About us
Initially founded in 2009 by members of Carrickfergus No. 19 District.
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When our Fife and Drum Corps was founded in 2009 all of us were from Carrickfergus No. 19 District. However, we invite anyone who has a genuine interest in learning to play and/or read music and is interested in the Ulster-Scots traditions, male or female, to come along from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 on Monday nights to Woodburn Orange Hall, Carrickfergus. Initially we were all complete novices but under expert tuition and with a willingness to learn, we have progressed and are delighted to have reached a level of competence that has enabled us to lead Carrickfergus Pageant and to have played at many events in Carrickfergus Castle, Caircastle, Carrickfergus Gas Works Museum and at other fundraising events. |
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Queen's Jubilee Garden Party, Courtyard, Carrickfergus. |
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Tarifa, Southern Spain. In April 2012, members of Sir Henry's Corps attended a training camp in the grounds of Barmeath Castle with re-enactors from 87th Irish Foot. Accompanying the 87th Foot, the bicentenary of the defence of Tarifa was celebrated in style in May 2012 with re-enactors from France, Portugal, England, Spain and Ireland, North and South. |
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In the Siege of Tarifa from 19 December 1811 to 5 January 1812, an Imperial French army under Jean Francois Leval laid siege to an Anglo-Spanish garrison led by Francisco Copons. Despite the advice of British Colonel John Byne Skerrett to evacuate the city, Copons decided to hold out. Though Tarifa's walls were old and weak, the defenders were greatly aided by continuous rains which flooded the trenches of the French and Polish besiegers. The siege occurred during the Peninsular War, part of the Napoleonic Wars. The 87th Foot were known in the Peninsular War for their battle cry "Faugh a Ballagh", the Irish for "Clear the way". Under the command of Sergeant Masterman, a section were the first to capture a French Eagle and following Barossa the regiment was recommended to the Prince Regent who awarded them the title of "Prince Of Wales' Own Regiment" and directed that they wear an Eagle on their colours and appointments. It is said that Major Brown led his battalion into the attack singing his favourite song 'Hearts of Oak'. The 87th Foot became the Royal Irish Fusiliers in 1882 and now the Royal Irish Rangers. To mark the special occasion, a statue of Francisco Copons was unveiled at the end of the 2 day event. |
Our Mission
We provide 17th Century Fife and Drum Music, both military and popular tunes of the era.
(Whether it is part of a re-enactment troupe or not).
We also play present-day tunes from the Ulster-Scots tradition and we aim to promote and educate in this tradition.
