French and Indian War Outfittings Project & Grant
Funding for this project provided by a grant from The Society of Colonial Wars in the State of New Jersey.
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The Old Barracks Museum is hard at work, hand-sewing three new uniforms from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment of Foot! Two companies of this regiment was quartered in the Trenton Barracks during the winter of 1759-1760.
Additionally, a reproduction camp bed is being produced by Dick Toone of Living History Shop to furnish a bedroom in the Officers' House. |
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Progress of this project will be posted on this web page. Be sure to check back for photos and videos showing the attention to detail and accuracy that the Historic Interpreters are putting into the uniforms!
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The clothing here is a reproduction of the suits of regimental clothing worn by the 1st or Royal Regiment of Foot in 1759-60. The coat and waistcoat are primarily constructed of woolen broadcloth, and bound in white worsted lace in a manner unique to the Royal Regiment. The coat is lined in loosely woven blue wool known as Bay, with skirts turned back to reveal the color. The coat is also lapelled and cuffed in the broadcloth dyed the same blue as the lining. The waistcoat is lined in cheaper, but hardy linen. The breeches, which are usually mostly hidden from view by the coat, waistcoat, and gaiters, are made of woolen kersey dyed the same blue as the coat’s facings. They’re simple, compared to contemporary civilian breeches, lacking side pockets, but are comfortable and conform to one contemporary argument that they fit “easy, full, and well.”
Every stitch in these garments was done by hand in a tailors shop modeled on the form of 18th century shops that existed all over colonial America. The patterns were drafted in house, and the details taken from a study of extant 18th century clothing, both civilian and military, and the few contemporary images of soldiers of the Royal Regiment that survive.
Every stitch in these garments was done by hand in a tailors shop modeled on the form of 18th century shops that existed all over colonial America. The patterns were drafted in house, and the details taken from a study of extant 18th century clothing, both civilian and military, and the few contemporary images of soldiers of the Royal Regiment that survive.