Historical record of the Eighty-Sixth, or the Royal County Down Regiment of Foot Containing an account of the formation of the regiment in 1793, and of its subsequent services to 1842.

Commissioned by the Crown in 1836, this meticulously compiled record chronicles the birth and evolution of a distinguished line infantry regiment from its 1793 formation through decades of service abroad and at home. The introductory notes explain a new mandate for every British unit to keep exhaustive accounts, aiming to inspire future soldiers by showcasing the bravery, sacrifices, and honors of those who served before them.

The volume details the regiment’s postings, engagements, and the hardships endured in distant theatres, listing battles, sieges, and captured colors alongside the names of officers and men who fell or were wounded. Honors, medals, and unique badges awarded for gallant conduct are documented, offering a vivid portrait of military life in an age when war was a rare interruption to civilian prosperity. Readers gain a rare glimpse into the daily realities, climatic challenges, and collective spirit that defined the regiment’s long‑standing legacy.