Warkworth – in defense from Napoleon
March 2025 Meeting Report
Bill Openshaw presented his talk, based on his book ‘To the Call of Bugles – A History of the Percy Tenantry Volunteers 1798 – 1814’, dressed in full Light Infantry regalia! Surely a first for Warkworth History Society.
Local tenants of the Percy family, including many volunteers from Warkworth, were called to arms in 1798 when France declared war on Great Britain. 1000 men were paid for by the Duke of Northumberland himself. The planned invasion of the North East came to nothing, however, and the French surrendered in 1802.
The following year war was declared once again. This time 1500 men volunteered, paid for once more by Hugh Percy, the 2nd Duke of Northumberland. He was an experienced soldier having learned guerrilla warfare during his time in America. His volunteers were therefore well trained in the use of guerrilla tactics and were also excellent marksmen.
The types of weapons available ranged from the Brown Bess muskets of 1798, to government supplied rifles in 1803. During the Napoleonic Wars the cavalry were supplied with sabres, designed to maim rather than kill, to which the French strongly objected. Pistols were available, though not much used, and light canon were towed by horses, making them very mobile.
Mock battles were held locally, such as the Battle of Brizlee Tower in August 1805. These proved a very popular form of entertainment for local civilians!
Although the Napoleonic Wars continued until 1815, French soldiers never set foot on British soil, and in that year the Percy Volunteers disbanded.
In 1859, in response to a perceived threat of a French invasion, the government once more authorised the formation of a Volunteer Artillery Corps to defend the coasts. The Percy Artillery was formed, which included Warkworth. Thomas Clutterbuck, who was mentioned in a previous talk about the history of the Memorial Hall, was Captain of the Warkworth volunteers.
On what turned out to be a most memorable evening, Bill Openshaw truly brought to life a key moment in history, not only because of its importance internationally but also for its local significance to the people of Northumberland and of Warkworth.
Report by Kathryn McLachlan