Notes on The Camp: women, effeminacy and the military in late eighteenth-century literature

In the summer of 1778, amidst fears of impending French invasion, Lord North's already beleaguered government established a series of military encampments across Britain. ¹ Located at strategic vantage points and with the army's ranks swelled by the incorporation of militia companies, the camps were intended to frustrate the advance of any invading force, while giving reassurance to a concerned populace. ² Given the role expected of them, the camps at Coxheath, Bury St Edmonds and Warley Common could be praised lavishly within the stirring verse offered to the public by the Reverend William Tasker. Genius of Britain! to thy office true, On yonder heath the warring banners view; Where Maidstone's antient fabric stands, And Midway's streams refresh the thirsty lands; British spirit never droops: Where late the foreign hireling troops, A servile, mercenary band! Disgrac'd the state, and sham'd the land; Now behold a native race With freer step, and bolder grace! ³