Alan Turton, from Basing House, delighted members of the Whitchurch History Society with his talk, entitled "The Social History of the English Civil War Soldier".

Although he is well-versed in other historical subjects, he is particularly interested in the Civil War, during which the famous siege of Basing House took place as supporters of King Charles I battled it out with the Roundheads.

Charles was not a wise king; he was indiscreet and made a number of unwise political decisions, said Mr Turton. War was the inevitable result of the collision between King and Parliament and it plunged Britain into several years of misery and ended in the defeat and, later, the execution of Charles.

Until the Civil War, Britain had no properly organised standing army. The common soldier had a hard life, said Mr Turton. Pay was often erratic, but on joining up, our soldier, whichever his side, would receive 10 shillings for entertainment. This was really to purchase necessities for his new life. He also received certain items of equipment and in any amount he might need. Weapons were issued as required.

Mr Turton had a large pile of clothing, armour and weapons piled behind him and soon a brave volunteer was kitted out as a 17th-century soldier.

With only one shirt issued per man, the saying that you could actually smell an army coming was probably true. Hygiene was dreadful and, not surprisingly, sickness, known as "army fever" - typhus - was rampant.

The cavalry were more elegant, sporting long boots and spurs, together with a sash - red for Charles's men and orange for Parliament. Weapons comprised firearms, swords and - most impressive of all - long pikes.

After the talk, members felt well-prepared for their visit to Basing House on July 15th.

The next open meeting will be on Tuesday, May 6th, when Graham Scobie, of Winchester Museums Service, will talk about medieval Winchester. For information about the society, ring 01256-896106.