In 1990, historical battles were revived by the English Civil War Society in Cumbria.

The Cumbria Steam Gathering held in July that year, provided front row seats for the society to put on their own quick-fire demonstration of musketeer warfare.

FIRE: A musketeer demonstrating the ear blasting effect the weapon can have pictured in 1900

FIRE: A musketeer demonstrating the ear blasting effect the weapon can have pictured in 1900

Among the events staged on Cark Airfield were drills and enactments based on the English Civil War by Thomas Tyldesley’s Regiment of Foote.

The ‘Kings Army’ had set up camp in a field nearby and marched into the showground to the beat of drums to show off their skill with pike and shooting pieces.

PREPARING: Members of the English Civil War society stand ready in Cumbria

PREPARING: Members of the English Civil War society stand ready in Cumbria

Richard Duffy of the Civil War society kept up a running commentary, explaining the background and history of a conflict that tore a nation apart as the crown and parliament struggled against one another for the soul of England.

In a typical skirmish, pikemen used sixteen-foot-long pikes made from the ash tree to protect musketeers in the thirty seconds it would take to reload their weapons.

The average soldier was expected to fire his weapon three times in one minute.

FIGHTING: The clash between soldiers representing the Kings Army and Parliament’s forces pictured in 1990

FIGHTING: The clash between soldiers representing the King's Army and Parliament’s forces pictured in 1990

Fairfax’s New Model Army was the first to be put on a professional footing and the group took training very seriously.

Books on drill instructions still survive in the museums and private collections where the Society’s members spend their spare hours researching to make their activities as authentic as possible.

For example, there were at least 20 separate commands from the buff coated Captain as he yelled out the re-loading orders.

FIRE: Cannon demonstrations shocked the crowd in 1990

FIRE: Cannon demonstrations shocked the crowd in 1990

Light charges of black powder produced a deafening volley and a great deal of smoke on the battlefield, much to the enjoyment of the crowd.

In the field with Haysham power-station looming through the July haze, Blackwells Norfolks, Rossiters and Lonsford struggled for possession of a row of tents.

Fiona Mason from Leeds, Lynn Adams from Sheffield and Terry Smith from Preston described themselves as ‘associate baggage’.

In real life they work in a transport cafe, the NHS, and the Civil Service.

MARCH: Members of the group marching in line in 1990

MARCH: Members of the group marching in line in 1990