Tuesday 29 November 2016

The First British Army, 1624-1628. The Army of the Duke of Buckingham 2016 by Laurence Spring

True, the concept of Britain dates back to Roman times, but it was James I that founded Britain in the modern sense. With his accession to the throne in 1603 for the first time Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland were united - with James bestowing on himself the title of 'King of Great Britain'. Before this time, Scots and Irishmen may have served in the English Army as mercenaries, but it was known as an English Army - but now the King's (or British) flag flew over the castles and forts throughout the land. The army raised by Charles I in 1625 for his war against Spain -and subsequently, with France - is most famous for its failure. However, it is one of the best-documented armies of the early 17th century. Using archival and archaeological evidence, the first half of the book covers the lives of the officers and men serving in the army at this time - as well as the women who accompanied them. The author discusses the origins of officers and why they decided to serve in the army - and how the men from England, Scotland and Ireland were recruited (as well as how they were clothed and what they ate; the medical care; and the tactics used by the army at this time). It also covers the hidden faction of tailors, armourers and merchants who helped to put the army into the field. The second half of the book covers not only the expeditions to Cadiz, the Isle de Rhe and the siege of La Rochelle, but also their effect on an England who feared a Spanish (and later a French) invasion. Also covered are the campaigns of Count Ernest von Mansfeldt's and Sir Charles Morgan's armies at this time, which fought at Breda, Dessau Bridge and against the forces of the Holy Roman Empire. The final chapter looks at what became of the soldiers and their widows once the army had been disbanded - therefore, the book will be essential reading for anyone interested in Early Modern History, including the English Civil War and the Thirty Years War.

The Other Army - Camp Followers of the English Civil War

This book originally came out in 84 published by Partizan Press. What a useful book. Don't think it's still in print more to the pity. Our copy is well thumbed. Is well illustrated throughout.

Thursday 24 November 2016

Jacques Callot

Interesting suite of images of war from a master engraver. If you don't know these follow the below link and enjoy.

Recruitment of troops, from the suite The Miseries and Misfortunes of War

1633

Artist

Jacques Callot

Wednesday 23 November 2016

Basing House Armada Living History 1988

Apologies for the early timeline on this one but I like these photos so indulge me. Back in '88 we - my family and Devereux's Regiment ECWS did a weeks' living history recreating the Armada in the Hampshire countryside. My family and I had the job of looking after some St Kilda Sheep and talking about the wool trade. My hat (a brimmed Monmouth) I bought off the famous Kirstie Buckland who came to demonstrate some of her knitting prowess. My parents came and took a load of photos which was lucky as most reenactors know you don't get to take many pictures usually. We had a lot of fun and had a not for public peasant's revolt at the end of the week when the gypsies charcoal burners and country folk attacked the Militia. Well you have to have a bit of fun at the end of the week... More photos of this event
A daughter

Sue

Me and my Dad and some St Kilda sheep

Daughter

Me the shepherd

The sheep pen

Dave Laurent

David Edge demonstrating archery

Ralph Thompson on beacon duty


Gypsies in the woods

Sue Mitchard trying to work a drop spindle
Me and Andy James who was making hay or something

Tuesday 22 November 2016

Civil War Royalists

Supposed to be Gamul's Regiment. From the Farndon Church Window.

Monday 21 November 2016

The Last Valley (1971)


This movie set in the 30 Years War is a favourite of Steve Stanley so I thoughtI'd scan some of the best bits of a brochure for the movie that I have in one of my many boxes of things.







Wednesday 16 November 2016

Gustav II. Adolf in der Schlacht bei Lützen am 16. November 1632 Pieter Meulener


1704 book coming!

But this GNW book is all in Russian! Fear not an English version is in the pipline. It's a well illustrated in depth study of the campaign of Narva.
Rematch of Peter the great. Battle of Narva and Ivangoroda Russians troops in 1704 year.
Author: B. Megorsky
Year of publication: 2016
The Series "the battlefields of the great northern war".
In the book, investigated the outstanding siege operation forces of Peter the great - the battle of narva fortresses and ivangorod in 1704 year. Timeline of events is accompanied by an explanation of lesser-known aspects of the military the beginning of the eighteenth century, the story of the participants alls narvskoy epic, as well as the simultaneous events in other parts of Europe. Book Illustrated by pouring rare original prints and cards.


http://kordegardia.ru/products-page/другие-эпохи/реванш-петра-великого/

Sunday 13 November 2016

Culloden

From Military Modelling magazine.

Saturday 12 November 2016

Saturday 5 November 2016

The landing of William of Orange at Torbay 1688

November the 5th is the date when William III landed or did he invade? Debate still rages.