 

ScoTT, Henry Farquhar: born, 1871; second son of 
Sir Edward H. Scott, of Lychet Minster, County Dorset, by 
Emilie, daughter of Lieut.-Colonel Packe, of Twyford Hall, 
County Norfolk; 2nd Lieutenant, 1896; Lieutenant, April 
7th, 1897. In the Charter Company Police (had a narrow 
escape, December, 1895, being in the advance guard of 
Jameson^s celebrated ride across the Transvaal). 

Sellwood, Richard, of Peasmore: Lieut-Colonel, 
1771 ; died, at Brightwalton, October, 1776. His only son 
died a few weeks before him ; his wife died, December, 
1 77 1, at Peasmore, universally respected for her humane 
and sweet disposition. There was another family of 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 313 

Sellwood at West Illsley, one of whom married in 1775 the 
daughter of John Rowland, of Aldworth, an accomplished 
young lady with a fortune of ;6 10,000. There were also 
Selwoods of Abingdon (see page 260), Welford, and 
Aldworth. All these were probably descended from the 
same. 

Sexton [or Saxton], Clement, of Caldecott : Captain, 

1762 ; Major, ; Lieut-Colonel, 1781 ; resigned^ 

August 28th, 1787. A trial took place at Abingdon, anent 
bribery in the election of 1768, between Captain Sexton 
and Mr. Sherwood, a carrier. It was decided in favour of 
the plaintiff, Mr. Sexton. He was High Sheriff for Berks, 
1778, and was brother to Sir Charles Sexton, of Circourt, 
Abingdon. 

Seymour, Roger, of Inholmes, Lambourn Woodlands : 
Lieutenant in the Trained Bands; died, 1631. 

Seymour, Edmund, of Inholmes, Lambourn Woodlands: 
Lieutenant, 1758; Captain, 1779; died, 1798, and buried 
at Lambourn. " ICdmund Seymour, of Lambourn, age, 30 ; 
1781 ; Catherine Draper, of St. Swithin's, Winchester, age, 
21, spinster." 

Shavv, LlEUT.-COLONEL : Paymaster; resigned, Decem- 
ber 27th, 1858. 

Shackel, William, of Basildon : born, 1787; Ensign, 
July 2ist, 1812; resigned, March 14th, 1813. There is a 
monument to him in Basildon Church. 

Shackel, William Richard, of Mile House, Sulham- 
stead ; son of William Shackel, who rented Mile House and 
Lower Basildon Farm; Ensign, November 30th, 1852; 
Lieutenant, May 27th, 1854; Captain, April i6th, 1861 ; 
resigned. May, 1878. 

Shaw, Ponsonby, Lieut.-Colonel : Paymaster, 1855. 

Sherren, William : born, 1781 ; Ensign, February 4th, 
1799; Lieutenant, May i8th, 1799; Full pay, 43rd Foot, 



314 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

1803. The Militia Register gives him as ensign, 1803, but 
I think it is wrong unless there were two William Sherrens. 

Sherson, Alexander Nowell: born, 1816; youngest 
son of Robert Sherson, by Catherine, daughter of Captain 
John Taylour, 72nd Highlanders ; served in the Kaffir 
War, then Half-pay Adjutant Royal Berks Militia, Februar}' 
19th, 1846; Captain, October 17th, 1852; resigned, Februar>' 
7th, 1855; married, 1854, Lady Anne Maria, daughter of 
John, fourth Marquis of Townsend ; died, 1882. 

Sheppakd, Edward, of Speenhamland : Adjutant, 1777; 
Captain-Lieut, 1779; Captain, 1781 ; Captain of a Company, 
November 17th, 1786; resigned, February ist, 1796. He 
commanded the Newbury Volunteers, consisting of 5 officers 
and 104 men, July 26th, 1799, when reviewed on Bulmarshe 
Heath. Married, August, 1777, at Newbury, Miss Gale, of 
Lackhamstead, " a most amiable young lady possessed with 
every accomplishment to insure happiness in the marriage 
state." " Died, September, 1800, at his house at Speenham- 
land, Edward Sheppard, Deputy Lieutenant for Berks, and 
for many years Adjutant of the Berkshire Militia. His rich 
vein of anecdote and inexhaustible flow of spirits, which 
were wont to set the table in a roar (notwithstanding a 
lingering and painful disorder which at last terminated in 
his dissolution in the 60th year of his age,) will occasion his 
loss to be severely felt by his numerous friends and 
acquaintances." 

SiDNKV, Philip: born, 1787; fourth son of John Sidney, 
of Court Lodge, Yalding (who claimed the title of Earl of 
Leicester), by Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. J. Apsley, of 
Ripple, Kent; Ensign, October 3rd, 1809; resigned to 43rd 
Foot, June 5th, 1810; married, Sophia Everett. His 
brother, Sir W. R. Sidney, lived at the Bourne, Maiden- 
head. 

Simpson, Francis: Ensign, May 24th, 1790; Lieutenant, 
October 19th, 1792; resigned, 1793. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 315 

Slade, William A. (possibly of Lockinge) : born, 1776 ; 
Ensign, 1804; Lieutenant, November 27th, 1805; resigned, 
1808. William Slade, of Wallingford, married at Basildon, 
in 1704, to Mary Tull, was probably an ancestor. 

Sladden, William, of Chatham, Kent: Captain, 1781 ; 
married, 1775, at St. Mary's, Reading, to Elizabeth 
Russell. 

Slocock, Charles Samuel, of Donnington : born, 1821 ; 
eldest son of Charles Slocock, banker, of Donnington, by 
Sophia, only daughter of Silas Palmer, of Isleworth ; 
Captain, October nth, 1852; resigned, 1861 ; married, i860, 
Mary, daughter of Edward Goddard, of Stonehousc, Berks. 
He sold Donnington, 1896, to Colonel Downes. 

Slocock, Edmund : born, 1787 ; son of Samuel Slocock, 
of Newbury, by Mary, daughter of John Merriman, of 
Speen ; Ensign, September 9th, 181 5; Paymaster, March 
15th, 1816; resigned, May ist, 1832; married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Henry Greenway, of Cassington, County Oxon. 

Smith, Benjamin : Ensign, June 5th, 1799. 

Smith, James William, of Kidwells, Maidenhead: born, 
May 3rd, 1833, at Maidenhead; son of James Smith, of 
Kidwells, by Elizabeth, only daughter of William James 
Jones, of the Forge House, Egham, Surrey, stockbroker ; 
gazetted Ensign, May 4th, 1855 ; joined at once; Lieutenant, 
November 13th, 1857; left, March 12th, 1858; then joined 
the Maidenhead (sth Company) Berks Rifle Volunteers, of 
which Colonel Robert Vansittart, of Chuff's, Holyport, was 
Captain ; promoted Sergeant-Major of that Company, March 
6th, i860; married, September 22nd, 1863, Miss A. E. 
Moore, second daughter of Francis Moore, M.D., of Much 
Hadham, County Herts. Present address, 15, Woodhurst 
Road, Acton, S.W. 

Snook, Thomas: Ensign, February 15th, 1799. 

SOUTHBY, Samuel, of Chieveley: Lieutenant, 1762; 
married, daughter of John Blandy, of Chaddleworth. The 



316 



Royal Berkshire Militia. 



Southbys held the Manor of Applcton from 1577, when 
John Southby purchased it from Sir John Fettiplace. 

Spekd, D VV. H.: born. 1760; Ensign, 1S08; Lieute- 
nant, 180S; displaced, 1S09, 

Speen,James; Ensign, February nth, I7f 

Squire, William: bom, 1778; Ensign, 1S08; Lieui 
nant, 1809; volunteered to 4th Foot, April, i8og, and was 
a Lieutenant in that regiment, 1811 ; fought at Waterloo. 
In 1768, Joseph Squires, of Eton, married Elizabeth. 
daughter of Joseph Bagnall, of Eton, 

Stae^ck, Charles George: Ensign, 1779. Sigismund 
Baron de Starck married Martha, third daughter of 
Nathaniel Ogle, of Kirkley, who, in 1708, had married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan Newton, of Newcastle- 
on-Tyne. Lieut. -Colonel Starck was in command of the 
Royal York Rangers at Guadaioupe. 1815, mentioned in 
dispatches. Starck, Von, John Augustus ; a German divine 
and Theological writcr.bom at Schervcrin, 1741, preacher in 
1781 to the Court at Darmstadt, so esteemed by the Land- 
grave of Hesse he made him a Baron ; he died, l8r6. In 
1776, Charles Sigismund Baron de Starck, died at Oxford, 
his widow, Martha, Baroness de Starck, died in Baker Street, 
London, 1805, age 86. 

Stares, William, of Gosport: born, 1830; Ensign, 
January 16th, 1855; Lieutenant, January 8th, 1856; re- 
signed, February, 1859. Probably came into the Militia 
through Major John Leveson Gower, who lived at 
Gosport. In 1791, William Stares, of Bishops Waltham, 
married Susanne Gater, of North Stoneham. 

Ste.\d, Francis Sa( heverill, of Donnington ; Major ; 
Commanded the Troop of Horse, really the old Militia 
Horse Troop, called the Reading Provisional Cavalrj', 
which went to Ireland in 1798. He died, 1826, age 67, 



itc: ; 

m 




J 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 317. 

Stephens, Henry: born, 1793; Ensign, June 13th, 
181 1 ; Lieutenant, January 22nd, 1812; gazetted to 14th 
Foot, December 25th, 1814. 

Stephens, Henry Gilbert: born, 1752; Ensign, 
August 19th, 1793;- Lieutenant, December, 1793; Pay- 
master, 1794; resigned, May 24th, 1815; l^ft about 1820. 
These Stephens were evidently of Catmore. John Stephens, 
of Peasmore, married the only child of Colonel Richard 
Selwood, of the Berkshire Militia. Both are buried at 
Peasmore. 

Stephenson, Rowland, of Farley Hill. He took a 
troop of eighty men to oppose the Spanish Armada in 
1539 (so says Burke); but, I think the date ought to be 

1589! 
Stephenson, William : Lieutenant, H Troop, August 

23rd. 1650. 

Stephenson, John, of Farley Hill (now represented 
by Standish, of Standish, County Lancaster) : Lieutenant, 

1779. 
Stewart, Francis T. : Lieutenant, March 6th, 1885; 

went to Highland Infantry, November 9th, 1886. 

Stonor, : Cornet in the Wallingford Troop of the 

King's Army; killed at the siege of Basing House, 1644. 

Stracey, Thomas, of London: Ensign, 1794; Lieute- 
tenant, January, 1795; resigned, 1796. Thomas Stracey, 
a London Merchant, died at his house at Wallingford, 
1773, perhaps father of the above. 

Stratton, William: born, 1787; Ensign, January 
19th, 1813; left about 1820. The daughter of William 
Stratton married John Hector Cherry, of Denford. 

Stuart, John: born, 1783; Ensign, 1807; Lieutenant, 
1807; resigned, 1808; Half-pay, 1808, 71st Foot. 

Sturges, George Travis: born, 1778; Ensign, 1803; 
Lieutenant, 1803; Captain, Februaty 13th, 1805; died. 



3i8 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



October 2nd, 1808. Perhaps son or grandson of Rev. C 
Sturges, Vicar of St Mary^s, Reading. Died, October 
2nd, 1808. 

