The threat of a Napoleonic invasion of England at the end of the 18th century and at the beginning of the 19th , was the beginning of what was known as the Volunteer Movement. There was unparalleled enthusiasm for the vigorous prosecution of the war, and throughout the country some 4000,000 men enrolled - 722 in one week in Worcester City. Tuberville's history says that corps were formed at various places, such as St. John's, Bewdley, Stourport, Kidderminster, Evesham, Pershore, and Bromsgrove. The public subscribed funds for the volunteers uniform and equipment, and needlewoman worked with patriotic ardour, not only to make them clothing, but to provide colors to inspire them. These colours were formerly presented to the units by some great lady. The North Worcestershire Volunteers, for instance, were presented with its colour by Lady Beauchamp in a field at Bromsgrove. It had the monogram L, W ,V (Loyal Worcester Volunteers) in a floral design of roses, thistles and shamrocks, and the motto 'Honi soit mal y pense' by a crown.