The matchlock musket was used by armies into the early 18th Century. It was used by both sides during the Monmouth Rebellion where the rebel forces of the Duke of Monmouth were defeated at the Battle of Sedgemoor by the royalist forces of King James II. It's gunpowder charge is ignited by a length of slow burning matchcord that is soaked in saltpetre which means it burns slow but hot.

When the trigger is squeezed, the matchcord held in the serpent is lowered into the pan. When the priming pan is ignited, the flame goes through the touch-hole into the barrel and ignites the main charge.

As you can see, it is a smoky, noisy and smelly business but also lots of fun!

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