Watnall Troop S.N.Y.C. local history

 In 1803 the war against Napoleon's France reignited. Fears in Great Britain grew about the possibility of a full scale invasion by Napoleon who commanded an extremely large and powerful navy, and had around 150'000 troops at his disposal. A call was made for the formation of volunteer units across the nation to defend the country in case such an invasion happened. As a result, around 300'000 men volunteered and were formed into volunteer infantry units across the country including a strong contingent in Nottinghamshire. In 1803 the Wollaton Hall estate was the seat of Henry Willoughby, the 6th Baron Middleton (1761-1835). In response to the Napoleonic emergency, Lord Middleton raised and commanded The Loyal Wollaton, Lenton and Beeston Volunteer Infantry. As part of the nation's defence, and to protect his own estate in the event of war.  To arm his troops, Lord Middleton purchased 200 India Pattern (Brown Bess) muskets, the current service weapon of the British Army.

 A  rare mid Victorian Cavalry Troopers hand book. Printed by Forman of Nottingham in 1849. A seven inch tall, sixty eight  page book. The book was issued to Private  67 John Lowe of "A" (Holme Pierrepont) Troop,  he book gives details of military horsemanship including how to care for the horse. Swordsmanship,lists of words of command for use during parade and manual exercise. Cleaning and maintenance of arms and kit. Sword exercise, dressing, marching, etc.Carbine exercise is very detailed. It describes the loading and firing of a percussion muzzle loading carbine. Given that these instructions were written in 1849, at this time this would refer to the smooth-bore Enfield 1844 Patt percussion Yeomanry carbine which records show were returned to the Ordnance in 1853 to be replaced with rifled percussion carbines with Minie rifling, the loading procedure still the same.  Numerous handwritten amendments  throughout including half a page blanked out, and a section added. To the