Sturges, John: born, 1779; brother to the above; 
Ensign, 1803; Lieutenant, 1803; Captain, 1805; resigned, 
1828. 

Sturges, S. H. : bom, 1842; Lieutenant, January nth, 
1862. 

Styles, Clement: Ensign, 1762. Sir Clement Styles 
married in 1794. 

Sudley, Viscount Arthur Jocelyn Charles: born, 

1868; son of the Earl of Arran by Hon. Exiith, second 
daughter of Viscount Jocelyn and grand-daughter of 
Robert, third Earl of Roden ; Second Lieutenant, May 
14th, 1887; Lieutenant, November 17th, 1888; went to 
the Royal Horse Guards, November 19th, 1889. 

Sykes, Sn< Francis, Bart., of Basildon: born, 1767; 
son of Francis Sykes, of Acworth Park, who died January 
1 2th, 1804, Governor of Cossimbogar, Bengal, where he 
made a fortune and, on his return from India, 1770, bought 
the Manor of Basildon, including the Grotto, being the 
settled estate of the late Viscount Fane, for £^7,000^ and 
the unsettled estate for £\2jooo, from the Countess of 
Sandwich and Salis. I fancy the family belonged pre- 
viously to Reading, as the name occurs frequently in the 
accounts of the Reading Corporation. His father must 
have become a widower and remarried, as in 1774 (by 
special license) the wedding took place, at Little Sion 
House, between Francis Sykes, 6f Basildon, and Miss 
Elizabeth Monckton, daughter of William Viscount 
Galway. This lady and her husband were shortly after- 
wards presented at Court in St. James's Palace. Her 
jewels on this occasion were very beautiful. She wore a 
suit of pearls, the finest in England (the Queen s only 
excepted) and her diamonds were remarkable for their 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia, 319 



beauty and magnificence. Francis Sykes, the son, was 
first and foremost in all county business in Berkshire and 
was M.P. for Wallingford, 1784- 1802. He married, 1798, 
Mary Anne, eldest daughter of Hon. Major Henniker, 
grand-daughter of John, first Lord Henniker. They 
had several children. While on a visit to Elberfield, in 
Germany, with their children, the wife caught the scarlet 
fever and died February 27th, 1804. Her husband, who 
had nursed her with great devotion, caught the fever also 
and died March 7th, 1804, o^^'y having outlived his father 
a few weeks. Their bodies were conveyed to England. 
They were landed at London, and a State procession was 
formed. In the first hearse was the body of Sir Francis 
Sykes, then followed a hearse with the body of Lady 
Sykes and her infant child. Three mourning coaches, 
drawn by six horses, came next, then the family coach; 
Lady Sykes* brother in a coach drawn by four horses, and 
lastly, many of the tenants on horseback. On arriving at 
Basildon, the bodies lay in state and were afterwards 
interred in the family vault. The four little orphan 
children did not form part of this sad and solemn cortege^ 
but came to England after the funeral was over. 

Tebbott, Robert, of Windsor: born, 1832; Ensign, 
May 17th, 1855; Lieutenant, May 19th, 1859. Robert 
was a burgess of Windsor in 18 13, and another member of 
the family led the band at the Reading Subscription 
Concerts in 1785. 

Temple, Charles Pilcher, 49th Regiment : Adjutant, 
September 20th, 1880; rejoined ist Battalion, January 30th, 
1885, as Major, commanding his Battalion; afterwards 
coniimanded Regimental District, Worcester; now Assistant 
Adjutant-General, Cork ; married Rosa, daughter of Admiral 
Bonham; she died, 188-. 

Theobald, Frederick Cambridge, of Sutton Courtney : 
born, February 25th, 1864; second son of Theobald 



320 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



Theobald, of Sutton Courtney Abbey, by Elizabeth, daughter 
of John Justice, of Sutton Courtney ; Lieutenant, March 
lOth, 1883; went to 2nd Battalion, November 12th, 1884; 
was in the Egyptian Transport Service, and finally in the 
West Riding Regiment; resigned, March. 1895; n^arried, 
1893, Emmeline, daughter of Robert Goodson, of Barkston 
Towers, Tadcaster. Captain Theobald bought Sutton 
Courtney House, 1895. 

Thomas, Stephen : appointed Muster Master of Reading, 
1615. 

Thomson, Edward Tew: Lieutenant, October 6th, 
1852; Captain, January 20th, 1848; resigned, February 
19th, 1863; married Miss Lightfoot 

Thornton, Walter, of Maidenhatch: son of C. J. 
Thornton, formerly of St. Petersburg, now of Meran, Tyrol ; 
Second Lieij tenant, June 20th, 1887; Captain, May 4th, 
1889 ; Instructor of Musketry, 1891 ; passed as interpreter 
of the Russian language; married twice, his second wife 
is Gertrude May Sturges, daughter of Rev. Simon Stui^es, 
of Wargrave. He rented Calcot Grange, and in 1894 
purchased land at Maidenhatch, in Pangbourne, and built 
a house there. 

Thorowgood, Sir John, of Billingbear, 1646. 

Thovts, Mortimer George, of Sulhamstcad : born, 
November 6th, 1804; o"ly son of William Thoyts, of Sul- 
hamstcad, by Jane, daughter and co-heiress of Abraham 
Newman; Sheriff for Berks; Captain, June 15th, 1832; 
resigned, March 13th, 1833. Married thrice: 1828, at 
Padworth, Emma, daughter of Thomas Bacon, of Aberavon, 
South Wales, who rented Benham and Padworth, and 
afterwards lived at Redlands, Reading; 1848, Catherine, 
daughter of Robert Shcrson, of Fetcham, and widow of 
Captain Smith, of Tilehurst; 1872, Catherine, daughter of 
— James, Esq., and widow of Rev. Robert Sherson, of 
Yavcrland, Isle of Wight. M. G. Thoyts died, January, 



Officers of /he Berkshire Militia. 321 



1875, and was buried in Mealies Churchyard, Sulhamstcad. 
He was presented by the electors of Berkshire, for the 
work he had done politically, although he refused to repre- 
sent the county in Parliament, with a fine portrait of 
himself, painted by J. Horsley, R.A. 

TiiOYTs, William Richard Mortimer, of Sulham- 
stcad: born, December 39th. 1S3S; eldest son of Mortimer 
George Thoyts by his first wife, Emma Bacon; Captain, 
October 9th, 1852; Second Major, April 15th, 1861 ; 
resigned, after two years' serious illness, January 23nd. 1873; 
married, 1856, at St. George's, Hanover Square, Anne 
Annabella, eldest daughter of Sir Richard Puleslon, Bart, 
of Emral. He was High Sheriff for Berks, 1883. 

Throckmorton, John Philii' Howard, of Buckland: 
born. April 14th, 1S40; fourth son of Sir Robert George 
Throckmorton, by Elizabeth, only daughter of Sir John 
Acton, Bart, of Admastoti. County Salop; Lieutenant, 
May loth, 1869; resigned, October 5th, 1S73. 

Timbrell. William Hall, of Streatley: Lieutenant. 
I78I; Captain, February 9th, 1787; resigned, 1795; married, 
17S4, at Marylebone Church, London, to Miss Nash, of 
Sevenoaks; died, at Lewisham, aged 63. He owned pro- 
perty at Sevenoaks through his wife. 

Toll, AsHUUkNHAM Newman: third son of Ashburn- 
liam Toll, of Preston Deanery, County Northampton, by 
Mary, daughter of Lieut.-Colonel Geary (his son, the Rev. 
Ashburnham Philip Toll, Prebendary of York, born 1743. 
assumed the name of Newman in December, 1775); Ensign, 
.April 24th, 1 879 ; Captain-Lieutenant, May 17th, 1 789 ; 
Captain, January, 1795; married, 1773, Mary, daughter of 
Paul Mowbray, of London, relict of Captain Alexander 
Wood, but died without issue, March i6th. 1802. This 
puzzles me, as apparently it was the clerical Ashburnham 
Toll who was in the Militia, as his nephew, Ashburnham 
!ecil Newman Toll, was not born till 1796. He resided in 



32 2 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Reading in 1786, as his gun license was taken out as of that 
town. Ashburnham Toll, of Greyvvell, Hants, married 
Anne, daughter of Richard Newman, of Evercreech Park, 
County Somerset. 

TooGOOD, Charles Frederick Strangeways 
Glynne, of Dean Wood: born, 1861 ; eldest son of 
Octavius Toogood, late of Indian Civil Service, of Dean 
Wood, by Clara, daughter of Commander Lawrence 
Gwynne, of Cambrian, County Devon ; Second Lieutenant, 
March 26th, 1879; Lieutenant, May loth, 1880; services 
dispensed with, 1883. 

TOWSEY, William (the younger), of Wantage : Ensign, 

1758. 

Treacher, George : only son of Rev. Thomas Treacher, 
of Audley; educated at Eton; Ensign, 1798; Lieutenant, 
1798; went to 2nd Life Guards, 1800; married, 1825, at 
Sonning, to Mary, youngest daughter of Mr. Bullock, of 
Hampstead Farm, Sonning. I suppose he married twice; 
as I find George Treacher, the husband of Harriet Rachel, 
daughter of Alan Swainston, M.D., of York, by his wife 
Frances, heiress of Francis Strangeways, of Alne, County 
York. 

Trevor, Henry: born, 1783; Ensign, 1807; Lieutenant, 
displaced, 1808. It may have been a relation who died, 
1784, at her house at Long Wittenham, Mrs. Trevor, relict 
of Tudor Trevor, and sister of William Jennens. 

Tristram, Lancelot Shute Barrington, of Fowley, 
Hants: born, 1857; eldest son of William Barrington 
Tristram (who died, 1877), ^Y Eliza Elizabeth, daughter of 
Rev. Lancelot Miles Halton, of Monck Sherborne ; Lieute- 
nant, June 20th, 1877; resigned, February 26th, 1879; 
went to the Welsh Regiment. 

Turner, Charles, of 4, Berkeley Avenue, Reading ; 
Captain, ist Battalion, January 23rd, 1889; Adjutant, 3rd 
13attalion, October 31st, 1895; served (n the Egyptian 



Officers of /he Berkshire Mililia. 323 



Campaign, 1883 (medal and Khedive's star). He married 
twice: iS86, Ella, daughter of C. J. Thornton, of St. 
Petersburg, who died, 1S87, buried at Tilehurst; secondly. 
janey, daughter of Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander BuUer, 
K.C.B., of Erie Hall, Plympton. 

Tylden. Oshokne, of Torry Hill, Milstead: second son 
of Rev. Richard Osborne Tylden, of Milstead, by Deborah, 
daughter and heiress of Daniel May; Ensign, 1781 ; 
married Anne Withers, of London ; they had nine children, 
the eldest of whom, Osborne, died young. He died in 1827. 

Uffington, Viscount, William Augustus 
Frederick : born, iS.'iS ; Captain, Grenadiers Guards ; 
appointed Major, March 14th, 1S64; died. April 19th, 
1865. 

Urlwin, John; born. May 4th, 1875; only child of 
John Urlwin, of the Bungalow, Burghfield ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, January, 1897. 

