Haselrig's Lobsters at Lansdown 1643

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One of my favourite Civil War regiments. Their high-point probably was Lansdown 1643

The 'London-lads' fought 'like so many invincible Romans..as long as light would suffer them to distinguish friends from foes...and wee must doe our enemies right, who fought it out very stoutly too; and indeed the charges were so incessantly hot on both sides, as the like (I believe) was never scene in England, not at Keynton-bataille, yea some old souldiers did say.'

Muster on the Mendips and the siege of Wells 1642

 Item Information | A perfect relation of all the passages and proceedings of the Marquesse Hartford, the Lord Paulet, and the rest of the Cavelleers that were with them in Wels. With the valiant resolution and behaviour of the trained-bands and other inhabitants of those parts, for the defence of themselves, the King and Parliament. As also what helpe was sent from Bristoll to their ayd; with the manner of the Lords and Cavaleers running out of the towne. And many other things very remarkable. As it was sent in a letter from the committee in Summersetshire to both Houses of Parliament. Ordered by the Lords in Parliament, that this letter be forthwith printed and published. J. Brown Cler. Parliamentorum. | Early English Books Online 2 | University of Michigan Library Digital Collections

Sir Alexander Popham's Bath Regiment of Trained Bands. This regiment was present 'doubled twice over, by means of volunteers'. Elements of Rodney's Wells regiment were also present and some were mustered in Wells for the King but many slipped away during the night. 'Well armed but not so well resolved.' Some in the Parliament force were armed with 'pitchforks, dungpicks and such like weapons'.

Wells was the centre of Royalist activity at the early days of the War. A gathering at Chewton Mendip August 5 saw 10,000-12,000 Parliamentarians deployed on the Mendips  to threaten the city. The Cavaliers numbered less than 1,000 mostly horse. Artillery bombarded the BIshop's Palace which was the Royalists' head quarters. Eventually the Royalists abandoned Wells riding to Glastonbury and then Sherborne Castle.

Pic by Bath artist Stephen Beck

Wells Bishop's Palace Headquarters of the Royalists. Photo Susan Mitchard.

New 30 Years War book

 

'All old souldyers' Cornish foot 1643

 'I never saw any army freer from vice, nor more religiously inclined than I perceive the whole genius of this army to be.' James Chudleigh 1643

royalist:foot-regiments:sir-beville-grenville – BCW Projec

very discernable for that the Pikes and Rests are all painted with white and blew;t

The Keys of Hell and Death Charles Cordell

 

I really enjoyed this second book in the Divided Kingdom series. Set during the Lansdown Roundway and Bristol episodes it tells the tale of characters caught up in the events such as Morgan Pascoe a pikeman in Grenvilles which I liked.

Sir Ralph Hopton

 Got these through the library. He was local to me from Witham Friary near Frome. 

God's Vindictive Wrath Charles Cordell

 

Been enjoying this novel. Starts at Edgehill and progresses after that. Follows about 10 characters from different sides and it seees the battle and aftermath from their perspective. Very gritty and very well researched. I was impressed. Looking forward to the next one in the series.