Heppenstalls were pleased to sponsor a display by the Company and Pikemen of Musketeers at Hurst Castle on 13th September 2014.
The Keyhaven Car Park was packed so we had to drive along to the “crabbing bridge” and then walk along the Spit to the Castle. A forty minute walk, but well worthwhile as the display was great fun.
The Pikemen and Musketeers were granted a Royal Warrant in 1537 by Henry VIII, who built Hurst Castle and the HAC is the oldest regiment in the British Army. It is also the ceremonial body guard to the Lord Mayor of London.
The Pikemen and Musketeers parading in to drums and pikes, and took various drills and gave a salute taken by Major Rt Hon Desmond Swayne, our local MP. The highlight was probably the Musketeers firing off their weapons, which was incredibly loud. The order was given to “aim high”, but I think it was not quite high enough for those of us sitting in the direct line of fire!
It was a really fun afternoon, particularly watching the soldiers, still in full kit, boarding the little ferry back to Keyhaven, complete with drums and pikes.
There was a really good turn out for this event which brought a little bit of history back to the Castle.
