The Authentic Camp is our representation of the camps used by the soldiers and civilians during the war, whether the impression is one of a winter style camp or one of an army on campaign. Do not spoil the impression by being obviously inauthentic. The only people in the Authentic Camp in modern day clothing during an event should be members of the public visiting the camp.
Remember: You represent your Society, your Unit and your period of history. Please honour the men and women of 1863 that you represent.
Tents are to be of canvas and of a style appropriate to the War. Tents should only be left open during the day that display items correct for the period. A blanket or similar covering should cover any modern items. Modern groundsheets, where used, should not be visible from outside the tent.
The Authentic camp is to be laid out as per Soskan rules. (A layout diagram will be added to this page but is available from Company Officers.) All tent lines should be of the correct military spacing were space is available. There should, however, be one pace between tents (2 feet) and all streets should be five paces wide (15 feet).
Find out camp layout before camping from:
CSA Living History Camp:- Confederate Sergeant Major or Senior NCO present..
USA Living History Camp:- Union Sergeant Major or Senior NCO present..
Fire buckets are required and should be white canvas or period metal type. One per tent is advised however a minimum of one per two tents is permissible. To be checked by company NCOs.
Check whether raised fires or pits are permitted. Fires are to be situated in the fire line at the top of the street, there may be up to 3 fires per street, depending on the size of each street. Fire pits should only be dug where allowed by the sponsor, at other times raised fires of an acceptable style should be used. Potbelly style fires may be allowed (at the Officer's discretion) for cooking periods only. This type of fire must be removed from the fire lines during Living History periods when the public are present. Fire pits are to be dug out, cleared of ash, watered and restored to original condition with turf watered down.
Clear up campsite, all rubbish to be removed to skip / bins or a designated central point. In a few cases we may be required to remove our rubbish from the event site.
Camps will be guarded during public hours on a show-by-show basis by pickets. At battle/display times, this is the responsibility of the Provost Marshal.
Muskets should be correctly stacked in the Color Line during the day and with a guard. They must still be guarded when moved inside tents because of rain.
Lanterns, stools, tables, wood boxes and trunks for gear must be acceptable for the period and kept to a minimum when used in the street. Camp furniture should be kept to a minimum and only acceptable repro-style (no 'directors' or modern folding wooden chairs etc.). The street must be kept clear of any obstructions and, where possible, lanterns should be used after dark..
Water containers that are in view should be made of wood or pottery. Plastic containers covered in canvas, wine demijohns and any other non-authentic containers should be put away when the public are present.
At no time should you be seen eating or drinking modern day refreshments in the Authentic Camp i.e. drinks from site vendors in plastic cups, Cola bottles, takeaway food etc.
No radios, tape recorders, CD players or other modern day electrical items should be seen or heard on the Authentic Camp. Cameras may be used discreetly. Mobile telephones should only be used when expecting an emergency call, at all other times they must be turned off.
Modern prams, pushchairs, modern invalid scooters or wheelchairs are also not appropriate when a member is in period costume and should be avoided where possible within the authentic camp.
Families using the Living History Camp must be in period clothing during the time that the public is around.
Quiet Times - 12.00 midnight to 7.00 am Living History Camps. No chopping wood before 7.00 am
Read all standing orders on Company and Head Quarters notice boards, and act on it.
All young persons under 18 to be under adult supervision.
Company officers are responsible for all guests (in both camps) and collecting of guest fees.
The (approximate) number of a regiment attending an event to be passed to the Battalion Adjutant.
Membership cards / firearm / explosive certificates to be carried at all times.
Some members prefer to camp in modern tentage, caravans or motor homes. This is entirely your choice, however such camping is in a separate area and often includes the members’ car parking area.
For details of the Modern Camp:-contact the Projects officer (Currently Tony Beer).
No open fires in Modern camp, ask camp marshal about BBQs.
Quiet Times - 11pm to 7.00 am (Modern Camp)
Vehicles must be removed from the Living History Camps after setting up and parked in the designated area, often the modern camp. This includes cars showing disabled passes.
No vehicles are allowed on the Living History Camps after 8am on battle days.
All vehicles should be parked in the appropriate designated car park as detailed by the projects officer.
No vehicle should be returned to the Authentic Camp before the stated end of the event unless in a case of emergency and approved by an EC member or an Army Commander. Members who attend the event on a daily basis should take their vehicle directly to the designated parking area. The only authorised vehicles that will be allowed on any part of the Authentic Camp are vehicles belonging to the emergency services.
10mph speed limit on camp sites and use hazard lights.
The (approximate) number of a regiment, modern campers and cars attending an event to be passed to the Projects Officer. All vehicle registration numbers to be held by unit officers.
Entry Gate Times; Check standing orders.