Adriaen van Ostade (1610 - 1685) The Violinist, 1673

 

Horse grenadier 1685

 The Royal Regiment of Horse was made up of three troops of 200 gentlemen and a troop of 60 Horse Grenadiers recruited from the usual commoners. Equipped with a long carbine 'strapt', sword, a pair of pistols, bayonet and grenades. Pic by me. 

On Horse Grenadiers 5 December 1683
The King had now augmented his guards with a new sort of dragoons, who carried also granados, and were habited after the Polish manner, with long peaked caps, very fierce and fantastical.

Prince Rupert's Dog

 Mark Turnbull AuthorNEW EPISODE

#CavalierCast Podcast

Professor Mark Stoyle reveals all about Prince Rupert's dog, Boye.

In this fascinating episode Mark details what we know of Boye and explains how superstition, belief, and witchcraft come together in the propaganda that made him infamous.

It's a story that takes us to the very heart of the civil wars itself.

Available now on your podcast platform - Spotify, Apple etc.

Seventeenth century boots – who owned them, who made them, what did they use them for, and what did they cost

Interesting article

 Costume Historian: Seventeenth century boots – who owned them, who made them, what did they use them for, and what did they cost

Tangier - 1680 : The diary of Sir James Halkett

 

North Star Military Figures

 

Coldstream Guards 1672 North Star 1672 - North Star Military Figures

''One of my favourite painted regiments we have in our 1672 range.
The musketeers in the regiment were uniformed in red with green facings, but then the pikemen were dressed in reverse, green with red facings.
The officers in this period were not expected to wear the regimental uniform, so we painted the Ensigns in their civilian fineries.
The flags I consider to be right for this period. They were green in a slightly later period, and then white with red cross into the 1680s. Iain at Flags of War kindly produced these for us.
Sadly, I don't think they actually fought as a regiment in the 1670s. Elements were sent to Tangiers and Virginia to fight, and also to France to be part of the 'English Regiment' in the service of Louis XIV but were uniformed in grey for that conflict.
The regimental motto 'Nulli Secundus' was created in this period. They were put into the Royal Guard following the Restoration of the Monarchy, but were placed 2nd Senior regiment of the Household Troops. Their motto was a reply to that position as they were an older regiment than the 1st Foot Guards (The Grenadier Guards), the Coldstream's history going back to the Civil War.''

Review at Putney Heath 1684

 'On the 1st of October, sixteen companies of the Royal Regiment, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Sir James Hackett, were reviewed, with a number of other corps, by Charles II,. on Putney Heath. ''The Coldstream, my Lord Dumbarton's, and the Admiral's Battalions, successively exercised all three by beat of drum, the military postures of pike, sword, and musket, every man dexterously discharging his duties with an exact and general readiness, to the great delight of their Majesties and Royal Highnesses, who vouchsafed, all the time of exercise, to grace the arms with their presence. The other two battalions of the Royal Regiment had not fallen short of the like performance, if illness of weather, when they just intended it, had not prevented{ the day proving wet and showery was a general impediment from proceeding at that time to any other motions customary upon the like reviews: and all decamped sooner than otherwise they would have done.''

Remembering Ellie White.

 

Monday we lost Ellie. She is mostly known for her role as C.O. of the Sir Bevil Grenville regiment. She came from Frome and she was also involved locally in the theatre. I didn't know her well in my ECWS days as I was on a different side but I got her involved with the 1685 Society. She played 'Rebel's wife' in a film we did for BBC Education, complete with Frome accent. She also had a cellar of drums and armour we borrowed. An old newspaper cutting showed that when about 10 we were in the same inter schools Road Safety quiz. She will be missed. Raise a glass to her memory.

Renaissance Armies George Gush 1975

 Classic work from 50 years ago. Caliver books do a paperback reprint. 

Battle of Alton 1643

Oxford army pic by R Mitchard and AI

Battle of Alton - Wikipedia Today's anniversary. Interesting last stand.

Barry Lyndon King George and Old England forever

Today 50 years ago was the premier of this film. Barry Lyndon - Wikipedia

Yorkshire Droumes and Ffyfes 'The Scots March'.

Article on the use of the Scots March in the 30 years War here

Also see Wars of Louis Quatorze: Mackay's Regiment and The Legendary Scot's March - Kilts-n-Stuff.com

see also the pdf The Scandinavian Service of British Isles Musicians ca. 1520-1650Alexia Grosjean

Prince Rupert's March

 bumph reads

It was published by John Playford in his English Dancing Master [1] (1650-1, and all subsequent editions, through the 18th and final edition of 1728), with the exception of the second and third editions of 1652 and 1657. Playford had Royalist sympathies, but his inclusion of a march honoring a Cavalier hero, noted strategist and nephew of Charles I was a challenge to the Protectorate government then in power. He may have received wise counsel to drop the tune/dance from the Dancing Master, until after the death of Cromwell in 1658. It was one of only two pieces removed from the first edition to the second, which was issued a year later. Music publishers on the Continent were under no such constraints, and "Prince Rupert's March" was published Bellerophon (Gesangh der Zeeden, 1648, with words), and in blind recorder virtuoso Jacob van Eyck's Der Fluyten Lusthof (1649, as "Prins Robbert Masco"). Chappell (1858) points out the march resembles "British Grenadiers (The)," albeit in minor instead of major key.

