Stoddard's Company

Late 16th-century warfare saw disciplined ranks of pikemen protecting musketeers in a deadly combination of reach and firepower. In the chaos of battle, opposing blocks of pikemen could meet in a brutal 'push of pike'—a violent, close-quarters struggle where densely packed soldiers clashed with 14-20 foot pikes, relying on strength, cohesion, and sheer will to break the enemy's line.

We are approaching the final weekend of the Koroneburg Renaissance Festival! One more weekend of ale, merriment, battles, and more to kick off the summer!

⚔Hail Stoddard!⚔

📷: Marie

Port pike to the inside!... of the fourth weekend of the Koroneburg Renaissance Festival! Our company drills each morning to ensure we are at our best to teach you all about 16th century pike-and-shotte warfare. Come and learn for yourself, or just come for the , as we have two more weekends of the event to go!

⚔Hail Stoddard!⚔

Glory to the billmen!

While the pike and musket are our mainstays, the early trained-bands maintained a variety of weapons in their arsenals. Among them was the English favorite, the billhook! This pole-arm's namesake comes from its distinctive hook-shaped blade, which when wielded by a trained soldier could be used to pull an opponent from their horse, or with a sweep to the leg send them to the ground!

You can learn about the billhook and all our weaponry by visiting our encampment at the Koroneburg Renaissance Festival! We still have two more weekends of to go!

⚔Hail Stoddard!⚔

📷 Katie Marie