Wars of Louis Quatorze: September 2026

Wednesday, 30 September 2026

I Am Minded to Rise

This is a good book. A fairly slight book but interesting. This is one of the pics in the book.

Andrew Macpherson of Cluny, 1640 - 1666. 15th Chief by Richard Waitt | National Galleries of Scotland

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

The Gate of Calais or O, the Roast Beef of Old England

The Gate of Calais - Wikipedia

Roast Beef of Old England · Jerry Bryant and Starboard Mess

The Roast Beef of Old England - Wikipedia

Slippery Lane Bath

Slippery Lane was where the Jacobites had their arms cache in 1715. Wars of Louis Quatorze: Bath Somerset in 1715. It was seized by Wade and his troops which had been sent to sort Bath out.

Pieter Snayers: Battle Painter 1592-1667 by Roland Sennewald

Thanks to Clibinarium

It remains a stroke of fortune that in the turbulent times of the 17th century with its numerous cultural and military upheavals the artistic depiction of human life took a similarly rapid and proliferous development. Never before in history had society in all its squalor and splendor been presented in so many pictures of outstanding artistic quality. At the end of the 16th century the Golden Age of Painting began to evolve especially in the Low Countries. Many contemporary paintings also show events from the Eighty Years War, the United Provinces' struggle for independence from Spain. However, an entire generation of artists also chose to paint events from the great European conflict which erupted at the same time: the Thirty Years War. Born in Antwerp, Pieter Snayers was a fairly typical representative of this generation of painters. From a military historian's point of view, his works are considered particularly authentic. Many of his paintings showing sieges betray meticulous care in the depiction of the cities and fortresses concerned. Snayers' topographical and analytical approach remains unsurpassed. Even his paintings of major battles (which rarely occurred) defy any form of profound criticism. Snayers' rendering of the everyday life of the common people involved is straightforward, graphic and occasionally dramatic. We are thus able to gain insight into the events of his time unimpeded by cliches and historic myth. Pieter Snayers' works are on display in numerous collections worldwide. With the help of his paintings, many of which are very large in format, this lavishly illustrated book will seek to relate the history of the conflicts depicted. Author Roland Sennewald has compiled a collection of more than 100 of Snayers' works from all over the world, creating an impressive testimony of his creative talent and relating the story of both the Eighty and Thirty Years Wars, and the times before and after. Pieter Snayers (1592- 1667) Snayers was born in Antwerp where he was baptized on 24 November 1592. His father Lodewijk was the city messenger of Antwerp for Brussels. He was enrolled as a pupil of Sebastiaen Vrancx in Antwerp's Guild of St. Luke in 1612. Sebastiaen Vrancx was a prominent battle and genre painter. In 1613 Snayers became a master in the Guild. In 1618 Snayers married Anna Schut, a cousin of the painter Cornelis Schut. Their first child Cornelis was baptized on 8 September 1620. Snayers achieved success as an artist. In Antwerp the family lived in luxury and Snayers participated annually in the lavish banquet of the chamber of rhetoric Violieren. Snayers joined the painters' guild in Brussels on 16 June 1628. He became a citizen of Brussels at the same time. It is believed he had been working for the Archduke Albert (died in 1621) while living in Antwerp. He had been appointed court painter and 'domesticq van 't Hof" (domestic of the court) by the Archduke. Snayers likely moved to Brussels in order to pursue opportunities at the court of the Archduchess Isabella, the widow of the Archduke and the governess of the Southern Netherlands. After Isabella's death in 1633, Snayers became court painter to the next two governors, the Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand of Austria (1634-1641) and the Archduke Leopold (Wilhelm) (1647 to 1656). For them he painted scenes of victorious battles in the tradition of sixteenth-century tapestries. He painted portraits of the aristocracy in Brussels and large landscapes. He also worked for other eminent patrons and the open market. A highlight in his career was a commission for 22 battle paintings by general Ottavio Piccolomini. While working in Brussels he regularly visited his hometown Antwerp but never returned to live there.

Monday, 28 September 2026

BATTLE OF LOVOSICE – FIRST PHOTOGRAPHIC SNIPPETS

Photos (5) Facebook where there are more.

The weekend full of history and military demonstrations continued on Sunday under Lovoš Hill, where the Battle of Lovosice took place. Battle of Lobositz - Wikipedia

The historical reenactment recalled one of the battles of the Seven Years' War and offered spectators military units in period uniforms, infantry, artillery, and the atmosphere of the battlefield.

The event is also linked to the cooperation between Lovosice and Terezín, and the participants included members of Terezín’s military history groups along with other participants from various historical units.

A large number of photos were also taken at this event, which are waiting to be processed. For now, I’m sharing the first 30 photographic snippets from the Battle of Lovosice 2026.

Thanks to Andrey

Peter Snayers' workshop. It's called 'The Cavalry Halt.'

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Late 1630s–early 1640s. It's quite likely that the figures depicted are Croats, who were common in imperial and generally Catholic armies.

Saturday, 26 September 2026

James Francis Edward Keith

James Francis Edward Keith - Wikipedia

James Francis Edward Keith (in later years Jakob von Keith; 11 June 1696 – 14 October 1758) was a Scottish-born army officer and Generalfeldmarschall of the Prussian Army. As a Jacobite he took part in a failed attempt to restore the Stuart Monarchy to Britain. When this failed, he fled to Europe, living in France, and then Spain. He joined the Spanish and eventually the Russian armies and fought in the Anglo-Spanish War and the Russo-Swedish War. In the latter he participated in the conquest of Finland and became its viceroy. Subsequently, he participated in the coup d'état that put Elizabeth of Russia on the throne.

