Friday, 31 October 2025

Boy Grenadiers

Edward Haytley British | 1740 - 1764

Marcellus Laroon, Painting of three children, probably of the Keppel family
 ′′ Grenadier larvae ′′ or the king of Denmark Frederick V (1723-1766) as a child. c1730

The Duke of Gloucester drilling his boy grenadiers


Coloured woodcut showing view of the Battle of Culloden, published 27 October 1746.

 The Duke of Cumberland is in the middle. Museum reference M.1953.1008.From Portrait of the Duke of Cumberland at Culloden | National Museums Scotland


William Augustus, aged 10 or 11

 William Hogarth, 1697–1764, British, William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, 1732, Oil on canvas, Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection


31 October 1765 - Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland dies (b. 1721)

 Prince William, Duke of Cumberland - Wikipedia

Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, by Arthur Pondc. 1730-40

Dettingen, 1743. Author: Orr, Michael.

 Pleased to find my library network has this book from 1972. I love libraries.


British infantry at Dettingen 1743

 


Handel: Dettingen Te Deum in D Major, HWV 283: VI. Thou Art the King of Glory

 

Thursday, 30 October 2025

Wednesday, 29 October 2025

The Seven Years' War and the Songs of the Prussian Grenadier.

 


PDF in German but translatable here

Songs here Also see here

Frederick William von Kleist

 See some Von Kleist troops here


One of Frederick's commanders. Led the Glorious Raid in November 1762. Wiki

Battle of Freiberg

 


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Freiberg

Today's anniversary is the last major battle of the SYW.

Tuesday, 28 October 2025

The Witches of Selwood Forest

 My library has this - it's good. A lot in the Frome area.


The ancient forest of Selwood straddles the borders of Somerset and Wiltshire and terminates in the south where these counties meet Dorset. Until now, a comprehensive study of its exceptionally rich history of demonological beliefs and witchcraft persecution in the early modern period has not been attempted. This book explores the connections between important theological texts written in the region, notably Richard Bernard’s Guide to the Grand-Jury Men (1627) and Joseph Glanvill’s Saducismus Triumphatus (1681), influential local families such as the Hunts and the Hills, and the extraordinary witchcraft episodes associated with Shepton Mallet, Brewham, Stoke Trister, and elsewhere. In particular, it focuses on a little-known case in the village of Beckington in 1689, and shows how this was not a late, isolated episode, but an integral part of the wider Selwood Forest witchcraft story.

Discovery of Witches

 Another Partizan Press booklet from the old days. We did a Witch trial reenactment once. The Salem one for the American museum. There is a lot of potential locally (Somerset) for this type of event as there were a lot witch trials in the 17th century.


"Master of Command"

"Master of Command" is tactical strategy game set during the Seven Years' War, where players manage armies, engage in real-time battles, and make critical decisions to lead their forces to victory.

Game Setting and Objectives

  • Historical ContextThe game is set during the Seven Years' Warglobal conflict that took place from 1756 to 1763. Players take command of armies from various European powers, including Britain, France, Prussia, Austria, and Russia.
  • Main GoalThe primary objective is to lead your army through series of tactical battles and manage resources effectively to achieve victory in the campaign.

Gameplay Mechanics

  1. Real-Time Tactical BattlesEngage in large-scale battles where players must consider factors like morale, stamina, terrainand timing. Troops can break under pressure, and strategic decisions can turn the tide of combat.
  2. Army ManagementPlayers must equip and customize their regiments with historical weapons and gear that affect performance. Managing supplies and keeping troops fed and equipped is crucial for success.
  3. Procedural CampaignsThe game features randomly generated campaigns, ensuring that each playthrough offers unique experience. Players must navigate through fog of war and make decisions that impact their army's survival and effectiveness.
  4. Persistent Unit DevelopmentUnits gain experience and can level up, which adds depth to the gameplay. Players must make choices that affect their army's long-term capabilities and morale.
  5. Resource ManagementResources are scarce, and players must make tough decisions about when to advance, rest, or engage the enemy. Every soldier lost can have significant consequences for the campaign.

