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.
Got it,haven't had time to read it but it looks interesting on a quick flick through.
ReplyDelete"...With his accession to the throne in 1603 for the first time Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland were united ..."
ReplyDeleteAND IRELAND? Did I miss something? So why there was no St Patrick's Cross in the Union Jack till 1801? Well, we know the answer, I think. Ireland was just an occupied territory at the time. No chance for the Irish to be acknowledged as an independent nation. Contrary to Scotland which was a kingdom whose king had just become King of England...So, let's leave it at "Scotland and England united for the first time"...;-)
Actually an interesting book which I have recently finished. leaving aside Ireland- which of course did not really have a concept of one nation just yet and had just been through the Nine years War- with Irish troops fighting on both sidesand was indeed conquered territory. The book avoids political posturing and concentrates on the army or armies that "Britain" sent forth in a selection of failed expeditions.
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