The Militia Act came into force in 1775. Prior to this the origins of the militia can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon times and later a Militia Force was established by Henry II in 1181. The Force’s role was in the defence of the Realm against invasion or rebellion and each Lord Lieutenant of the County and his deputies were responsible for raising such a force. There were 640 men in the Northamptonshire Force Regiment.

It was held that all able bodied males between 15 and 69 years would be expected to appear on the list and be liable to muster when required. Professionals and the wealthy often evaded service and some who were poor or unfit were excluded. Service in the Militia was for three years and duty was determined by a ballot. However, if your name was drawn it was your right to provide a substitute – unsurprisingly people who could pay for a substitute very rarely served in person.

The Northamptonshire Militia trained in May and June each year for a period of 28 days and were often billeted in public houses.

By 1777 a total of 13741 men were on the Northamptonshire Militia List with the “Willybrook Hundred” (Apethorpe, Collyweston, Cottestock, Duddington, Easton on the Hill, Fotheringhay, Kings Cliffe, Lutton, Nassington, Tansor and Woodnewton) providing 467.

The Northamptonshire Militia remained a ‘stand alone’ County Force from the Militia Act until 1872 when it became attached to the Regular Army County Regiment. In 1906 the Militia was transferred into the Special Reserve Battalion.

A list of the persons in the Woodnewton Village Militia in 1777 is shown below.