THOUSANDS of visitors to Ickworth House were able to witness a snapshot of military life in the early 19th Century.

Re-enactment and living history society the 95th Rifles demonstrated soldiering, musketry, tactics and drill at the National Trust property in Horringer throughout Saturday and Sunday.

The group was formed in 1998 to represent the riflemen of Wellington’s army, as they would have been while on active service during the Peninsular War and the Waterloo Campaign of 1815.

The society’s living history events are designed to show what life was like at the time for a soldier, both on the battlefield and in camp.

Women and children who belong to the group also recreate the way of life for a family of a Napoleonic soldier. They prepare meals based on period recipes, and cook over an open fire.

Members of the 95th Rifles come from all over the UK to stage events at picturesque, historic locations in Britain and Europe.

Jim Paylor, his wife and son have belonged to the group for the past 15 years.

He said: “It’s a family hobby that we can all get involved in and it’s a great way to learn about history. It enables us to experience a way of life we would never usually be able to, and it really brings out the camaraderie.”