Francis Hawley

This is the man who led the Forlorn Hope of Grenadiers at Philipsnorton 27th June (see below). This is a fascinating image.

Sunday, 26 June 2016

Extracts from Wade's Narrative

Probably the best source for events in the Monmouth Rebellion is Wade's Narrative - written shorty after the Rebellion by one of Monmouth's most able officers Nathaniel Wade. I have scanned the pages dealing with the skirmishes at Keynsham and Philipsnorton (Norton St Philip)


"Monmouth is at Norton Town / All a-fighting for the Crown / Ho! boys, ho!

The 27th is the anniversary of the Battle of Philipsnorton in 1685. Read an extract from my book the Days of King Monmouth on this indecisive battle here.
The Troop at Norton St Philip

Friday, 24 June 2016

ECWS at Farleigh Hungerford 1987

Ralph Mitchard and his daughter

Found these old images today. Event when I was in Devereux's at my local castle. The bottom picture is my wife and daughters. Good times

Sunday, 19 June 2016

Barry Lyndon at the cinema?

Want a chance to see Barry Lyndon at the cinema? I do - here's where and when
Stanley Kubrick’s evocative adaption of William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel about the exploits of an 18th century Irish adventurer.

Maids of Taunton

Today the 19th June the Duke of Monmouth is presented by colours by the godly Maids of Taunton. To read more about the Rebellion get my booklet.

Wargamers' Uniform Guides for the Siege of Derry


Clarence Harrison - Following on the heels of the well received Uniform Guides for the Battle of the Boyne, we are happy to announce the next series - The Siege of Derry!

D01 - The Jacobite Infantry of the Siege of Derry
D02 - The Jacobite Cavalry and Artillery of the Siege of Derry
D03 - The Defenders of Derry
D04 - The Battle of Pennyburn Mill
D05 - The Battle of Windmill Hill

Read more about it here

Monday, 13 June 2016

Versailles

Episode 1

Versailles Episode 1 of 10
France, 1667. Proud young Louis XIV seeks to stamp his authority on court and country but faces resistance and betrayal, even from those closest to him. Shifting the seat of power to a luxurious rural 'lodge' that he plans to enlarge only adds to his problems.

I haven't seen this as I don't watch tv but people have been talking about this and as it's still possible to watch Episode 1 I thought I'd feature it.  Let me know if there are any battle scenes

Portrait of a Nobleman, identified as James, Duke of Monmouth

Jan Wyck. In the uniform of the King's Troop of Lifeguards according to Anna Keay in her new biography.

Saturday, 4 June 2016

Redcoats and rebel 1685

I found this old photo taken at Basing House at our first 1685 Society event. Owen in the centre is now Town Crier for Royal Wootton Basset and very good at it he is.

Devereux's in 1985

Here's a picture of my first ECW event. Devereux's are still going strong.