Rebels and Redcoats

The notion of art imitating life will be close to home this weekend for costumed performer Mike Newcomen who will portray his own ancestor in our Rebels & Redcoats event.

The event, which marks the 300th anniversary of the Battle of Sheriffmuir, will see Mike and his colleagues taking on the parts of government soldiers and Jacobites as the story of this crucial battle in the Jacobite uprising unfolds for visitors.

Mike, who has performed at many Historic Scotland events over the years and who set up one of the original Jacobite re-enactment groups in Scotland, recently discovered that he was directly descended from Beverly Newcomen of the 14th Dragoon regiment who fought on the government side during the 1715 rising.

Mike explained, ‘My grandfather originally came from Ballymahon, County Longford in Ireland to work on the Glamis estate in Scotland, many of the family having moved to Ireland in Cromwell’s time. Beverly was a captain in the 14th Dragoon Regiment that was part of the Jacobite war of 1715. After the Jacobites’ defeat he was involved in the mopping up operation and the transporting of prisoners for execution and deportation. In 1717 the regiment returned to Ireland and as far as I can establish, continued his commission for a number of years before retirement.’

It will be unchartered territory and mixed emotions as Mike lays down his Jacobite tartans and dons a Red Coat to take on the role of Beverly. Look out for him in the English Garrison at the event!

Rebels & Redcoats takes place at Stirling Castle on Sat 26 & Sun 27 September from 12pm-4pm and is included in admission price.

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