Pikemen

Pikemen were the ‘eldest arm’ of the regiment, with pikes (long stakes used to drive off horses) having been used since Classical times.

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Pikemen wear a helmet and a back and breast plate. These would provide some protection against blades but would not stop a stray musket-ball, which is why the pikeman began to go out of style towards the end of this period.

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Their role on the battlefield today is much the same as it was 400 years ago - to protect the musketeers, both from cavalry and other stray pike blocks!