Reenactment Periods

Lord Edward’s Own bring the story of the 1798 Rebellion to life through authentic and engaging historical reenactments, through our interpretation of the United Irishmen, Kildare Militia and Royal Irish Artillery. Depicting the struggle of the United Irishmen and the dramatic clashes of the period, the group recreates the atmosphere of late 18th‑century Ireland with accurate dress, drill, and interpretation. Our displays honour the men and women who took part in the uprising against British rule, offering audiences a vivid insight into a pivotal moment in Irish history

Lord Edward’s Own interpret the 86th (Leinster) Regiment of Foot as a disciplined line infantry unit of the British Army during the late 18th and Napoleonic era. Raised in 1793 and later associated with the province of Leinster, the regiment served across Ireland and abroad in campaigns from Egypt to India, reflecting the global reach of the period. Through accurate uniforms, drill, and battlefield portrayal, our group recreates the appearance and conduct of British regular soldiers, offering audiences an insight into the military forces that opposed Napoleon.

Lord Edward’s Own interpret the Spanish Regimiento de Irlanda as an Irish émigré unit in Spanish service during the Napoleonic Wars, representing the long tradition of Irish soldiers who fought abroad following the Penal era. Through carefully researched uniforms, drill, and battlefield roles, the group recreates the appearance and discipline of these veteran troops, who served in key campaigns of the Peninsular War against Napoleonic France. Our portrayal highlights the international dimension of Irish military history, bringing to life the experience of Irish soldiers fighting in foreign armies during this turbulent period

Lord Edward’s Own interpret the French Legion d’Irlande as an Irish émigré unit in French service during the Napoleonic Wars, reflecting the continued tradition of Irish soldiers fighting on continental Europe after the upheavals of the late 18th century. Through authentic uniforms, drill, and battlefield tactics, the group recreates the experience of these troops, who served in Napoleon’s armies and embodied both Irish exile and revolutionary allegiance. Our portrayal highlights the complex loyalties of the period, bringing to life the role of Irishmen in the wider European conflicts of the era.

Lord Edward’s Own interpret the Leinster Regiment during the First World War, portraying the experience of Irish soldiers serving on the Western Front. Through accurate uniforms, equipment, and drill, the group recreates the life of infantrymen who endured the harsh realities of trench warfare in France and Flanders. Their portrayal honours the service and sacrifice of the regiment, offering a vivid insight into the conditions, discipline, and camaraderie of Irish troops during one of the most devastating conflicts in modern history.

Lord Edward’s Own interpret the turbulent period in Ireland from 1916 to 1923, portraying the opposing forces and experiences of the era from the Easter Rising through the War of Independence and Civil War. The group recreates the Irish Volunteers and later Irish Republican Army, alongside Crown forces including the Royal Irish Constabulary, Black and Tans, and Auxiliaries, and the National Army and IRA of the Civil War, reflecting the complex and often divided nature of the conflict. Through accurate uniforms, equipment, and tactical displays, we bring to life the realities of guerrilla warfare and policing in revolutionary Ireland. A particular highlight of our portrayal is the group’s replica Rolls-Royce armoured car, representing the type of heavily armed vehicle deployed by Crown forces during the conflict, equipped with machine guns and used to patrol roads and respond to IRA activity.