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Soldiers Life 1700s
A Soldier’s Life was totally different in the 1700s to what any
soldier would expect in today’s modern army. Regiments had no permanent
base. Soldiers spent the summer in tented camps, and in winter billeted
in inns or private houses. Army life was not easy - but all the soldiers
were volunteers - and not ‘pressed’ as in the Navy. The Army offered
regular food, pay and usually a roof overhead - things which were not
guaranteed in civilian life.
Recruiting "By Beat of Drum"
A recruiting party would consist of a Captain, a Sergeant, a
Corporal, a Drummer and two Private soldiers. On arrival in a town or
village the inhabitants would be summoned by beating the drum.
The Captain would address the crowd:-
"To all aspiring heroes bold, who have spirits above slavery and trade,
and inclinations to become gentlemen, by bearing arms in His Majesty's
4th Regiment of Foot . . . . . let them repair to the drum head where
each gentleman Volunteer shall be kindly and honourably entertained, and
enter into present pay and good quarters. Beside which you shall receive
ten shillings advance; a crown to drink His Majesty's health; new hats,
caps, arms, cloth and accoutrements, and everything that is fitting to
complete a gentleman soldier."
If sufficient volunteers were not forthcoming it was not uncommon for
the recruiting party to ply likely candidates with drink in the local
inn, and then obtain their agreement to joining the Regiment!
Recruiting for Barrell's Blues
Accession Number: KO2490/304
Accommodation
Early soldiers did not have any permanent barracks; these were
introduced gradually during the 18th century.
Soldiers would often be billeted with a local innkeeper, who would agree
terms with the Captain. He could charge up to 4d per day per man.
Occasionally soldiers could be lodged in private houses if the ale
houses were full.
During the summer months and while on active service, it was usual for
the regiment to live in tents. Regimental order books from 1745 show the
delivery of fresh clean straw, for bedding, was important while men were
camping.
The early barracks were small and not designed for a whole regiment.
Different companies would be spread over a few locations.
A typical barracks would have about fifteen double beds in three rooms,
which would sleep thirty soldiers. The men would live, eat and sleep in
these rooms. Officers and any married men were usually billeted in a
local public house as no women or children were allowed to live in the
barracks.
The Barrack Master was in charge and was responsible for the care of the
building and the soldiers. Men paid 3d each month for blankets, a rug,
coal, candles and fresh straw for bedding.
Pay
Soldiers were not well paid compared to farm labourers and factory
workers, but they did have a regular wage and a certain amount of job
security.
Army Pay Rates have traditionally been listed as by the day:-
In 1680 a private soldier was paid 8d (pence) per day.
In 1790 a private soldier was paid 1s (shilling) per day.
In 1890 a private soldier was paid 1s 2d per day.
The pay the soldier actually received was far less - there were many
deductions. In 1680 6d was taken each day for food and lodgings, and at
least an additional 1d was taken each week to cover various expenses
such as the medicine and equipment required by the Regimental Surgeon.
Over one hundred years later the deductions had increased. 8¾d per day
was taken for food and lodging, laundry and cleaning materials. Up to 4d
per week would also be taken for various things such as barrack damages
and haircutting. What was left over was probably spent by the soldier on
additional food, ale and prostitutes.
A private soldier did not earn enough money to support a wife and
family; families were strongly discouraged by the Army.
Higher pay could be obtained by promotion.
Promotions
Promotion brought different work, more responsibility and more money.
1685 Daily Pay
Private 8d
Corporal 1s
Sergeant 1s 6d
(Currency Explanation: Before 1971 money was measured in pounds,
shillings and pence. There were 12 pence in one shilling, and 20
shillings in a pound. One shilling was equal to five pence as we know it
today.)
It was possible for Sergeants, Quartermaster Sergeants and Sergeant
Majors to earn more money and enjoy a standard of living and status
which they were unlikely to achieve as labourers, tradesmen or clerks in
civilian life.
Even from the earliest days of the modern British Army some level of
literacy was expected in order to obtain promotion. A Sergeant in charge
of a platoon of men would be expected to be able to read orders and
regulations, and check the amounts being charged by landlords for straw,
candles, food and drink and accommodation.
It was not until the reforms of Cardwell in the 1870s that an army
career structure began, reinforced with a proper system of Army
Education.
Sergeants needed honesty, sobriety, an attention to duty and a neatness
in dress. Leading by example they were the backbone of the British Army
- overseeing the day- to-day duties of the men.
Food
Army food was unappetizing of poor quality, monotonous, but was ample
and regular.
Whilst in lodgings a soldier in the 1750's is reported to have been fed
beef and cabbage three times a day for sixteen weeks!
In the early 18th century soldiers were generally issued with biscuit
and cheese. They would supplement their diet by plundering and poaching,
although this was strictly forbidden.
By the time of the 1775 campaign in North America a typical soldier's
weekly rations consisted of:
7 lb Bread or Flour
7 lb Beef or 4 lb Pork
6 oz Butter or 8 oz Cheese
3 Pints Peas
½ lb Oatmeal
It is likely that a soldier would supplement these rations by buying
expensive local food.
A major concern of most soldiers was the timing of their meals. For
troops based at home breakfast was at 7.30 am and dinner at 12.30pm.
They would receive nothing more until breakfast the next morning - 19
hours later. Three meals a day did not become common until the late 19th
century.
Accession Number: KO2217/05
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