Pikemen & Musketeers
The Company of Pikemen & Musketeers of the Honourable Artillery Company was
re-formed in 1925 to act as a ceremonial body at Armoury House and within the
City of London.
The style of the Company uniform, armour, equipment and “musik” dates from the
reign of Charles I, and the drills and orders are taken from a drill manual by
Col William Bariffe (a member of the HAC) which was published in 1647.
Manned by volunteers from the Veteran members of the HAC, the Company is governed
by the terms of a Royal Warrant presented to the Company by HM The Queen in 1955.
This entitles the Company to parade with a maximum of 63 all ranks, this being
the size of an equivalent company in the 17th Century.
The Company of Pikemen & Musketeers is very proud of its ceremonial role
and active participation in the pageantry of the City of London. Here, the principal
duty is to act as escort to the Lord Mayor at the Lord Mayor’s Show and at State
and other civic functions. Apart from City duties, the Company has taken part
in many other events, tattoos and displays both at home and abroad.
In May 2006 the Company had the unique privilege of parading in St Peter's Square in Rome to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Swiss Guard.
If you would like to know more about the Company of Pikemen & Musketeers,
its role within the City or, if you are a Veteran member of the HAC and would
like to find out how to join, please click here.