Van de Wever, William Victor Bates, of Kingston 

Lisle and New Lodge, Windsor Forest : born in Portland 
Place, at his grandfather's house, November 20th, 1839; 
eldest son of His Excellency. Sylvan Van de Weyer, of 
New Lodge. Windsor, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister 
Plenipotentiary to the King of the Belgians, by Elizabeth, 
daughter of Joshua Bates, of Portland Place ; joined, 1S62 ; 
Major, May 4th, 1871 ; Lieut.-Colonel, February 32nd, 1881 ; 
resigned, with rank of Colonel, April 17th. 1886; married. 
1868. Lady Emily Georgina, daughter of William, second 
Earl of Craven. 

Van de'Wevek, William John Bates, of New Lodge : 
born, 1871 ; eldest son of the above; Second Lieutenant, 
January ist, 1890; Lieutenant, February 7th, 1891 ; 
Captain, May 13th, 1895. 

Van de Wever, Bates Grimston, of New Lodge: 
younger brother of the above ; Second Lieutenant, June 
\7th, 1894; gazetted to the Scots Guards, January, 1897. 



324 Royal Berkshire Militia, 



Vansittart, Arthur, of Shottesbrook ; Lieut-Colonel, 
1759; Colonel, April 15th, 1762; married Hon. Anne 
Hanger, daughter of Gabriel Lord Coleraine; died, 1804. 

Vansittart, Arthur, of Shottesbrook: born, 1762; 
son of the above; Ensign, May 7th, 1798; Captain, July 
6th, 1798; Lieut-Colonel, February i8th, 1801 ; resigned, 
September 25th, 1812; married, 1806, Hon. Caroline, fourth 
daughter of William, first Lord Auckland. Died, June, 
1782, at her house at Littleton, County Middlesex, Mrs. 
Vansittart, mother of Colonel Arthur Vansittart, of the 
Berkshire Militia, and a few days later, at Shottesbrook. 
Mrs. Vansittart, that gentleman's wife. Both father and 
son represented Berkshire in Parliament 

Vansittart, Henry, of Kirkleatham, County York: 
bom, 1776; only son of Henry Vansittart, by Catherine 
Maria Powney; Ensign, October 5th, 1803; resigned, 1803; 
married Teresa, second daughter of Charlotte Viscountess 
Newcomer and relict of Sir Charles Turner. • 

Vansittart, George Henry, of Bisham: born, 1768; 

son of George Vansittart, of Bisham Abbey, by Sarah, 
daughter of Sir James Stonhouse, Bart; joined as Major, 
July 15 th, 1798; Lieut-Colonel, August 24th, 1799; 
Colonel, May 30th, 1801; Brigadier-General in the Lee- 
ward Islands, 1801; Lieut-General, 1810; then of the 
1 2th Battalion of Reserve as Major-General ; married, 
18 18, Mary Anne, daughter of Thomas Copson ; died, 
1824. He was M.P. for Berkshire in 1852. 

Vansittart, Henry, of Shottesbrook; 'born, 1778: 
Ensign, 1803; Lieutenant, 1804; resigned, 1805; Rcar- 
Admiral of the Red; died, 1843. 

Vansittart, Neale Henry, of Bisham: Second Lieu- 
tenant, June 15th, 1878; Lieutenant, June 25th, 1879; went 
to 72nd Highlanders, October 25th, 1880. 

Vki.i.kv, Thomas: Ensign, 1779; afterwards Lieut- 
Colonel of the Oxfordshire Militia; lived in Bath. He or 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia, 325 

his son is mentioned in Miss Anna Seward s Letters as 
" Major Velley." He died of concussion, caused by jump- 
ing from a runaway coach from the "Castle Inn," Reading, 
while on his way back to Bath, 1806. His wife, who was 
with him, escaped without injury. He was buried at St. 
Mary's, Reading, June 13th. 

Velley, Charles : bom, 1782; probably son of Thomas 
Velley; Captain, November 28th, 1809; resigned, February 
i8th, 1831. 

Vere, Lord, Second Baron Vere of Hanworth: 

born, 1699; third son of the first Duke of St. Albans; 
created Baron previous to 1750; Lord-Lieutenant of Berk- 
shire, 1 771; died, 1 78 1. 

Vincent, Henry William, of Lily Hill, Bracknell: son 
of Henry Dormer Vincent, by Isabel, daughter of Hon. 
Felton Hervey; Captain, June, 1828; resigned, April 7th, 
1852; married Elizabeth, daughter of Colonel George 
Callander, of Craigforth and Ardkinlas; died, 1865, 

Vincent, Charles Edward Howard, of Donnington : 
born, 1849; second son of Sir Frederick Vincent, Bart, by 
his second wife, Maria Copley, daughter of Robert Herries 
Young, of Anchenskrugh, County Dumfries ; married, 1882, 
P2thel Gwendoline, second daughter of George Moffatt, of 
Goodrich Court, County Hereford, niece of Mr. Morrison, 
of Basildon Park; late Lieutenant, 23rd Regiment; Captain, 
October i8th, 1873; resigned, November loth, 1875 \ after- 
wards commanding Central London Rifle Rangers, and 
now the Queen's Westminster Volunteers ; appointed Chief 
of the Criminal Investigation Department, Scotland Yard ; 
M.P. for Sheffield; Knighted, 1893; Barrister-at-Law ; 
Member of French Bar. Sold Donnington in 1894. 

Vincent, Edgar: born, 1857; Sub-Lieutenant, May 
3rd, 1875; went to the Coldstream Guards, December 
30th, 1877; Knighted, 188-; President of the Ottoman 



326 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Bank at Constantinople ; married Lady Helen Duncombe, 
daughter of the Earl of Feversham. 

VouLES, Charles Stuart, of Windsor: born, 1832; 
son of Charles Voules, of Windsor; Ensign, March 24th, 
185s; Lieutenant, October 2nd, 1857. He is mentioned 
in Leaves of My Life, by Montagu Williams. 

Wadling, W. a. : son of Lieut-Colonel Wadling, late of 
the 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers; Second Lieu- 
tenant, February, 1896; Lieutenant, April, 1897. 

Wallis, John: Ensign, May, 1779; Lieutenant, 1779; 
resigned, 1793; died, at his house at Kennington Cross, 
Surrey, October 6th, 1802, age 50. He was in H.M. 
Customs. 

Walker, John : born, 1788; Captain, April 29th, 1814; 
dismissed, September 15th, 1815. 

Walker, Charles Houldon : Ensign, March nth, 
1799. 

Walter, John Abel, of Farley Hill : (his age is given 
as 39, but only his appointment as Adjutant is noted in the 
Militia Register, unless both father and son were in the 
Regiment, which I expect was the case) ; Lieutenant, 1758 ; 
Major, 1779; Adjutant, 1786; Lieut-Colonel, August 31st, 
1786; resigned, June 25th, 1803; married Newton, only 
daughter of Alexander Walker, of Swallowfield and 
Barbadoes, she died in 1772. In 1774, John Walter, of 
Paternoster Row, married Susannah, daughter of Mr. 
Lambert, a considerable farmer at Warnash, near Guildford. 
The Walters of Bearwood are descended from the above, 
who, I fancy, is the John Walter given in Burke's Landed 
Gentry as of Warwickshire, whose marriage is not given. 

Walter, John Abel: Lieutenant, November 20th, 
1786; Adjutant, 1786; Captain by Brevet, October 17th, 
1786. John Walters, of Penthygerent, County Cardigan, 
was the son of John Walters, of Penthygerent ; married 
Frances Griffiths, of Llwyn-y-brain, County Carmarthen. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia, 327 

Their son was Abel Griffiths Walters, who married, 
1780, Bridget, sister of Sir T. Philipps, of Abergavenny. 
Another John Walter married Katherine, daughter of 
Peter Noyes, of Tfunkwell. 

Walter, John Balston, of Bearwood: born, 1845 i son 
of John Walter, of Bearwood, by his first wife, Emily 
Frances, daughter of Major Henry Court, of Castlemans, 
Berkshire; Lieutenant, June 25th, 1865. Drowned in the 
lake at Bearwood while gallantly trying to save his brother, 
December 24th, 1870. 

Wantage, Baron Robert Loyd Lindsay, V.C, K.C.B., 

of Lockinge : Captain and Lieut-Colonel Scots Fusilier 
Guards, Crimea; Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, 1881 ; late 
Colonel of the Berkshire Volunteers, and Brigadier-General 
Home Counties Volunteer Brigade ; married Miss Loyd, 
daughter and heiress of Lord Overstone. 

Warneford, Francis: Lieutenant, February loth, 
1787; resigned, October 19th, 1792. No doubt related 
to Rev. Samuel Wilson Warneford, brother of Colonel 
Warneford, of Warneford Place, Wilts, who married, 
1796, Margaret Loveden, daughter of Edward Loveden 
Loveden, of Buscot. 

Wayland, John Thomas [or Weyland], of Hawthorn 
Hill: born, 1784; Ensign, March 3rd, 1806; appointed 
Ensign 53rd Foot. Possibly of the Oxfordshire family. 

Watson, : Ensign, 17 ; Lieutenant, 66th Regi- 
ment, 1783. 

Weekes, Richard, of Barkham Square: born, 1746; 
Ensign, June loth, 1789; Lieutenant, May i8th, 1790; 
Captain, November 24th, 1794; resigned, October 20th, 
1 808. Probably one of the Weekes of Sussex. " Married, 
1 79 1, Richard Weeks, Esq., to Mrs. Hill, widow of T. Hill, 
of Twickenham." 

Wheble, James, of Bulmershe: eldest son of James 
Wheble, of Woodley Lodge, by Emma, daughter of Timothy 



J 



28 Royal Berkshire Militia. 



O'Brien, of Kilcor; Captain, September 15th, 1837; re- 
signed, August, 1852; married, 1850, Lady Catherine 
Elizabeth St. Lawrence, second daughter of Thomas, third 
Earl of Howth; died, 1884. 

Wheble, William Francis, of Bulmershe; younger 
son of James Wheble, of Woodley, by Emma, daughter of 
Timothy O'Brien; Lieutenant, January 19th, 1853 ; Captain, 
May 23rd, 1853; Paymaster to 97th Regiment, May i8th, 
i860; went to the 7th Dragoon Guards, December, 1863; 
served in the Egyptian War, 1882 — Medal and Khedive's 
Star; retired with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel, June, 1885. 

Wheble, Edmund, of Bulmershe: Ensign, September 
14th, 1837; Captain, December 29th, 1845; resigned, June 
13th, 1852. 

Wheble, Tristram Joseph, of Bulmershe : born, 1857 ; 
second son of James Wheble, of Bulmershe, by Lady 
Catherine E. St. Lawrence, daughter of the Earl of Howth ; 
Lieutenant, June 25th, 1877; Captain, April 24th, 1880; 
Major, February 2nd, 1889; resigned, December, 1896. 

Whichcote, Christopher : Governor of Windsor for 
Parliament, October, 1642; he was appointed Colonel, 1650; 
he delivered up Windsor Castle to the King's forces, Decem- 
ber, 1659, when Charles II. was restored to the throne. He 
was ancestor of Sir George Whichcote, Bart., of Aswardby, 
County Lincoln, who has kindly allowed the portrait of 
Colonel Whichcote to appear in these pages. The portrait 
is authentic, and Lady Exeter says it was lent to the artist 
who painted the frescoes in the House of Lords. This 
engraving does not do him justice, for he was an extremely 
handsome man, with a rather sad expression in his large 
brown eyes. Colonel Whichcote was not a bigot, but 
carried out the orders of the Government under whom he 
served, and he was right to refuse to allow the funeral of 
Charles I. to be made a religious ceremony in opposition 
to Parliamentary orders. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia, 329 

White, William : Regulating Captain for Berkshire ; 
promoted to Liverpool, 1795. 

