8th (The King's) Regiment of Foot

The 8th (The King's) Regiment of Foot was an infantry regiment of the British Army, raised in 1685. Over its long history, it served in numerous conflicts around the globe, including the Nine Years' War, the War of the Spanish Succession, the Jacobite Rebellions, the American Revolutionary War, the Napoleonic Wars, and the Indian Mutiny.

Originally raised by the Earl of Lichfield as Lichfield's Regiment, it was later known by the names of its colonels. In 1751, regiments of foot were given numerical designations and it became the 8th Regiment of Foot. In 1782, it was granted the title "The King's" Regiment of Foot, in recognition of its service to the Crown.

The regiment participated in many notable battles and campaigns. In North America, it saw action during the French and Indian War (part of the Seven Years' War) and later in the American Revolutionary War, including the Battle of Saratoga. It played a role in the suppression of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. During the Napoleonic Wars, it served in the Peninsular War and was involved in several key engagements. In India, the 8th Foot participated in actions during the Indian Mutiny of 1857.

Throughout its existence, the 8th Foot underwent various organizational changes and reforms within the British Army. As part of the Childers Reforms of 1881, it was linked with the 37th (North Hampshire) Regiment of Foot and became the 1st and 2nd Battalions, The Hampshire Regiment. The 8th Regiment of Foot effectively ceased to exist as a separate entity with this amalgamation. Its battle honours and traditions were carried on by The Hampshire Regiment.