Let me tell you how I, Bartholemew Simpson, came upon this motley band known as the Marcher Stuarts. When the war broke out between the King and his Parliament I joined the Parliamentary army and served in Lord Robartes Regiment of  Foote.

Army life suited me well and I soon became Elder Sergeant of Musketry. I took part at Edgehill, a very sad day, as my two sons were fighting for the King, thinking that his cause was just. It is my great hope that they are well for I have not heard from either one this many a year.      

As time wore on conditions worsened and disease was as much a danger as a ball or pike. To my misfortune I was stricken with the contagion known as the flux and left to die at the roadside. I thought I was in deep, deep trouble and then the Marcher Stuarts, following the army to see what they could glean from that which the army had left, came upon me. I was taken in, given food, and from the ministrations, potions and unguents of Mistress Grotte and the barber surgeon recovered my strength. I now march with them and fight for the man who will pay well.

Bartholemew, alias Steve Davies, is a retired Primary school teacher.