Devereux's does Monmouth in 1985 - photos by Carolyn Figg

Back in 1985 for the tercentenary Devereux's and some of ECWS did a Monmouth living history at the Royal Bath & West Show in Somerset. A hamlet complete with tavern was created and Sedgemoor was reenacted.

Portrait, traditionally said to be of Colonel John Hutchinson, Parliamentarian and Governor of Nottingham Castle, 1643

From the NAM website where there is a biography. Also here is a portrait of Lucy Hutchinson.
Other portraits by the artist John Souch

Out today

Twilight of the Sun King

Review here An extensively revised version of the innovative Twilight of the Sun King rules and a scenario book are now available.
The Twilight of the Sun King: Birth of the Age of Reason rules focus on the period 1680-1720. The rules are aimed at re-fighting large battles with moderate resources and in a relatively short time. Units are ‘brigades' of about 2000 infantry or 1000 cavalry. Basing, figure size or unit size are not important. All measurements, movements, ranges, etc, are in ‘base widths' and the players decide what this will be.
The rules are simple to pick up but reflect the warfare of the period. For example, combat and morale are combined into a single dice roll. Play testers commented that you feel like an army commander and that the rules have a great period feel.
The first scenario book, Louis XIV at War, features 10 battles as various sizes and types from Western Europe.
Four from the War of the Grand Alliance (1688-1697) – Fleurus, Boyne, Landen/Neerwinden and Marsaglia.
Six from the War of Spanish Succession (1701-14) – Luzzara, Speyerbach, Blenheim, Ramillies, Almansa and Almenar.
A second scenario book will appear shortly with 10 battles from the Great Northern War (1700-1721) and the Ottoman wars of the era.
The rules and scenarios are published by the Pike and Shot Society and can be obtained from them, www.pikeandshotsociety.org , and other retail outlets.
Yahoo group: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/TwilightSK/info

More Basing House 1588 by Nicola Turton

Moses and Alan

Soldiers' camp

David Wilson

Me and the Missus

More Sutlery fun

Dave Laurent

Alan Turton

David Edge and Shona

Simon Frame

See more 1588 memories here

Jacques Callot Pikemen

Siege of Saint-Martin-de-Ré (1627)

I know very little about the Anglo-French War of 1627-9
Ive heard of the Ile de Ré expedition and that's about it. Must find out more.

Marshall Henri de Schomberg and Toiras vanquishing the English army of Buckingham at the end of the siege. Michel de la Mathonière, 1627

 

Scene of War: population fleeing before enemy, by Sebastian Vrancx (1573-1647)

The First British Army, 1624-1628. The Army of the Duke of Buckingham 2016 by Laurence Spring

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.

The Other Army - Camp Followers of the English Civil War

This book originally came out in 84 published by Partizan Press. What a useful book. Don't think it's still in print more to the pity. Our copy is well thumbed. Is well illustrated throughout.

Jacques Callot

Interesting suite of images of war from a master engraver. If you don't know these follow the below link and enjoy.

Recruitment of troops, from the suite The Miseries and Misfortunes of War

1633

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Artist

Jacques Callot

Basing House Armada Living History 1988

Apologies for the early timeline on this one but I like these photos so indulge me. Back in '88 we - my family and Devereux's Regiment ECWS did a weeks' living history recreating the Armada in the Hampshire countryside. My family and I had the job of looking after some St Kilda Sheep and talking about the wool trade. My hat (a brimmed Monmouth) I bought off the famous Kirstie Buckland who came to demonstrate some of her knitting prowess. My parents came and took a load of photos which was lucky as most reenactors know you don't get to take many pictures usually. We had a lot of fun and had a not for public peasant's revolt at the end of the week when the gypsies charcoal burners and country folk attacked the Militia. Well you have to have a bit of fun at the end of the week... More photos of this event

A daughter

Sue

Me and my Dad and some St Kilda sheep

Daughter

Me the shepherd

The sheep pen

Dave Laurent

David Edge demonstrating archery

Ralph Thompson on beacon duty

Gypsies in the woods

Sue Mitchard trying to work a drop spindle

Me and Andy James who was making hay or something

Civil War Royalists

Supposed to be Gamul's Regiment. From the Farndon Church Window.

The Last Valley (1971)

This movie set in the 30 Years War is a favourite of Steve Stanley so I thoughtI'd scan some of the best bits of a brochure for the movie that I have in one of my many boxes of things.