Yorkshire Droumes and Ffyfes

Pike drill

 Maniement du mousquet et maniement de la pique "L'Art Militaire pour l'Infanterie [...]" de Johann Jacobi von Wallhausen (16..-17..), Leewarden, Claude Fontaine, 1630

Wars of Louis Quatorze: Musket and pike drill

To drive the cold winter away

 English. The melody was published in 1651, but may well be older: a related Scottish ballad appeared in 1567. Arranged here for tambourine, accordion, theorbo, violin, cello, tin whistle and drum.

 All Hail to the Days (Drive the Cold Winter Away) - Wikipedia

Prussians at Leuthen by Regiment Piechoty von Treskow Nr 32

 (2) Facebook

Prussian soldiers in winter uniform in the field of Leuthen. "Zugeknopfte" regimental coats with sword belts on top. Woolen breeches and woolen, white gloves, made according to the Reglement.

From left to right: Musketier of IR von Treskow, Grenadier from IR von Fouquet, Gefreiter of IR von Treskow.

NB. Each one of us here have different muskets, from left: Prussian M1723, M1740, Saxon M1745 (bought and stolen by Prussians frequently during 7YW)

fot. Mariusz Iwanowski

Royal Armouries

 A glimpse into the life of our conservation team, and how they are repairing this 17th century matchlock from the Littlecote Collection.

Reading 1688

 Today's anniversary is one of the few skirmishes in the Glorious Revolution. Wars of Louis Quatorze: Reading or the Battle of Broad Street 1688 by Daniel Defoe. 

Battle of Reading (1688) - Wikipedia

Nantwich Battle Saturday 24th January 2026

 The annual winter battle for the Sealed Knot.

Another of my ECW drawings put through AI

 Ralph Mitchard.

WALLENSTEIN (1978): parts 1-4

 No subtitles unfortunately. Wallenstein (1978) – Wikipedia

Der Pappenheimer (German, early 17th Century) - Fife & Drum

 Gottfried Heinrich Graf zu Pappenheim - Wikipedia

The battle of Breitenfeld, 1631 year. Gottfried Pappenheim's cuirassiers attack Gustav II Adolf's Musketeers.

 Battle of Breitenfeld (1631) - Wikipedia

Clear Victory - "Nun danket alle Gott" ("Leuthen Chorale") - Fife, Drum & Hautboys

 JGBaroque says

This is a fife and drum arrangement I made of the German chorale "Nun danket alle Gott" ("Now Thank We All Our God"). It is attributed to Johann Crüger, a German composer and publisher, who published it in 1647. It was allegedly sung by the Prussian troops after their victory at the Battle of Leuthen in 1757. The arrangement also includes oboes ("hautboys"), a common military instrument at the time. This is the second victory theme of a total of three, each on the same melody, but in ascending pomp.

Leuthen 1757

 

image Hessian Guard (2) Hessian GUARD, Hessische GARDE | Facebook

Today's anniversary is Frederick's famous victory. Battle of Leuthen - Wikipedia

Swarkestone Bridge 1745 by Henrik Bjørn Bøgh (photo Mark Price)

 Today in 45 was the furthest south (Derby) that Charles Edward Stuart and his army reached. They used to have an annual event commemorating it. Swarkestone Bridge - Wikipedia

English Civil War Firelock Ralph MItchard and AI

 Can you tell I am enjoying this? New life into old drawings. 

The Pretender's Troops Entering Altrincham at Dawn by Tom Colley.

The painting "The Pretender's Troops Entering Altrincham at Dawn" by Tom Colley, 1865–1902, is a significant piece housed in the Trafford Local Studies Centre in Sale. This artwork depicts the Jacobite Uprising against the English Crown, specifically the march of Charles Edward Stuart, also known as 'The Young Pretender' or Bonnie Prince Charlie, into Altrincham. The painting is a historical record and a charming work that captures the scene as it would have been experienced by the maker over a century after the event. It is a testament to the Jacobites' ambition and their use of Highland soldiers accustomed to harsh conditions. The painting is part of the Trafford Local Studies Collection and is available for public viewing and appreciation. 

Art UK

Rebel shot Ralph Mitchard and AI

 

Jacobite declaration of war

 Printed handbill from Lord John Drummond, Scottish Commander, 2 December, 1745 (SP 54/26/90B)

DECLARATION

Lord JOHN DRUMMOND Commander in Chief of his most Christian Majesty’s Forces in SCOTLAND.

