CASTLE Drogo will reverberate to the sound of the American Civil War as the armies of the Potomac and Northern Virginia fight it out in July.
There will be two battle events on July 13 and 14, put on by the Armies of the Potomac and Northern Virginia Historical Society — who will be living under canvas along the castle driveway for the weekend, cooking, marching and drilling as they did at the time of the war.
The soldiers — around 250 to 300 infantry and cavalry — will be dressed in authentic regimental uniforms of the time — 1861 to 1865 — and Alan Grimes from the society said the only permitted item of modern clothing would be spectacles if participants could not afford Victorian-style ones.
'The Union troops wore smart blue uniforms, whereas the Confederates were more ragged and wore whatever they could get their hands on and of any colour. The women will also be dressed in authentic costumes,' he said.
'For the first time in the UK, we will have six horses pulling a limber with two artillerymen on it and towing a cannon,' he said, explaining that a limber was a two-wheeled open box in which gunpowder and cannonballs were carried. 'They will be rather warm if it goes off,' he said! The cannon alone weighs about half a ton.
Officers will decide on the day what battle — or officially skirmish, as it involves fewer than 1,000 men — will be re-enacted. They will also have to wait until the day to decide how many horses can be involved, depending on the state of the ground.
After the battle, which Mr Grimes said would involve a lot of shooting of muskets, carbines and cannons, the members of the public will be welcome to look around the campsite, take photos and ask questions.
The society has £4 million public liability insurance to cover their events, which are staged around the country. Mr Grimes added that they were currently looking for new recruits, and application forms would be available at the weekend. They would also accept volunteers to take part during the weekend's event — although they would not be able to fire a gun.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Mr Grimes on 01276 22889. Temporary uniforms can be provided — and there is the added bonus for some that no-one at that time in history shaved!
A spokesperson for Castle Drogo said that as well as displays of artillery and cavalry, and there would also be 'bloody instruments' displayed in the castle which were used to look after people when they were wounded.
'All-in-all it will be an impressive event,' she said.
There will be a charge of £4 for adults and £1 for children to see the battle — which will take place in a field at the end of the drive — which will be separate from the normal admission charge to the castle and will apply to National Trust members also.