The Pike made up the about one third of the 17th century army.
The pikeman was armed with a 14 foot pike that was tipped with a two foot
spike.
The pike was used to protect the musket from the cavalry and to push the
advance
upon the opposing army.
The Earl of Manchester's field a substantial pike block which is accompanied on the
field by the pike sergeant and officer. We carry 14 foot pikes that for reenactment purposes are not metal tipped. There are two ' methods' of engagement undertaking
by the pike of the Sealed Knot.
Push, which involves engaging the enemy in a tight packed block
with pikes raised.
Facing the enemy we follow commands that bring us from march to closest
order before
we slam into the opposing pike block. This can be strenuous activity
but extremely exhilarating .
Point is the other form of engagement reenacted by members of
the Sealed Knot pike.
In this instance we engage the enemy with pikes lowered and pointing
straight ahead, though not as thrilling as push this is regarded as
more historically accurate.