WE Lord JOHN DRUMMOND, Commander in Chief of his most Christian Majesty’s Forces in SCOTLAND. Do hereby Declare, that we are come to this Kingdom, with Written Orders, to make War against the King of ENGLAND, Elector of HANOVER, and all his Adherants, and that the positive Orders we have from his most Christian Majesty are to attack all his Enemies in this Kingdom, whom he has Declared to be those who will not immediately Join, or assist as far will ly in their Power, the Prince of WALES, Regent of SCOTLAND etc. His Ally, and whom he is resolved, with the Concurrence of the King of SPAIN, to Support in the taking Posession of SCOTLAND, ENGLEAND, and IRLAND, if Necessary at the Expence of all the Men and Money, he is Master of, to which three Kingdoms, the Family of STEWART, have so Just and indisputeable a Title. And his most Christian Majest’s Positive Orders are, that his Enemies should be used in this Kingdom in proportion to the Harm they do or Intend to his Royal Highness’s Cause.

Given to MONTROSE, the second Day of December, One thousand seven hundred and forty five Years.

Tropper's sword Oxford Blues

 Troopers Sword of The Earl Of Oxford's Regiment Of Horse, Rare. SN 914 – West Street Antiques

by Graham Turner

Wars of Louis Quatorze: Earl of Oxford's Regiment 1685

Oxford Blues 1685 Ralph Mitchard

 In 1685, the Oxford Blues, part of the Royal Regiment of Horse Guards, played a significant role iin the Monmouth Rebellion. They were involved in the battle of Sedgemoor, where they helped 

King James II defeat the rebels. This marked the regiment's first action and set the stage for 

their future engagements in the British Army. The regiment's nickname, 'The Blues', was derived from their blue uniforms, which were a distinctive feature of their uniform at the time.

 

National Army Museum


Troopers Sword of The Earl Of Oxford's Regiment Of Horse, Rare. SN 914 – West Street Antiques

Strawhead - Farewell Musket, Pike & Drum (Full Album)

 Derek was saying this had a beer tent vibe. Before my time but posted for those of you who like this.

A1. Malts Come Down

A2. Flodden Field A3. Watkin's Ale A4. Cawsand Bay A5. Admiral Benbow A6. When The King Enjoys His Own Again B1. The Witches' Song B2. The Bonny Bunch Of Roes B3. Grand Conversation On Napoleon B4. Corpus Christi B5. Madcaps Of England (Tradition Records) 1977

Death of Charles XII

Charles XII of Sweden's uniform, the one he wore when he died at Fredriksten. On display at Livrustkammaren in Stockholm.

 Occurred today. Siege of Fredriksten - Wikipedia

The evening of 11 December (Swedish calendar: 30 November 1718, a projectile (probably a large musket ball or grapeshot) struck Charles XII through the left temple while he inspected the trench-works and killed him. 

Coldstream Guard Grenadier 'Draw Your Dagger' -

by Ralph Mitchard

 A grenadier of the Coldstream Guards from the late 1670s. Plug bayonet's were initially like this.

AN ABRIDGEMENT OF THE ENGLISH Military Discipline. 1676

Flags of War Manchester Regiment Marching

 Flags of War

Manchester Regiment 1745

 Today in 45 Charles Edward and his army entered Manchester and the Manchester Regiment was formed.

photo from the Lace Wars page where there is a good article 

Lace Wars - The Manchester Regiment of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion... | Facebook

Wars of Louis Quatorze: Manchester Regiment 1745

Manchester Regiment (Jacobite) - Wikipedia

Viborgs Läns Regt by Johan Gardin

 Pinterest for more Carolean pics.

Viborg province Regt, hautboist 1701. The hautbois, or oboe, successor to the shawm, was said to be 'an outdoors instrument' with a sound resembling bagpipes which may help explain its military appeal.

"30. Marche d.' Infanterie" (Reconstructed Carolean March, 1715) - Hautbois & Drums

 JGBaroque - YouTube

Drawing to AI Ralph Mitchard

 Inspired by Franc's work I had another bash at AI. 

Kirke's Lamb 1685

Prussia 1700

WSS French

From drawing to AI by Franc Posypka Kołocz

 

 French Piedmont Regiment from 1757

Jacques Callot Military Exercises 1635

 Excercices militaires : Callot, Jacques, 1592-1635 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Cádiz expedition (1625)

The Cádiz expedition of 1625 was a naval expedition against Spain by English and Dutch forces. The plan was put forward because after the Dissolution of the Parliament of 1625, George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, Lord High Admiral, wanted to undertake an expedition that would match the exploits of the raiders of the Elizabethan era and in doing so, would return respect to the country and its people after the political stress of the preceding years.^[4] It was a major fiasco resulting in a Spanish victory.^[1][2]