The 80th Regiment of Foot strives for authenticity, therefore we try to ensure that uniforms and equipment meet high standards. Unfortunately the cost of the full kit is expensive, but we only require you to acquire the basic uniform to join us on camp and to purchase the remainder as you can afford it.
If you are not sure if this group is for you it may be possible to borrow basic kit to join us for a camp or two. We do not expect you to spend a large amount of money without knowing you like our group.
Please note - for authenticity modern watches are not permitted and if you wear spectacles we request that you acquire an historically accurate pair. Also should you have any disability the visible aids you will be allowed will be those that would have been available to you in the 1870s. This is not to be taken as discrimination but to keep the authenticity of the camp. All aids must be provided by the individual.
The group accepts men, women and children of all ages. This page will guide you towards the correct dress for the period. In the following lists all items with a price may be purchased through the group in-house suppliers. All costs are approximate and liable to change.
MEN
Basic Kit
Grey Shirt
Blue Trousers
Boots
Gaiters
Glengarry with Regimental badge
Braces
Additional Kit
Red Tunic
Belt with O/R buckle
Shako
Belt Pouches
Webbing
White Helmet
Bread Bag
Oliver pattern water bottle
Martini-Henry Infantry Rifle
Bayonet and frog
If you wish to portray any of the affiliated units such as medical or mounted you must provide any necessary kit. Please note we would like you to be a member of the regular unit before embarking on any of the auxiliary units. Any portrayal of the auxiliary units must have the permission of the Group Officers.
LADIES
Female members have the choice of being a soldier in the ranks or representing the soldiers' wives. As a soldier we ask that you dress as the men do (with appropriate kit as necessary), or if representing one of the wives to dress according to your partner's rank. Unaccompanied ladies will be given a rank to match.
We do require that our women wear dresses of the correct period with the appropriate underwear. A corset is essential to provide the correct posture and the rest of the underwear gives you the correct outline. Don't worry they aren't too uncomfortable once you are used to them (we don't lace them as tight - just enough to give support) As with the men's gear we don't ask that you get all the kit all at once, but acquire it as you can afford it.
Basic Kit
Dress
of the period
Petticoats
Bonnet or Cap
Boots
Stockings
Additional Kit
Corset
Camisole and Bloomers
Bustle if your dress style need one
Coat or Cape
Shawl
Gloves
CHILDREN
Any children who participate on camp must be appropriately dressed for their age. Children under the age of twelve must be in civilian dress. Boys over the age of twelve may join the Regiment and be in uniform.
BABIES AND TODDLERS - These must be in appropriate Victorian dress. If they require items such as prams they must be of a suitable Victorian pattern. No modern equipment can be visible to the public.
BOYS - Suitable dress of period trousers, shirt, jacket, cap and boots.
GIRLS - Suitable period dress, stockings, petticoat, bonnet, pinafore and boots.
The group can give help and advice regarding any of the uniforms and costumes. For information please contact the group officers or to order any items please contact the suppliers listed.
Suggested Suppliers
In-house Suppliers.
Currently we are only able to provide uniform to group members.
Ladies and children - Ann Lloyd Tel: 01547520239
The group can also supply some buttons and buckles etc.
Other Suppliers.
These are suppliers members of the group have purchased from. There are others out there - if you know of any good ones please let us know.
The Thin Red Line - suppliers and manufactures of re-created Victorian uniforms and accoutrements.
Wynnstay House
Spa Road
Llandrindod Wells
Powys LD1 5EY
Tel 01597 823272 Fax 01597824505
Website - www.thinred.co.uk
The Sutlers Stores - Suppliers and stockists of authentic items for re-enactors.
11a-11b Columbia Road
Ensbury Park
Bournemouth
Dorset BH10 4DZ
Tel 01202268176 Fax 01202462090
Website - www.sutlers.co.uk
Warhorse Trading Post
34 Squires Way
Dover
Kent CT16 2DB
Tel/Fax 01304823341
Website - www.warhorsetradingpost.co.uk
Peter Green - Supplier of Military Badges and Medals.
35 Old Silk Mill
Brook Street
Tring
Surrey HP23 4EF
e-mail p-r-green@hotmail.com
Military History Workshop
Kimblewicks
Little Ford Cross
Bradworthy
Devon
EX22 7RQ
Tel: 01409 241459
Edwin Field
32 Holcroft Way
Aldridge
Walsall
West Mids WF9 8UL
Tel: 01922453993
