ABSTRACT
By the nineteenth century many young men from rural parishes on the Marches, if they were in trouble with the authorities through poaching or fathering illegitimate children, joined the army. Large impoverished families, especially in times of agricultural depression, acted as a further inducement to enlist. Despite industrialisation, by the 1850s, two-thirds of British recruits still came from rural areas. Whilst they might serve with the 53rd (King's Shropshire Light Infantry) or the 36th (Herefordshire) Regiments, they were just as likely to serve in the infantry regiment from the first recruiting party they encountered, or, if good with horses, in the cavalry or artillery. Once in the forces, they would mix with men from Scotland, Ireland and industrial areas and were subject to the fierce discipline which reinforced regimental loyalty above any local allegiances.
