A modern interpretation of the uniform worn by the rank and file of battalion companies in the 1st Royal Regiment. The shako for some infantry units was introduced in the last years of the 18th century but on 24 Jan 1800 a General Order was issued to abolish hats and replace them with these caps. This applied to all ranks apart from field officers, general officers and staff. The cap was made of lacquered felt and leather with a brass plate in front, however, in 1806 the lacquering was abolished. The design of the plate was universal but the old regiments were permitted to have their badges inside the central Garter. This soldier has a thistle device at the centre of his plate. Above the plate was a black cockade with a regimental button in the middle. Battalion companies had a white over red plume while light companies had a green plume and a stringed bugle badge. Grenadiers wore these caps on campaign with a white plume and a grenade incorporated in the plate, reserving their bearskin caps for formal parades.
The infantry jacket started to change radically in 1796 when they were fastened to the waist with hooks and eyes. The next year, the lapels were removed so that the jacket as seen here evolved. The skirts were shortened and lace was sewn onto the front of the jacket where the lapels had been before. The lace for privates and corporals in the 1st Royal Regiment was white with a double blue worm down the middle. This pattern had been ordered for the regiment in 1768 and lasted until the 1830s. The belts for the ammunition pouch and bayonet were worn on each shoulder with a regimental plate at the cross point.