White, William, A. F. : Second Lieutenant, April 2nd, 
1890; Lieutenant, March, 1891 ; Instructor of Musketry, 
1896. 

Whitehurst, Edward Temple, of Farnborough : 
Second Lieutenant, March 8th, 1890; drowned at Shrews- 
bury, July i8th, 1890. 

Wilder, John, of Nunhide : only son of Henry Wilder, 
of Nunhide, by Elizabeth, daughter and co-heiress of 
Thomas Saunders, of Chaddleworth ; Lieutenant, 1758; 
Captain, 1762 ; married, Beaufoy, daughter and heiress of 
Colonel William Boyle; died, 1772, at his son's house at 
Sulham in his 63rd year. 

WiLDEGROS [or WiLDGOS], Reade : Captain, 1625; 
appointed Muster-Master of Reading, October, 1617. 

WiLLES, George Coe Thomas, of Hungerford : born, 
1870; eldest son of George Shippen Willes, of Hungerford 
Park, by Susan Emily, daughter of Thomas Tyrrhitt Drake, 
of Shardeloes ; Second Lieutenant, March 3rd, 1888; Lieu- 
tenant, February 7th, 1891 ; resigned, April 14th, 1891 ; 
served for two years with Provisional Battalion, Shornclifle. 

Williams, Charles: born, 1779; Ensign, 1807; Lieu- 
tenant, 1807; resigned, 1809. ^^ ^7^3* a son was born to 
Charles Williams, of Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury. In 
1801, among the list of Government Pensions, appears that 
of Charles Williams, who received annually ;^263. 

Williams, Charles Crofts, of Roath Court, Gla- 
morganshire: born, 1866; eldest son of C. H. Williams, 
of Roath Court, Glamorganshire, by Miliccnt Frances, 
daughter of Robert Herring, Esq., of the firm of Williams, 
Deacon and Co., Bankers; Lieutenant, May 14th, 1885; 
resigned. February 3rd, 1888. 

Williams, Martin: born, 1776; educated at Eton; 
Ensign, 1803; Lieutenant, 1803; appointed to the 15th 



330 Royal Berkshire Militia. 

Light Dragoons, October 20th, 1803. Martin Williams, 
of East Bryngaryan (or Bryngwyn), County Montgomery, 
married Mary, daughter of John Edward Maddocks, of 
Vron Iw, and Glanywern. 

Williams, John Mahon, of Reading: born, 1828; 
eldest son of John Jeff'reys Williams, Barrister-at-Law, by 
Jessie, daughter of Robert Browne, of Jamaica ; educated 
at Eton ; Ensign, March 15th, 1853 ; resigned, January 6th, 
1 85 5. His brother was Montagu Williams, Barrister-at-Law. 

WiNCKWORTH, James : son of Captain AdjuUnt 
Winckworth, of Marsh Place, Benham, Newbury ; Ensign, 
June 15th, 1832; resigned, October, 1852. 

WOODHOUSE, James: born, 1765; Ensign, 1801; Lieu- 
tenant, April 26th, 1803; Captain, 181 3; Assistant Surgeon, 
June 2ist, 1801. "Died at Tavistock Place, 1832, by 
bursting a blood-vessel whilst pulling on a boat, James 
Woodhouse, aged 56." This may have been some relation 
as the age differs so widely. 

Wykham, Richard Fiennes : born, 1761 ; son of 
Richard Wykham, of Swalcliffe Park, by Vere Alicia, sister 
of Lord Sayc and Sele; Ensign, 1795; Lieutenant, Decem- 
ber 27th, 179s ; Adjutant, 1803 J resigned, July 21st, 1806. 
Afterwards, apparently, he entered the Church and became 
Rector of Sulgrave and Chacombe, and married Mar\*, 
daughter of Charles Fox. 

WVLD, Thomas (Junior), of Specn: Ensign, September 
4th, 1786; Lieutenant, June 15th, 1787; Barrister; died, 
unmarried, 1789, four months after his father. Specn House 
was sold in 188- by Captain Wyld, brother of Miss Wyld, 
of Knotmead, Mortimer. 

Wyld, James, of Speen : third son of Thomas Wyld, of 
Speen ; Lieutenant, December i8th, 1793; resigned, 1794; 
became Rector of Blunsden St. Andrew, County Wilts ; 
married Miss Haverfield ; died, 1834. He was probably 
Regimental Chaplain. 



Officers of the Berkshire Militia. 331 

Wyvill, Zerubbabel, of Bray: 1762-1837; wrote a 
March for the Berkshire Militia, 1792, by command of 
Colonel the Earl of Radnor. He is mentioned as a native 
of Maidenhead, in David Baptie's Handbook of Musical 
Biography, The last of the family, William Wyvill, 
Organist of St. Mary's, Maidenhead, died, unmarried, in 
1825. In a reply to enquiries in Notes and Queries^ Mr. 
William Underhill, of 72, Upper Westbourne Villas, Hove, 
writes that : " Zerubbabel Wyvill, who composed and pub- 
lished several pieces of music, lived at Inwood House, 
Hounslow. I saw him there in my boyhood, and duly 
remember him as an old man, short and thick, with a voice 
traditionally reported to have been good, but then decidedly 
the worse for wear. He was twice married ; his second 
wife (who survived him) was Elizabeth, eldest daughter of 
Thomas Mountford, of Hill End, in the Parish of More, 
Salop. In 1828, Wyvill was involved in Chancery pro- 
ceedings, concerning the estate of his father-in-law, by 
whose will he had been appointed executor. The suit arose 
out of a family dispute, wherein harmony and the * concord 
of sweet sounds,' gave place for a time to * harsh discords 
and unplcasing sharps.' " 

Yeates [or Yates], Robert: born, 1764; Ensign, 
February 21st, 1799; Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon, 
June 19th, 1800; Surgeon, May 2Sth, 1801 ; Died, February 
nth, 1813. 

ZiMENES, Sir Morris, of Bear Place; born, 1772; 
Captain, 1802; resigned, March, 1803; Commanded the 
Wargrave Rangers Cavalry, 1805, to which he devoted both 
time and money; High Sheriff of Berkshire, 1805. As a 
young man he acted with Richard, seventh Earl Barrymorc, 
in his theatre at Wargrave. In 1785, a duel was fought in 
Hyde Park between Mr. Zimenes and Mr. John Franco. 
The latter being the challenger, he had first shot, he fired 
at twelve paces and missed. Mr. Zimenes then fired in the 



^ -? -» Royal Berkshire MiUiia. 



33- 



air. At the seoxid shot, Mr. Franco narrowly missed him, 
agaia Mr. Zimenes fired in the air, saWng he bore no 
animosity' against his adversary*. Mr. Franco was asked if 
he was satLsfied^ whereupon he replied he ** could not fire 
again at a man who behaved so honourably.^ The cause of 
the quarrel never transpired. ''Died in Gloucester Place, 
London, 1822, Lady Zimenes, wife of Sir Morris Zimenes, 
Bart., of Bear Place, who had married, 1813 ; she was a 
widow, Mrsw Cotsford." 



Before I close these pages I feel I must express most 
heart}' thanks to all those who have accorded me help in 
my search for information, especially, Mr. Greenhough, of 
the Reading Free Librar\% from whom I have received the 
greatest kindness and assistance ; and I must also mention 
Miss Dalzell, Mr. Austin. Rev. P. H. Ditchfield, Mr. W 
Money, Mr. H. Day, Colonel Davis, and Captain Turner, 
to whom my best thanks are due. 

For the information of others engaged in similar research, 
I add a list of the books from whence information was 
obtained ; and for any description of research work, I can 
highly recommend Miss Pattie Ostler, 41, Great Russell 
Street; and as a Typewriter, Miss Sikes, 13, Wolverton 
Garden, Hammersmith, S.W., both of whom have worked 
for me in a most satisfactory manner. 



BOOKS SEARCHED TO OBTAII^ MATERIALS FOR 

THIS HISTORY. 



Military History; Clode. 

Calendar of State Papers. 

Camden Society's Publications. 

History of the Rebellion ; Clarendon. 

Newbury; W, Money, 

Battles of Newbury; Money. 

History of Berkshire; Ashmole, 

Pamphlet on Militia; Captain Warde. 

Berkshire ; Ashmole. 

History of Wallingford ; J. Kirby Hedges. 

Visitation of Berkshire ; Ashmole. 

History of England ; Collins. 

The Courier. 

Reading Mercury, 1723 — 1896. 

Records of the Militia Battalions of the County of Southampton. 

History of England; Hume. 

History of Speen ; W. Money. 

History of the 66th Regiment ; Groves. 

Book of Dignities ; Haydn. 

Berkshire ; Lysons, 

Environs of Newbury. 

Pall Mall Magazine, Article, May, 1896; Lord Ra^^lan. 

Hundred of Bray ; Kerry. 

Reading ; Man. 

Tour Round Reading; Snare, 

Siege of Donnington Castle. 

History of Henley-on-Thames. 

Siege of Wallingford. 

pxtinct Peerage ; Burke^ 



334 Books Searched, 



Parliamentary Blue Books, Ancient MSS. 

Notable Events in Reading; Guilding. 

Peerage, County Families, &c. ; Burke, 

List of Militia Officers 1779; Bodleian Library. 

Genealogies ; Berry. 

Parliamentary Papers, House of Lords, and House of Commons, 

1660 — 1742. 
Registers, St. George's, Hanover Square. 
Universal Magazine, 1735 — 1764. 
Bygone Berkshire; P. H, Ditchfield. 
Magistrates and Lieutenancy of Berkshire; Roberts, 
Gentleman's Magazine. 

Reminiscences of an Octogenarian ; Alderman Darter, 
Britannia ; Camden. 
Aldermaston Bowling Club MSS. 
Drill Book of the Woodley Volunteers, 1805. 
MSS. Collection of Marches in the British Museum. 
Northamptonshire and Rutland Militia. 
Registers, St. Mary's, Reading. 
History of Sherwood Foresters. 
Windsor ; HakewelL 

St. Lawrence's Church, Reading ; Kerry. 
Notable Trials — Family Library. 
Calendar of State Papers. 
Calendar of Home Office Papers. 
History of England; Smollett. 
The Army and Reserve; Colonel Adair. 
West Surrey Militia (2nd) ; Colonel fohn Davis. 
The Present State of Great Britain, 1726; fohn Chamberlain 
Reading ; Coates. 
Berkshire Archaeological Magazine. 
Berkshire Chronicles. 
Notes and Queries. 

History of Swallowfield ; Lady Russell. 
Register of Officers of the Berkshire Militia MSS. 
Court-Martial Books of the Berkshire Militia MSS. 
Jiistory of Berkshire; Colonel Cooler Kin^. 



Books Seai'ched. 335 



Army Lists; Hart, 

Annual Registers, 1759 — 1844. 

Transactions of the Newbury Field Club. 

Quarterly Review. 

Life of John Hampden ; Lord Nus^ent, 

War Office Papers, &c.. Record Office. 

History of England; Knight. 

Reading Corporation MSS. 

Army Lists, British Museum, and Bodleian Library. 

Abingdon Corporation MSS. 

Pretenders and their Adherents. 

The British Officers ; StocquelUr. 

Marriage Licenses ; HarL Soc, 

Privy Council Orders, British Museum. 

