Militia of Sandridge

In terms of military men, there were 221 men called up on between 1758 and 1786, age 18-50, where people do 3 years service for the militia; from Sandridge. There are council records of the lists of people that served, spanning over the 3 lists. Some on the list were not known by the local constable, others had already served. In order for people to appeal the request for service, they went to the Bull in St Albans. You were exempt from statute work and being pressed into the kings service had you appealed, or already served. The Men who had served up to 3 years, married, were able to set up trade. There was a 2 guinea bounty for not serving abroad, Herts Militia were in Ireland 1756- 1847 unless on garrison duty. For example, 2 militia men cost Sandridge £148 , who went by the names of John Draper and Tom Woodwards. There were also 2 volunteers from Sandridge in Nelson’s crew to battle Napoleon

Source: HALS Library, “Historic Sandridge Revisited” By Edward Giles and Richard William Thrale, Edited by Janet R Rose