Worcestershire Yeomanry Regiment
An Officer's tunic for everyday use, 1832 - 1870.

During the mid-19th century the Worcestershire Yeomanry's officer corps was one of the most noble in the country. Commanded by first the 6th and then the 7th Earls of Plymouth, the mess also boasted the Earl of Dudley (one of the richest men in the world), Lord Aston as Chaplain, Lord Lyttleton, and various assorted knights and 'honourables'. Most of the other members were from the upper classes, including M.P.'s (from when that was still an honourable profession), and many owners of land in this plump and agricultural county.

The wealth and status of these men comes through in their regalia. Apart from splendid pieces such as the Mess dress, they also sunk money into the dressing and equipping of the Regiment itself. This helped them not only keep up with military fashions, but also out-do other Yeomanry units. For example, the Earl of Plymouth raised a troop of over 20 men armed with two three-pounder cannons, and maintained them, all out of his own pocket. When the guns became obsolete, they were retired to graceful spots either side of the front door of his mansion at Hewell Park, and he brought new ones to replace them.