An old Black-Letter History of England ; Edward Hooves. 

Registers, Thatcham Church. 

Bedfordshire Militia ; Sir John Burgoyne. 

Royal North Gloucestershire Militia ; IV, J. Cripps. 

Marching Order MSS., Record Office. 

West Yorkshire Militia ; Captain Raikes. 

Lives of the Admirals of England. 

Everyday Book; Hone. 



NAME INDEX. 



The Names not nwtiltered will be found in the Officer** List^ Chapter XV, ^ 

which is not indexed. 



Abingdon, Countess, 182. 
Abingdon, Fifth Earl, 
Abingdon, Sixth Earl, 
Abingdon, Seventh Earl, 
Acland [or AUand], John Fortescue, 

88, 104. 
Adam, M. M. Mercer, 
Adams, F. E., 229. 
Adams, George (Bugler), 172. 
Adams, Joseph, 
Adams, J. VV. R., 208. 
Adams, Nicholas, 19. 
Agar, Hon. Mrs., 144. 
Albans, St., Duke of, Charles B., 62, 

63, 75» 78. 
Albans, St., Duke of, George, 

Alder, W. B., 184. 

Aldridge, Captain R., 37. 

Alexander, C. 

Algeo, John, 142. 

Allfrey, F. V., 205. 

Allfiey, Mowbray, 194. 

Alyn, Thomas, 7. 

Allin, John, 194. 

Andrews, 67. 

Andrews, Captain, 25. 

Andrews, James Pettit, 77, 87. 

Andrews, Joseph, 76, 87, 155. 

Andrews, William, 77. 

Angell, VV., 65. 

Anneslcy, Francis, 88. 

Apthorp, K. 1*.. 205. 

Arbuthnot, Robert C, 194. 

Archer- Houblon, G. B. E. 

Archer-IIoublon, H., 229. 

Argyle, Duke of, 63. 

Arnold, James, 42. 

Aslibrooke, Viscount, 125, 144, 

Ashurst, C. II., 203. 

Assone, John, 21. 

Astley, Sir Jacob, 26, 28, y. 33, 35. 

Aslt)n, Sir Arthur, 30, 32. 

Aston, Sir Willoughby, 76, 77, 87. 



Atkins, Atkins, Edward' 
Martin, 149 See 

Atkins, Francis Martin, 194 }- Martin, 

Atkins, William Hastings 
Martin, 

Atkinson, Charles, 

Auger, 129 

Austin, John, 174. 

Baber, Thomas Draper, 76, 87. 

Bacon, Charles, 175, 178. 

B-icon, George William, 184. 

Badcock, Nicholas, 45. 

Bagot, W. H. K., 224. 

Bailey, Benjamin 145, 149. 

Baker, 65. 

Baker, James, 115, 123. 

Baker, Lewis, 7. 

Banbury, Lieutenant, 119. 

Bardsley, James, 139. 

Bardye, John. 19. 

Barham, T., 38. 

Barker, 65. 

Barker, Frederick G., 213. 

Barker, G. William, 184. * 

Barker, J., 22. 

Barry, Hon. Augustus, 125. 

Barry, S. L., 224. 

Barr)'more, Lord, 71, 124. 

Barrj'more, Seventh Karl, 

Barkstead, Colonel, 38. 

Barlow, Frederick Barrington Pratt, 

209. 
Barlow, Thomas Arthur Pratt, 194. 
Barns, T , 65. 
Basset t, Francis. 19. 
Bates, 25. 

Batson, Stanlake, 123. 
Baxter, Colonel, 38. 
Bayntun, Ed., 29. 
Bayntun, Henr>', 184. 
Beale. Sergl.- Major, 230. 
Beales, Benjamin, 



Name Index. 



ZZ1 



Bed wards, Tom B., 

Beke, Thomas, 4,, 

Bellas, Joseph Harvey, 104, 115. 

Bellasis, Captain, 25, 33. 

Berrington, Walter, 12. 

Berry, William, 19. 

Berkshire, Earl of, 29. 

Bertie, Hon. C. C, 194. 

Bertie, Hon. M. C. F., 204. 

Bever, Samuel John, 174. 

Bewell, William, 19. 

Birch, F. M., 206. 

Birnie, 173. 

Birnie, James, 145. 

Blackstone, Henry, 123. 

Blagrave [or Belgrove], Anthony, 19. 

Blagrave, Daniel, 29. 

Blagrave, Edward, 178. 

Blagrave, Edward (Bugler), 172. 

Blagrave, John, 37, 43, 76, 104, 175, 

178. 
Blagrave, John Charles, 209. 
Blagrave, Joseph, 104, 116, 131, 146. 
Blagrave, Mrs., 182. 
Blagrave, Mrs., 182. 
Blagrave, Thomas, 77, 87. 
Blake, J. C, 1 15. , 

Blandford, Marquis of, 161. 
Blandy, Adam, 184. 
Blandy-Jenkins, (See Jenkins,) 

Blyth, C. v., 194, 204. 
Boone, William, 21. 
Booth, W., 22. 
Borrelt, Col., 214. 
Boult, John, 76, 77. 
Bouverie, Hon. K., 178. 
Bouverie, Jlon. M., 
Bouverie, Hon. P. L., 153. 
Bowles, Colonel, 33. 
Bowles, F. K, 184, 188. 
Bowles, J. S. 
Bowles, T. J.. 194. 
Bowycr, Sir George, 
Boyce, O., 65. 
Brackstone, William, 35. 
Braham, W. S., 184, 194. 
Bray, Colonel, 202. 
Breton, General, 184. 
Brickman, C. D., 184. 
Bristow, Henry, 
Brocas, Bernard, 126. 
Brocas, Bernard. 
Bromley, Hon. H., 145, 149. 
Brookland, William, 76. 
Brookman, W. L., 149. 



Brown, — 225. 

Brown, John, 

Brown, Tom, 

Browne, Andrew, 19. 

Browne, Richard, 35. 

Bruce, Lord, Charles Bridewell Bruce, 

Brummell, William, 129. 

Bulley, Edward, 19. 

Bulley, F. A. 

Bulley, J. B., 

Bunney, Edward Brice, 

Burges, Benjamin, 44. 

Burne, K. P., 205. 

Burne, M. K., 208. 

Burnett, B., 

Burningham, John, 45. 

Butler, Andrew, * 

Butler, Joseph, 115. 

Butler, Major, 

Butler, Thomas William, 

Butler, Sergt. -Major, 230. 

Byrne, Joseph, 

Cameron, General, 205. 

Camyll, Roger, 21. 

Cane, Robert, 142, 149. 

Cannon, Captain, 

Cardiff, William, 

Carey, 

Carlingford, Lord, 

Carpenter, General, 60. 

Carter, 22. 

Cazenove, P., 226, 

Cazenove, R. F., 215. 

Cerjat, A. S. De, 

Chamberleyne, A., 

Chapman, F'^hn, 

Chauval„ Edward, 

Clanchy, Richard, 

Clarke, John, 

Classon, Henry, 

Claver, Joseph, 44, 

Claveland [or Cleveland], William, 115. 

Gierke, Sir E., 24. 

Clifford, Thomas, 22. 

Climenson, H. J. M. 

Coanes, 22. 

Coate, W., 65. 

Cobham, Alexander C, 176. 

Codd, R. B., 

Coker, William, 7. 

Coleman, G. T., 178. 

Coles, William, 174, 178. 

Collett, William, 19, 21. 

Coll is, William, 150. 



338 



Name Index, 



Collyer, John, 
Compton, Sir W., 65. 
Cooper, Edward, 21. 
Cooper, Robert, 22. 
(^ope, William, 52. 
Cordery, John, 7, 19. 
Costobadie, G. £., 206. 
Cowell, C, 65. 
Cox, Francis Renell, 182. 
Craven, A. W., 201. 
Craven, Earl of, 99. 
Craven, Earl of. 
Craven, Hon. R. C, 
Craven, Hon. William, 
Craven, O. W., 
Cray, Drummer, 172. 
Creed, Thomas, 21. 
Croft, H. H., 
Croft, W., 155. 
Croome, Isaac, 21. 
Crowe, David, 
Curtis, Thomas John, 
Curtis, Captain, 36, 39. 
Cutler, Moses, 7. 

Daling, Edmund, 21. 

Dalmer, Francis, 

Dalzell, Robert, 

Damant, Guybon, 

Danvill [or DarvillJ, Charles, 

Dauncey, — 229. 

Davenport, J. T., 174. 

Davies, George, 

Davies, E., 203. 

Day, 43. 

Deane, Arthur, 178. 

Deane, II., 65. 

Deane. H. B., 125. 

Deane, John, ^^^ 

Denlry, E., 65. 

Desborough, John, 

De Vitre, II. D., 

Dickson, Colonel, 211. 

Dixwell, J. 49. 

Dodd, 14s, 149. 

Dofld, Tohn, 76, 79, 87, 91. 

Dodwell, J. \V., 

Doe, 45, 

Dole, John, 7. 

Doleman, John, 19. 

Dolman, Thomas, 52. 

Donovan, Capt., 221. 

Doran, James Goddard, 174. 

Douglas, James, 184. 

Downes, Percy, 215. 



Draper, Sir T., 
Draycott, 65. 
Drummond, 
Duffield, C. J E. 
Dunn, Sergt.-Major, 230. 

East, A. H., 145, 153. 

East, G. F. Clayton, 201. 

Edmundes, Justman, 19. 

fcldwards, C. M. 

Edwards, T. H., 15a 

Edwards, Thomas Hughes, 

Effingham, Earl of 

Egerton, A. G. 

Elkins, W., 65. 

Elliott, G. H., 

Elliott, Thomas, 

Elwes, George, 104. 

Emeley, 52. 

Essex, Earl of, 30^ 32. 

Est, Richard, 7. 

Evans, — 229. 

Evans, Henry, 88, 104, 115. 

Evelyn, Arthur, 28, 43. 45» 4». 49 

Everett, F., 

Evett, Thomas, 7. 

Eyre, G. B., 194. (See Anker 

Houblon), 
Eyre, Matthew, 40. 
Eyston, Francis T., 194. 

Fairfax, Sir T., 37. 
Fennel, Edward, 
Feversham, Lord, 57, 59. 
Fielding, Colonel, 32. 
Fincher, General, 4a 
Finucane, Michael, 
Fitzroy, Lord C, 159. 
Fleetwood, Genera), 46. 
Floyer, Peter, 76, 87. 
Folkestone, Viscount, 174. 
Fonblanque, John, 115. 
Forrest, Arthur, 
Forrest, Sandford, 
Forrest, Thomas, 
Fortesque, Richard, 36. 
Fowler, Butler, General, 21 7. 
Fowler, Ernest M., 
Frazer, General, 113. 
Freman, Henry, 7. 
French, W. N., 104, 115. 
Frost, Walter, 49. 

Garnett, Taylor, 
Garraway, Eleanor, 6$. 



Name Index. 



339 



Gatcley, John, 7. 

Gaygcr, R., 22. 

Gent, Nicholas, 7. 

Gibb^ John, 99. 

Gifford, Captain, 21. 

Gilbert, Mary, 

Gilbert, Richard, 12. 

Giles, J., 65. 

Gill, 145. 

Gill, James, 115. 

Gill, Philip, 104, 115. 

Goddard, Richard, 4^. 

Goddard, Vincent, 36, 39, 43. 

