17th Century Weapons - the Pike

The pike was an honourable weapon in the 16th and 17th century, getting more than its fair share of glory even though it was perhaps less used for killing and maiming the enemy than the musket.

These pages show some of the pike postures (as the drill movements are known). Our knowledge of them comes from several period drill manuals still in existence, mainly 'Directions for Musters' printed in 1638.