top of page
Research Based Living History
It goes without saying that we in the 63rd Regiment of Foot love history. We love researching it, learning about it, and teaching what we know to anyone who cares to listen.
In our opinion, when we do living history programs for the public, we find that it is imperative that we get the details right. Not just the big ones, but the little ones as well. As the individuals we portray can no longer speak for themselves, we feel that it is our responsibility to tell their story properly. Anything less than putting our best effort forward would be a disservice to their memory. Considering the fact that many of the individuals who wore the uniforms we wear paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country during the American War for Independence, we figure this is the least we can do.
Not to mention we're addicts for great material culture....
While some prefer to call us "Thread Counters", we prefer to to think of our ourselves as educated story tellers. Whether we're telling the story of the American War for Independence through speaking to the public, or simply by our appearance using 100% hand-sewn and tailored uniforms (made from the finest custom woven cloths by Kochan-Phillips Historic Textiles), custom made accoutrements, custom made firelocks, hand-sewn linen tents, or research based camp kitchens, everything we do is the absolute best that can be done given the current state of research.
So... the next time you go to a living history event, ask yourself if your observations look correct. Study up on how soldiers actually lived during the American Revolution before you go. Some primary source information can be found right here on this website. Most important, don't take anything you see at a reenactment for face value. Sometimes what you're witnessing may not exactly be correct. The only way you can tell for sure? Do some research!
Belt Plate - H.M. 63rd Regiment of Foot
(Don Troiani Collection)
Officer's Repousse Button
(Don Troiani Collection)
Buttons recovered from the Works of Fort Clinton on the Banks of the Hudson River
Taken by the British October 6, 1777
New York Gazette, and Weekly Mercury, 16 December, 1776, New York, New York
“ Two Guineas REWARD.
TAKEN out of the house of Lieutenant French of The 63d regiment, opposite the German church, in The Swamp, on Thursday last, about two o’clock in the Afternoon, by a lad servant in the house, named ADAM. A silver watch, cap’d and jeweled; the supposed Num-Ber (?)833, maker’s name, PEACOCK, London; he also took several shirts, laced ruffles, stockings, &; Whoever takes up the thief and goods, so that the owner may have his property again, shall receive the above reward, paid by HUGH GAINE.
N. B. He is pitted with the small pox, black short Hair, about 17 years old, and small of his age ; Had on a short blue jacket and blue breeches, round hat."
Orderly Book, H.M. 17th Regiment of Foot, Clayton's Company, 22 Nov 1778
"Memorandum
Strayd from 63d Regt a Hansom Pointer Dogg Muttled very small with Brown, Except two other very large spotts of the same colour on his Hind Part of his Head in Intirely Brown any Gentleman in whose Possion he may be, by sending him to Ct Willington"
(Historical Society of Pennsylvania; microfilm in David Library)
Account of the Battle of Bunker Hill
New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury Dec. 04, 1775 Issue: 1260
(It was actually Captain William Stopford of the Grenadier Company of the 63rd Regiment of Foot who was wounded at Breed's Hill. His wound was so severe that he retired from the Army on 10 July, 1775. Captain Thomas Foillet (also spelled 'Foillot' or Follett') of the 63rd Light Compnay was also wounded in the battle. He sold his commission on 11 July, 1775.)
Royal Gazette 5 December, 1778, New York, New York
“FOUND near Bloomingdale, a very fat Pointer Bitch. The Owner may have her by applying to Capt. St. Leger, of the 63d regiment.”
bottom of page