Goffe, Colonel, 

Golden, R., 6$. 

Goodlake, Thomas, 155. 

Gower, C. C. Leveson, 

Gower, John I/eveson, 171. 

Gower, Philip Leveson, 178, 

(jraham, G. B., 

Gray, J. R., 211. 

Green, Captain, 1 12. 

Green, Captain, 

Greene, Richard, 43. 

Greenhead, Charles, 175, 178. 

Green way, Henry, 178. 

Grenfell, G. G., 

Grenfell, W. II., 194. 

Gribble, John, 

Griffith, Christopher W. Darby, 204. 

Griffin, 65. 

Griffin, John, 

Groves [or Graves], Thomas, 88, 104, 

115. 
Grubb, George, 
Guy, George, 149, 175. 
Guyenett, 145, 149. 

Hackett, Patrick, 19. 

Hallett, G. H., 

Hallett, William, 

Fiamilton, Arthur, 

Hamilton, Colonel, 24 

Hammond, Captain R , 24, 33, 39, 44. 

Hampden, John, 30, 32, 33. 

Hance, James, 174, 178. 

Handasyde, Colonel, 65. 

Hankey, S. A., 194. 

Han key, S. T., 

Hannington, Richard, 65. 

Hargreaves, Arthur, 203. 

Hargreaves, Robert, 215. 

Harrington, J., 49. 

Harrison, Colonel, 40, 43. 

Harrison, J. S., 



Harrison, Thomas, 36, 38. 

Harvey [or Ilervey], Lionel Charles, 

174. 
Harvey, Peter, 22. 
Hatch, George, 76. 
Hatt, John, 19. 
Hawes, Francis 115, 133. 
Hawker, General, 164. 
Hawkins, Benjamin, 174. 
Hay, A. W. H., 206. 
Hay, H. C. F., 218. 
Hayes, John B., 
Heath, James, 
Heddige, John, 72. 
Henderson, H. G., 
Hensman, Richard, 7. 
Herbert, Colonel, 209. 
Herbert, General, 196, 198. 
Herbert, Lord, 52. 
Hercey, T. F. J. L., 
Hercey, T. H. G., 
Hertford, Marquis of, 29. 
Hill, 145. 
Hill, John, 
Hill, Swann, 126. 
Hippesley, W. H., 194. 
Hodge, Baldwin, 
Hodgson, Thomas, 121. 
Hodgson, W. S., 
Hodgson, W. S., 
Holdsworth, F. R., 149, 15 1. 
H olden, H. W., 203, 215. 
Holland, Henry Richard, Earl of, 26, 

27, 30. 33. 41- 
Holland, S. E., 

Holland, Thomas, 

Holloway, 65. 

Holloway, Benjamin, 145. 

Holmes, General, 80. 

Holt, George, 

Hollyer, 225. 

Homan, Henry, 21. 

Homfray, H. R., 211. 

Homfray, J. G. R., 206, 209. 

Hood, John, 19. 

Hopkins, E. G. R., 198. 

Hopton, John, 7. 

Hopton, Lord, 31, 33. 

Home, Arthur, 43. 

Horwood, J. J., 

Hoskins, Matthew, 7. 

Houblon. (See Archer), 

Houghton, T. A., 

Howard, Colonel, 70. 

Howard, Thomas, 

l 2 



540 



ATfwr Index. 



Hafeo^ Edwud. 191 
Hnscr. C R.. aoi. 



lahoC C&irie& 126^ 129* 149L 
lacBp H. iL. 125. 

luKs. 174- 



lT«rr, \V 



Jeskmsw Toha Bbutdr, i^ 
leakias^ Jakn BUndir, 
leaklnsosu Rer.. 65. 

oiukstoQe. LmtcBaot^GenefaLl, 105. 

lac\iuL Cokioei JQ4. 
tndti, Stephen. 174- 
)«Btioe, TVMtts^ 7d» S7. 



I 

i 
\ 



Kates* 172. 
KcankCT, H. j., 161. 
Keepc« Andrew, 43. 
KenioQ, John, xx. 
Kenrick. WTiliim, 
Kennck« 54. 
Kept^eU GeneraU loi. 
Key, Tboours 15a. 
Kin^e, Kvin, 
Kir<. A. H. \Y , 
KmnenUev. W. T-. 

Knoil«rs, Sir Francis, 20, 21, 27. 

KiK^Iiyv. Captain, 

Knov, A., 

Kniiv, Christopher. 

1-ambe. \V., 105. 
l-.nui»e;i, Cieneral, 45. 

U\nc, I. n.. |JV4- 
l-\n4:, F. lU 1^4* '95- 
Lan>:!\>rvi. Uw<r'.>li, SS*. 
Lee» 11. iV, 12;. 129. 
l.ee Ct. P.. 178^ 
Lee, R»>bert, 65. 
Lennox, Lord C»., lOO. 
LenthalU 129. 
Levcringion, Captain, 36. 
Levc>on-Cio\ver. 17S. 



Lewis, C, 204, 221, 224. 

Leycester, H. H. 

Leycester, O. W. 

Lidyard, John, 21. 

Ljndsey, Earl of, 2S. 

Linscome, Mrs., 65. 

Linlall, 129. 

Littlepsige, William, 21. 

Lloyd, William, 

Loreden, Edward Loveden, 104, 12S, 

129. 
Loveden, Pryse, 129, 144. 
Lovelace, Baron, 53, 54. 
Lovelace. Sir Richard, 2cx 
Lower, Lieut.*CoIonel, 35. 
Lo3rd- Edwards, Mri^, 
Lndd, Ned., 164. 
Lash, John, 45. 
Lynch, 
Lyppescombe, William, 12. 

Macpherson, LachUn, 149. , 

Mack worth, Praed, 91. 

Madocks, John Edward, 125. 

Maitland. Thomas Fuller, 184. 

Mansfield, Count, 18. 

Marsh, Sir C, 131. 

Marsh, W., 129. 

Martin-.Mkins, Atkins Edward, 

Martin-.-\tkins, William Hastings, 

Martin-.\tkins, Francis 

Martin, IL, 3a 

Mat on. J., 

MauncelU Colonel, 202. 

Maurice, D. B., 21 1. 

Max, Zacharias. 19. 

May, 65. 

Maves, William. 

Mayle, William, 7. 

Maynard. lames, 36. 

Mears, Ellis 

Medley, .A. L. 

Meter, J. C, 126, 

Meyrick, Samuel, 

Micklin, Robert, 

Milne, John, 1S4, iSS, 195. 

Milman. W. CI., 

Mootlv, 65. 

Monck, W. R, 

Monckton, General, 109. 

Monmouth, Ehike of, 57. 

Montagu, Ed., 82. 

Morland, W. H., 194. 

Morland. G. W.. 184. 

Morel on, John, 



Name Index. 



341 



Morres, E. J., 
Morrice, Charles, 123. 
Morris, Capt, 37. 
Morrison, 195. 
Murshead, W. E., 
Mowbray, R. G. C, 194. 
Moyle, John, 19. 
Mullyns, John, 19. 
Murphy, T., 200. 

Ncpean, C. E. M. Y., 
New bolt, F. N. 
Newbolt, J. T., 123. 
Newbolt, William, 
Newbur)', John, 
Newton, Edward, 
Neville, Col Richard, 34. 
Neville, Richard Aldworth, 104. 
Neville, Hon. Richard, 
NichoUs, John, 21. 

Norreys, Lord. 182, 206. See Abing- 
don. 
Norris, H. C, 
Norris, John, 174, 178. 
Norris, Nicholas, 7. 
Noyes, Thomas Buckeridge, 76. 

O'Brien, 

Oldfield, C. C, 194. 

Ormond, Duke of, 62, 63. 

Osgood, Lawrence Head, 76, 87. 

Oslx)rn. William, 

Otway, C. C, 

Otway, J. T. F., 203, 208. 

Owens, Sergt., 203. 

Page, F., 161. 

Paget, Lord, 125. 

Parker, John, 174, 178. 

Parker, Robert, 104, 115. 

Payn, James, 1 21. 

Payne, Luke, 21. 

Peacock, — 52. 

Pearson, C. L. M., 201. 

Pearse, William, 21. 

Pechell, E. R. C, 

Pechell, W. M. C, 194. 

Penny, Drummer, 172. 

Pepper, Major-General, 65. 

Perse, John, 19. 

Percv, Lord, A. M. A., 207., 209. 

Phillips, G. E., 

Phillips, [ohn, 

Phillips, William, 174. 

Pinkney, George, 



Pitt, General, 117, 118. 

Pitt man. Sergeant, 99. 

Pocock, D., 65. 

Pocock, J., 65. 

Pococke, John, 

Pococke, John Blagrave, 145, 174. 

Pole, Henry, 178. 

Poleman, William, 21. 

Poole, Richard, 21. 

Popham, F. W. Leyborne, 208. 

Porter, Andrew, 21. 

Porter, Frederick, 211. 

Powell, Arthur Aunersley, 123. 

Powell, Thomas, 21, 22. 

Powell, Roger, 22. 

Powney, Portlock Pennyston, 104, 115, 

129. 
Pt)wys, Philip, 100. 

Praed, William Mackworth, 76, 87, 91. 
Pratt, Lord George M., 
Prestage, Thomas, 
Preston, Colonel, 66. 
Preston, John, 210, 215. 
Preston, Sergeant-Major, 171. 
Price, J. C, 104, 115, 119. 
ProNver, Major, 186. 
Pryer, Christopher, 21. 
Pulleyn, William, 14. 
Puntor, T., 65. 
Purccll, John, 
Purnell, E. K., 
Purvis, Edward, 175. 
Pye, Henry James, 104. 
Pye, Sir Robert, 29. 
Pye, Walter, 104. 115, 126, 153. 

Radnor, Earl of, 138, 147. 

Ramsay, Colonel, 22, 23. 

Ramsey (Ensign), 145. 

Ravenshaw, T. W., 126 152, 166, 170, 

174. 
Ray, 65. 

Reed, H. W., 184, 195. 

Reed, Superintendent, 185. 

Reeves, Edwin, 

Reeves, John, 76, 87. 

Reid, G. A. C, 104. ^ 

Reille, Elizabeth, 103. 

Richard, J. 22. 

Rickman, S., 

Rhodes, 65. 

Rhoiies, H. V., 

Rhodes, J. E., 

Robbins, Jolin, 

Robinson, General, 159. 



342 



Name Index, 



Roe, William, 174, 178. 
Rokeby Baron, 
Rooke, General, 143. 
Round, Henry, 
Rouse, Richard, 
Rows, William, 14. 
Royds, A. H., 
Rudland, Jones, 
Rupert, Prince, 30, 33. 

Saunders, 54. 

Saunderson, Anthony, 

Savernake, Viscount, 208. 

Sawyer, Charles, 

Sawyer, John, 

Saxton. (See Sexton). 

Schradcr, F. U., 149. 

Scott, H.. 

Seagrove, John, 

Seely, Sergt.-Major, 230. 

Sell wood, Richard, 76, 87. 

Sexton, Clement, 87, 104, 115. 

Seymour, 182. 

Seymour, E,. 76, 87, 104. 

Seymour, K., 

Shackell, William, 

Shackell, William R., 184. 

Shaftesbury, E., 7, 82. 

Shaw, 

Shaw, Lieu tenant -Colonel, 

Sheppard, Edward, 104, 115. 

