Funding for this project provided by a grant from The Society of Colonial Wars in the State of New Jersey.

Project Overview:
The Old Barracks Museum is currently engaged in the meticulous hand-sewing of three new uniforms representing the 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment of Foot. Two companies from this regiment were quartered in the Trenton Barracks during the winter of 1759-1760. In addition to the uniforms, a reproduction camp bed is being crafted by Dick Toone of Living History Shop to furnish a bedroom in the Officers’ House.

Uniform Details:
The uniforms are exact reproductions of the regimental clothing worn by the 1st or Royal Regiment of Foot during 1759-60. The garments are constructed primarily of woolen broadcloth and are adorned with white worsted lace, unique to the Royal Regiment. Each piece is crafted with historical accuracy:

• Coat: Made from woolen broadcloth, lined with blue wool known as Bay, and bound in white worsted lace. The coat is lapelled, cuffed, and lined in broadcloth dyed to match the blue lining.
• Waistcoat: Constructed from woolen broadcloth, with a lining of durable linen.
• Breeches: Made from woolen kersey, dyed to match the coat’s facings, and designed to be simple and comfortable.

Craftsmanship:
Every stitch in these garments has been carefully sewn by hand in a tailor’s shop modeled after those from 18th century colonial America. The patterns were drafted in-house, with details drawn from extensive study of surviving 18th-century clothing, both civilian and military, as well as contemporary images of soldiers from the Royal Regiment.