Text Box: Before You Continue… Recruiting in the 18th Century When a man ‘took the King’s Shilling’ it meant he had taken his first pay from the King and entered his service. Recruiters of the time used all sorts of tricks, most involving strong drinks, to press the shilling on unsuspecting victims. Calculating your options in life must have been difficult for the recruit in a noisy, smoke-filled Ale House after consuming a number of gills of rum, happily provided by a member of the recruiting party. While the recruiting prospect drank endless rounds from the punch bowl, his ears were filled with stories of an easy life as a soldier, quick promotion and how women to could not help but be drawn to a man in a red coat. In the Navy, recruits were commonly found by the ‘Press Gang’ - an armed group of sailors and marines who would prowl the nighttime streets of port cities and literally abduct prospective recruits for service. We’ve decided that willing volunteers serve best, so now that you’re well informed, click the shilling on the bar (below) to continue—if you dare! Text Box: About Us Text Box: History Text Box: Uniforms Text Box: Photos Text Box: Schedule Text Box: Contact Us Text Box: Text Box: Quarterdeck