Sherren, William, 149 

Sherson, Alexander Nor\'ell, I75» 177- 

Sherwood, Hugh, 19. 

Sidney, Philip, 

Simpson, Francis, 123. 

Sladden, W., 104, 1 1 5. 

Slade, W. 

Slocock, C. S., 183. 

Slocock, Edmund, 174. 

Smith Bandmaster, 172. 

Smith, Benjamin, 

Smith, J. W., 184. 

Snook, Thomas, 150. 

Southby, Samuel, 87. 

Southey, T., 65. 

Speed, D. W. H., 

Spurgeon, General, 209. 

Sheen, James, 

Squires, William, 

Staden, Sergeant- Major, 188, 229. 

S tapper, Robert, 4. 

Stares, William, 182. 

Stark, Charles George, 104. 

Statham, Roger, 14. 



Stead, Major, 146. 

Stephens, Henry, 

Stephens, M. H. G., 125, 129, 174. 

Stephenson, John, 104. 

Stephenson, Rowland, 

Stephenson, William, 43. 

Stewart, F. T., 211. 

Stonor, Comet, 

Stracey, Thomas, 129. 

Stratton, W., 174, 

Stuart, John, 

Sturges, G. T., 

Sturges, J. H., 174. 

Sturges, John, 

Styles, Clement, 88. 

Sudley, Viscount, 214. 

Suffolk, Duke of, 5. 

Sykes, Sir Francis, 138, 142, 149. 

Taff, John, 7. 

Taylour, Thomas, 19. 

Tebbott, Robert, 183. 

Temple, C. P., 207, 211. 

Thatcham, 65. 

Thackwell, Major-Gcneral, 199. 

Theobald, F. C, 210. 

Thomas, Stephen, 

Thomson, E. T., 183. 

Thornton, W., 

Thorowgood, Sir John, 43. 

Thoyts, M. G., 176. 

Thoyts, William, 

Thoyts, W. R. M., 184, 185, 190, 226. 

Throckmorton, P. H. 

Timbrell, W. H., I16. 

Toft, John, 14. 

Toll, A. N., 115. 

Toogood, C. F. S. G., 205. 

Toovey, — 65. 

Towsey, William, 76, 88. 

Tracy, Lord, 52. 

Treacher, George, 149. 

Trevor, Henry, 

Tristram, L. S. B., 203 

Tubbe, Roger, 19. 
i Turner, Charles, 225. 

Turner, J., 65. 
j Tylden, Osborne, 115. 
j Tylby, Richard, 12. 

i Uffington, Viscount, 
Urlwm, J,, 

I Vachell, — 30. 

! Vachell, Sir Thomas, 21. 



Nanie Index, 






43 



Van de Wcyer, B. G., 

Van de Weyer, V. M. B., 194, 206. 

Van de Weyer, W. J. B., 215. 

Vane, George, 52. 

Vane, U., 49. 

Van lore. Sir P., 37. 

Vansittart, Arthur, 76, loo, 104, 115, 

'45- 
Vansittart, Arthur, 87, 95. 

Vansittart, G. H., 149, 153. 

Vansittart, II., 

Vansittart, Henry, 

Vansittart, N. H., 204. 

Vansittart, Laura, 153. 

Velley, Charles, 

Velley, Thomas, 104. 

Vere, Lord, 

Vincent, H. W., 

Vincent, C. E. H., 194. 

Vincent, E., 204. 

Voules, C S., 184. 

Wadling, \V. A., 226. 
Wallingford, Lord, 20. 
Wallis, John, 104, 115, 
Wallop, R., 49. 
Walker, C. H., 150. 
W.ilker, John, 

Walter, John, 76, 87, 104. 1 15. 
Walter, John Abel, 
Walter, J. B., 
Wantage, Baron, 231. 
Wameford, Francis 
Warneford, — 65. 
Wayland, J. S., 
Watson, — 119. 
Webb, John, 36. 
Webb, William, 19. 
Webster, J., 22. 
Weekes, Richard, 
Weyland, J. S., 
Weymouth, Lord, 96. 



Wheble, Edmund, 
Wheble, lames, 176, 178. 
Wheble, T. 1., 203. 
Wheble, W.*F. J., 184. 
W^heeler, Trevor, 131. 
Whichcote, Christopher, 43, 45. 
Whitaker, — 179. 
White, John, 14. 
White, William, 
White, W. A. F., 215, 225. 
Whitehurst, E. T., 215. 
Whitelock, General, 152. 
Wigmore, Thomas, 19. 
Wilder, John, 76, 87. 
Wildgros, Reade, 2a 
Willcs, Capt., 182. 
Willcs, G. C. T., 218. 
Williams, C F., 142. 
Williams, Charles, 
Williams, C. C, 211. 
Williams, Martin, 
Williams, J. M. 
Willis, General, 66. 
Winck worth, James, 178. 
Withwall, John, 14. 
Wirge, Thomas, 19. 
Wise, Dr., 172. 
Woodhouse, James, 174. 
Woodare, John, 19. 
Wykham, Richard James, 
Williamson, George, 19. 
Wyld, Thomas, 
Wynn, Sir Watkin, 71. 
Wyld, James, 123, 129. 
Wylmore, George, 19. 
WyviU, Z., 127. 

Yates, Rev. S. W. 182. 
Yeates [or Yates], Robert, 150. 

• Zimenes, Sir M. 



INDEX OF PLACES. 


1 


Thii Index h luit a lompMe lisl of all Ike Plaits ; ikcsc „oi 


„.,l-rj^^ 


bt found in Iki Officeti- List. 


^^1 


Abiiiijdnn, 25, 29, 31, 39. 65. 85, 201. 


liiackliiirn, 167. 


^H 


Aboyne, 


Ulackhcolh, 55. 102. 




Adarley Common, 107. 


Bliilchingdon, 123, 133. 




Acton, lot 


Blelcbley. 




Addeibury, 109. 


lilcwbury. 137. 




Aldeishi}!, 1S9. 


Uloxh.im, log. 




AtcesroTd, 151. 


Bo*, n..l72. 




Aidermnswn, 157. 


liinckndl, iz6. 




Andover, 8a. 


Brackley. 26. 




Applcford. 


Bia^iled. It^ 




Arlxirlield, 140, 


Bray. 12?. 




Arundel, 131, 


bienthley, 114. 




Ascol, 


b.enlf.ml. 31. 




Asbford, 157, 221. 


U.idsj.waie^ 




Ashduwn, 125, 216. 


BngliKHi. 126, 131. 137. 




Alhlone, 168. 


UrUlol. 33. 63. 146. 




Ayl«bury, 4G. 


lirixham. 139. 
Unmiley. 103. III. 


^^^^1 


Banbuty, 106, 109. 


B,omplon. 117. 




Bfltkham, 137. 


Duckland, 




torntl, .M. 


Bulwell. 162. 




Basing, 35. 


Biilmtrshe. 100. 




Basingslnke, 90, loS. 


Burford.111. 




Basildon. 


Buiyheid. 139. 




Bashford, 163. 


BuMuii, 166. 




Balh. 145. 


liuscol. 129, 137. 




Bear Place, 


Bu!.hey. 




B»fwood. 






Bcaurepaiie, 


Calcot. 




Bcer.ham. zi. 


Caversham, 145- 




Benhnm, 21. 99. 


Cawsand, 139. 






Chalgrove, 33. 




Beverley. 28. 


augxl House, ito. 




Bexhill, 168. 


Chamdge, 77. 




BUesict. iia 


Charlbuiy, 137- 




Bidefoid, 167. 


Charlton, 




Biilincbeat. 43. 


Cliatham, II7. 




Bill Hill, 






Bilston.173. 


Chieveley, 




Bincoml>e. :54. 


Chipping Noiion. toS, J 


^^1 


Binlicld, 65. 


Cholsey. 12. 




Bisham, 


Chum, 217. 244. 








■ 


, 




J 



, Index of Places, 



345 



Clifton, 164. 


Forest, 25. 


Clifton Moor, 71. 


Fort Barracks, 


Cookham, 


Fox Hills, 202. 


Coxheath, loi, 102, 1 17. 




Colchester, 69. 


Galway, 168. 


Coleshill, 


Gillingham, 117. 


Colwart, 


Gloucester, 52. 


Colne, 


Gloucester Lodge, 147. 


Colnbrook, 31, 118. 


Goodrest, 182. 


Corfe, 


Goud hurst, 113, 116. 


Corfu, 184, 


Greywell, 


Cork, 168. 


Greenlands, 


Cowes, 53, 54. 


Greenwich, 62, 102. 


Cranbrook, 114, 116. 


Guildford, 40. 


Crookham, 




Crutchfield, 


Hadlow, 114. 


Cuckhainsley, or Cutchinsloe, 23. 


Hagbourne, 145. 


Culham, 


Hailingbury, 


Cullotlen, 71. 


Ham, 119. 




Hammersmith, 107. 


Darsham, 


Hampstead Marshall, 


Dartmouth, I4I. 


Mampstead Norris, 


Daventry, 26, 28. 


Hampstead, 11 1. 


Deal, 6. 


Hampton Court, 32. 


Deanwood, 


Hanwurth, 250. 


Denford, 


Hannay, 152. 


Derby House, 40. 


Harewood Lodge, 


Derby, 71, 1 66. 


Hard wick, 100. 


Derbyshire, 163. 


Hare Street, 107. 


Devizes, 80. 


Hastings, 123. 


Doddington, 


Hawkhurst, 


Domingo House, 242. 


Heathfield Park, 132. 


Donnington, 35, 36, 251. 


Henley, 102, 107. 


Dover, 124, 136. 


Hendrcd, 


Dublin, 146. 


Henncrton, 


Dunstable, 46. 


Hessian Camp, 




Highgate, ill. 


Eastbourne, 129. 


Hilsea, 108. 


Earley, 65. 


Homsey, 


Edgware, ill. 


Horsemunden, 114. 


Egham, 103. 


Horsham, 167. 


Ellcott, 254. 


Hounslow, 56, 57, 58, 69, 107. 


EngleBeld, 216, 218. 


HuddersBeld, 166. 


Erleigh, 


Hull, 28. 


Eynsham, 


Hungerford, 




Hurley, 71, 145. 


Farley Hill 


Hurst, 


Faringdon, 108. 


Hythe, 133. 


Fawley, 




Fecamp, 


Ightham, 112. 


Finchley, 71. 


Ilford, 


Fishcombe, 


Ilsley, 82. 


Fishguard, 140. 


Inner Temple, 


Folkestone, 


Ipswich, 159. 


Forbury, 18, 161. 


Ireland, 146, 148. 



346 Index of Places. 


Isle of Wight, 34, 53. 69. 


Newburr, 19, aa, 33. 47. 6S. 83- 95. 


Islip. no. 


99, 118, lao. lai, 144. 


I»c» Pbce. 


Newry. 169. 




New Sarum, 1*6. 




Newlhoipc, 109. 


Kidlingion, no. 


Newion, County Cambiidge. 




Norman Crois. 


SSBS""- 


Northamptonshire, 
NoibUon Hail, laS. 


Kingsioit-on-Thames. 30, 31. 


Nore, 148. 


Kirklington, na 


Norihall, no. 


Kills End, 


MoLtiDghiro, 38, 99, 161. 


Lambeth, ill. 


Nunhide, 77. 
Nu,iey,85. 


Lancwhire, IIa. 
Leeds, 166. 