 

Monday, 27 October 2025

The First Highland Regiment

 M I Past Present 1987 010 : SKORPIO : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Article from 1987 by Haythornthwaite. 'In 1725 six new Independent Companies were formed, drawn initially from the loyal Whig clans — three companies of Campbells and one each of Frasers, Grants and Munros. These were commanded by Simon, Lord Lovat, Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochnell and Col. William Grant of Ballindalloch as captains; and John Campbell of Carrick, Colin Campbell of Skipness and George Munro of Culcairn as lieutenants.'


Angus McBride’s reconstruction shows a private and an officer of the 43rd, c. 1743. 

Royal North British Fusiliers c.1720. Photos Rick Seidemann.

 



These are from the National War Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh Castle.





The Other Army - Camp followers of the English Civil War (1984)


 Found our well thumbed copy today. Much appreciated when we got into ECW reenacting 40 years ago. £2.00 from Athena books, the sticker says. Partizan Press booklet.




Second Newbury 1644

 Fought today. Wiki

Sunday, 26 October 2025

Le Defile Jean-Antoine Watteau, 1700–1721 York Art Gallery, York

 See some of Watteau's military work here (1) Pinterest


Wars and Soldiers in the Early Reign of Louis XIV Volume 9 The Swedish Army 1655-1690

 From Bruno Mugnai. Register interest here


''Final touches for volume 9 of the series, published by Helion, Century of the Soldier 1618-1721. The subject of Sweden required considerable effort, as it was a topic I was dealing with for the first time. Contributions from specialists in the field, such as Michael Fredholm von Essen, Lars Ulrik Hoglund, and Sergey Shamenkov, were fundamental for completing this title.''

Friday, 24 October 2025

Book on 1525 in France

 "Ils veulent être libres". La Révolution de 1525 entre Vosges et Rhin - Société d'Histoire du Sundgau


The George at Norton St Philip

My brother sent me this book illustration by Cecil Aldin of the George at Norton St Philip.

Photo of the day?


Kurbairisches Dragonerregiment Johann Wolf 1636-1644 e.V.  and friends at an 80 years war event in the Netherlands. More here

New Jacobite/WAS figures

 





NEW MINIATURES RELEASE!!!

10 new packs on the website for our 1745 Jacobite Rebellion and War of Austrian Succession ranges. Lining up the next releases that will be focused on the War of Austrian Succession.
Cheers

Thursday, 23 October 2025

Marche du Régiment du Roy - Jean-Baptiste Lully - French Military March

 

Régiment du Roy by Authentic uniforms & costumes

Facebook 'Latest addition to my website, elevate your costume collection with the Régiment du Roy justeaucorps/coat as worn at the battle of Fontenoy 1745 and later during the Seven Years War. Crafted from premium natural white wool broadcloth with royal blue cuffs and serge full lining, "aurore" loop lacing, brass domed buttons, this coat is a perfect blend of elegance and historical significance! Discover more here:' https://www.authentic-costumes.com/.../r%C3%A9giment-du...


265 - Dutch Infantry 1701-1714 Firing Line

 


Review and figures here

269 - Holy Roman Empire Grenadiers 1701-1714


 Review and figures here

Jacdaw Miniatures The War of the Austrian Succession. Life like miniatures with vintage style in 28 to 30mm size.

 
Jacdaw Miniatures | Venture Miniatures

I have some of these. They're great. Sculpted by David A. Wilson of Nice France who is at the moment finishing the first volume in a series of books (in English) on the French army of the WAS. Read about volume 1 here


Prince Rupert's March

 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). Music

Hatched in Hell: The English Civil war Letters of Nehemiah Wharton

 Nehemiah Wharton covers the Edgehill Campaign

“Another drummer we found two miles off, with his arm shot off and lay a-dying. Several dead corpses we found in corn fields, and amongst them a trumpeter...”

Written between August and October 1642, Nehemiah Wharton’s letters are among the earliest recorded experiences of an English soldier on campaign. Recounting the opening weeks of the English Civil War, Wharton presents an articulate and detailed account of the gruelling conditions of soldiering and destruction of war as the armies of King Charles I and Parliament prepare to face each other at the Battle of Edgehill.

Correcting the errors and omissions of the original 1853 publication, Wharton’s letters are presented here in modern spelling, with full explanatory notes and supporting documents, including:

  • detailed maps of military actions.
  • alternative accounts from contemporary diaries and letters.

Edgehill 1642

 


Today's anniversary. The first major battle of the Civil War. Wiki