Oaltfield. 
0|kinEh^6s,90. 


Lenham, n3, 1 16. 


Overton, 8j, 86, 


Lenlnn, 164. 
Leicombe Basset, 


Oxford, 18, 32, 34, 63. 65. 


;^m^ck. 169. 


Paddingion. na. 


.iverpool, 170, 171. 

Loekinge. 


I'arlt Place, 
Peasetnote, 77- 
Pigeon House, 146. 


London, zS, 49. 


Longfnnl Cistle. 138. 


Piymoulh. 10. 53, 101, 167. 
Poole, 145. 

Portsmouth, SJ. "oi, 109. 149. "So- 
184, 186. 


Luckley House, 158. 
Lydd.22a 


Lyttne. 57. 


Ponsea, 


Lymington, 151. 


Potter's Bar, na 


Macclesfield, 166. 


[■reshule. 80, 85. 


Waiden Erleigh, 


Preston, 66, 167. 




Pnrley, .33- 


MsideobBtcli, 


Putney, 


Maidstone, 112, 116. 




Mailings, 103. 


Radford, 163. 


rtjanche^ler, t66. 


Radley, as. 




Raglan, $i. 


Maciow. ijg. 


Ram^flte. 137. 


Marcli.im, 


Beading. 6s, 70, 85. 103, 105. iiS, iii 


Mareate. 137. 


laa, laft, 156, 160, 170, 171. 103, 


Merchant Place. 179. 


Retlan Hill, 205. 


Middleton, 168. 


Ridge Mins. 


Milford Haven. 14- 


Riverhead, 103, ni. 
Rochester, 1 li 


Milk House Street, 114. 


Mill Bay, 167. 




Milton, 


Romsey, ia6. 


Milstead, 








Mortimer, 






Rushmere, 159. 


New Lod^e, 




Rye, ia4, aao. 



Index of Places, 






47 



St. Leonards, 255. 

St. Pancras, ill. 

St. Lawrence's Church, 171. 

St. Quentin's, 12. 

Salisbury, 58, 138. 

Salisbury Plain, 195. 

Sandgate, 136. 

Sandhurst, 65. 

Scotland, 7. 

Seaford, 125. 

Seal, 103, 112. 

Scvenoaks, 113, 116. 

Sedgemoor, 57. 

Shaftesbury, 145. 

Shaw, 62, 94. 

Shaw Mill, 94. 

Sheffield, 166. 

ShornclifTe, 136. 

Shiplake, 

Shottesbrooke, 77, 145 

Shoreham, 125. 

Shrewsbury, 136. 

Shrivenham, 

Sindlesham, 137. 

Slinfold, 

Slough, 105. 

Sommerton, 167. 

Sonning, 65, 256. 

Southcote, 77, 199. « 

Southampton, 115, 126, 131, 136, 151. 

Sparsholt, 

Speen, 118. 

Speenhamland, 118. 

Stanford Place, 

Stanlake, 254. 

Stanmore, ill. 

Steyning, 

Stoke Barracks, 

Stratford Avon, 108. 

Stroud, 102, 117, 198. 

Sulhampstead, 227. 

Sundridge, 

Sunninghill, 120, 254. 

Sunningdale, 

Suttons, 85. 

Sutton Courtney, 77. 

SwalclifTe, 

Swallowfield, 77. 

Taunton, 160. 

Temple, 126. 

Theale, 33, 146, 216. 

Thatcham, 

Thanet, 137, 138. 

Tidmarsh, 37. 

Tilbury, 14, 53. 



Tilehurst, 19. 

Torbay, 58. 

Totterdown, 

Totness, 141. 

Tonbridge, 116. 

Tunbridge Wells, 1 14. 

Trotton, 130. 

Tuam, 169. 

Vauxhall, 112. 

Vron Iw, 

Vido, 186, 

Wadley, 77, 253. 

Wadhurst, 114. 

Wallingford, 34, 46, 139. 

Wantage. 77, 119, 120, 139. 

Wargrave, 255. 

Warrteld, 65. 

Warley, loi. 

Warren point, 169. 

Watchfield, 

Waterdown, 123, 125. 

Waterloo, 1 70. 

Weeley, 

Welford, 252. 

Well house, 

Westerham, 113, 116. 

Weymouth, 145, 147, 152. 

Whetstone, 

Whitley, 21. 

Whitley Wood, 79. 

White Place, 

White Waltham, 125. 

Whitchurch, 

Wilts, 52, 54. 

Winchester, 21, 86, 90, 100, 108, 126, 

150, 153- 
Winkfield, 256. 

Wingfield, 65. 

Windsor, 31, 43, 45, 102. 

Witney, 83, 109, 102, ill. 

Wokefield, 

Wokingham, 65, 102, 139. 

Woodstock, 106. 

Woolhampton, 

Woolmer Forest, 195. 

Woolwich, 126. 

Worcester, 46, 52. 

Wrotham, 116. 

Wytham, 

Yarmouth, 

Yarmouth, L W., 54. 

York, 166. 

Yorkshire, 164. 

Zante, 185. 

2Sealand, 18. 



INDEX OF REGIMENTS. 



Abingdon Volunteers, 195. 
Albemarle's Dragoons, 99. 
Army Service Corps, 221. 
Artillery, 185, 283. 
Baxter's Regiment, 38. 
Bedfordshire Militia, 82, 210, 306. 
Berkshire, 1 19. 
Berkshire Yeomanry, 213. 
Berkshire Volunteers, 288. 
Beynhurst Volunteer Brigade, 291. 
Blues, 181, 214, 282, 318. 
Bowstreet Officers, 164, 173. 
Brunswick Fencibles, 277. 
Buckinghamshire, 82, 231. 
Buffs, 185. 

Bunny Yeomanry, 165. 
Cambridgeshire, 169. 
Canadian Rifles, 304. 
Carbineers, 268. 
Carmarthen Militia, loi, 169. 
Carnarvon Rifles, 204, 253. 
Cheshire Militia, 145, 148. 
Coldstream Guards, 204. 
Cornish Miners, 151. 
Craven's, Lord, Fool, 125. 
Cumberland Militia, 170. 
Devonshire Militia, 129, 133, 147, 154. 
Dorset Militia, 
Dorsetshire Regiment, 256. 
Dragoons, 60, 80, loi. 
Dragoons — ist, 10 1. 

2nd, loi. 

3rd, 101, 147. 

5th, 

6lh, loi, 268. 

nth and 22nd, 108, 129. 

15th, 

16th, 312. 

20lh, 276. 

2lSt, 159. 

— 25th, 270. 

Dragoon Guards — $ih, 208, 303. 

7lh, loi, 156, 159. 

Essex Militia, 136, 

Engineers, 302. 

Kawlcy Light Dragoons, 151. 



Foot Guards, 80, loi. 
Garrison Battery — 4th, 289. 

7th, 283. 

9lh, 271. 

Glamorgan Militia, loi. 
Gloucester Militia, 86, 147, 199. 
Grenadier Guards, 80, 206, 208, 210, 

281, 304, 306. 
Greys, 154, 166. 
Guards, 80, 253, 276, 277. 
Guernsey Militia, 289. 
Hants Militia, 46, 86, 147. 
Handasyde's, 65. 
Hanover and Hessian, 74. 
Hereford Militia, 159. 
Highland Light Infantry, 213, 317. 
Horse Grenadier Guards, 80. 
Horse Artillery, 159. 
Howards, 70. 
Hungerford Cavalry, 182. 
Hussars — 7lh, 181. 

loth, 224, 253, 265. 

• 15th, 198, 250. 

Independent Co's., 80. 

Irish, 80. 

Isle of Wight, 53. 

Indian Civil Service, 267. 
: Kent Militia, 69, 187, 216, 219. 
I Kent Yeomanry, 306. 

Kerry Militia, 270. 
I Lancers — 12th, 292. 

Lancashire Militia, 133, 136, 187. 

Lancashire, 270. 

Lennox, Lord G., 100. 

Lincoln Militia, 169. 

Light Infantry— 13th, 230, 295. 

Life Guards, 72, 209, 215, 203, 274, 
283, 285, 289. 

London Rifle Rangers, 195. 

Marines, 256. 

Middlesex, 54, 159, 185, 187, 215, 249. 

Military Train, 304. 

Monaghan, 1 69. 

Native Infantry — 31st, 300. 

New Roumcy Fencibles, 133. 

Norfolk, 250. 



Index of Regiments. 



349 



Northampton, 187. 
Nottingham, 99, 162. 
Northumberland Fusiliers, 210, 304. 
Oxford Militia, 123, 126, 133, 185, 

187, 199, 213, 231. 
Pembroke Militia, loi. 
Prince of Wales', 137. 
Queen's Bays, 162. * 

Queen's Westminster, 
Reading Volunteers, 162. 
Regiment— 1st, 187. 

2nd, loi. 

4th, 268,' 269, 286, 289, 307, 

311* 316. 

6th, 10 1, 298, 307. 

9th, 269. 

loth, 272, 297, 311. 

nth, 263. 

. I3^h, 230. 

14th, loi, 253, 260, 274. 

317- 

I5ih, 151, 269, 286. 

I7ih, 

1 8th, loi, 207, 252. 

20th, 264. 

23rd, 195, 272. 

25th, loi, 205, 253, 276. 

26th, 264. 

27th, 270. 

30th, 

33rd, 280* 

341^,293. 

35th, 204, 223. 

36th, 291. 

44th, 311. 

46th, 230. 

47th, 194, 

49th, 202, 206, 208, 303. 

S2nd, 205, 276. 

56th, 204, 268. 

58th, 253. 

59th, lOI. 

63rd, 268, 311. 

65th, lOI. 

66th, 202, 206, 301. 

68th, 185. 



Regiment— 69th loi, 299. 
— — 71st \\To 

72nd, 177, 204, 207, 267, 

298, 314. 

= wh! [ ^96, 198, 251. 309. 

8 1st, 206, 272. 

85th, 302. 

93rd, 196. 

94th, 183. 

Rifle Corps, 154, 214. 

Rifle Brigade, 205, 218, 288, 304. 

310. 
Rifles, 60th, 310. 
Rifles, Irish, 212, 281, 287. 
Rifle Brigade— 7th, 229. 
Royals, lOl. 
Royal American, 135. 
Scots Greys, 166, 195, 286. 
Scotch Fusiliers, 179, 193. 
Sherwood Foresters, 162, 216, 280. 
Shropshire Militia, 147, 159. 
Somerset Militia, loi. 
Stafford, 187. 
Stafford Militia, 108, 154. 
Suffolk, 159. 

Sussex, 46, 210, 216, 219, 301. 
Surrey, 46, 157, 208, 214, 2 1 6, 219, 

221, 266, 285. 
Tower Hamlets, 199. 
Tyrone Fusiliers, 250. 
Wantage Volunteers, 152. 
Warwickshire Fencibles, 133. 
Warwickshire, 212, 280. 
Warwickshire Militia, 136. 
War Train, 301. 
Welsh Fusiliers, 284. 
West Kent Yeomanry, 210. 
Weymouth Volunteers, 147. 
Wiltshire Militia, 185, 186, 187, 199, 

267. 
Woodley Volunteers, 273. 
Worcester, 229. 

Wyke Independent Fusiliers, 147. 
Yorkshire, 88, 187, 320. 
York Hussars, 154. 
York Rifles, 166. 
York Rangers, 316.