He subsequently served in the Prussian army under Frederick the Great, where he distinguished himself in several campaigns. He died during the Seven Years' War at the Battle of Hochkirch. He received the Black Eagle Order and is memorialised on the Equestrian statue of Frederick the Great.

Walt Disney Presents: Rob Roy: The Highland Rogue - 1954 Trailer (UK/PAL Toned Version)

A film set in the '15.

This is worth tracking down

Jacobite rising of 1715 - Wikipedia

I love the cover of this. Got it from ebay.

Outlander does the 1715 Rebellion

This artcile is from the Jacobite Trail

Outlander fans are very familiar with the Jacobite Rising of 1745 and the road to Culloden - but Season 2 of Outlander: Blood of My Blood is taking us back to an earlier chapter in Jacobite history: the Rising of 1715.

Known as “The Fifteen”, the rebellion began after the death of Queen Anne and the accession of George I, as the Jacobites sought to restore James Francis Edward Stuart - the father of Bonnie Prince Charlie - to the throne.

And it looks as though the real history of 1715 will be woven closely into the new season.

Brian Fraser and Murtagh return to pledge themselves alongside Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, while at Castle Leoch, Colum and Dougal MacKenzie disagree over the call to arms. Ellen MacKenzie, meanwhile, faces the difficult task of trying to protect her clan whatever the outcome.

These were very real dilemmas in 1715. Highland families and clan chiefs faced decisions that could determine who went to war, whose lands and fortunes were placed at risk and who might later be branded a traitor.

The rising would eventually end in failure, but its story of divided loyalties, family allegiances and the Stuart cause provides a fascinating historical backdrop for Blood of My Blood - and perhaps helps us understand how the world we later see in Outlander was shaped.

If you love the Jacobite history behind Outlander, this is a really interesting look at the real 1715 Rising behind Season 2 of Blood of My Blood. 

Read the full article here: https://poptopic.com.au/.../the-real-1715-rising-behind.../

Friday, 25 September 2026

The '45 Christopher Duffy

If you haven't read this then order it from your library. It is very readable as is the case for all Duffy books. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it.

The Butcher W A Speck

This is a good book. You can find copies on ebay hardback or paperback.

Pulteney's (13th Foot)

Been going for 31 years. Still going strong. (1) Facebook

1/6 Pulteney's

Greystones Collectibles: The 1745 Rebellion: British Redcoat, Pulteney's Regiment - Preorders Open!
https://www.gijoeelite.com/The-1745-Rebellion-British...

John Chadwick was born in Bolton, Lancashire, England. The only son of a British Army Officer, he enlisted in 1740 at the age of 20. After spending time at a temporary camp at Lexden Heath, near Colchester, Essex in Southeast England, he saw action in Europe.

He fought with Pulteney's Regiment which formed a central front line position of the British Government forces at the Battle of Falkirk where Chadwick suffered a musket shot to his right arm during the initial fighting. He took part in the final defeat of the Jacobite Army at Culloden, 16 April 1746 again, as part of the front rank, facing the Highland charge.

Tuesday, 22 September 2026

Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich, BWV 17 first performed 22 September 1726

Ernst Ludwig, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen, probably the author of the text

Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich, BWV 17 - Wikipedia

Johann Sebastian Bach composed the church cantata Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich (He who offers thanks praises Me),^[1] BWV 17 in Leipzig for the fourteenth Sunday after Trinity and first performed it on 22 September 1726.

De Gheyn Musket Drill with rest

Jacob de Gheyn II - Wikipedia

The Williamite Invasion of 1688: The Last Successful invasion of England

The Williamite Invasion of 1688: The Last Successful invasion of England from our Century of the Soldier 1618-1721 series is now available!

What really happened during the Williamite Invasion of 1688? 
Go behind the scenes of the campaign that changed the course of British history, from William of Orange’s invasion and landing in England to James II’s flight into exile. Drawing on English, Dutch and Austrian archival sources, The Williamite Invasion of 1688 reconstructs the campaign day by day, including lesser-known actions often overlooked in traditional accounts.

 Save £5 off RRP until Tuesday 29 September - No code needed 

 Buy the book here: https://www.helion.co.uk/.../the-williamite-invasion-of...

Monday, 21 September 2026

White Mountain 1620 by Vit Hassan Photography

Prestonpans 1745

Today's anniversary. Battle of Prestonpans - Wikipedia

Sunday, 20 September 2026

Event in the Czech Republic

Pojďte s námi k Rakovníku nahlédnout do dramatické doby před více jak 400 lety a připomenout si příběh z konce česko-falcké fáze třicetileté války!
Po dva víkendy se můžete ponořit do minulosti a dozvědět se více o událostech z podzimu roku 1620, kdy se u Rakovníka během několika dní rozhodlo o výsledku bitvy na Bílé hoře!
Více informací o akcích a programu najdete na také na www.1620.cz

Come with us to Rakovník and take a look at the dramatic times from over 400 years ago, and revisit the story from the end of the Czech-Palatinate phase of the Thirty Years' War!

For two weekends, you can dive into the past and learn more about the events of the autumn of 1620, when the outcome of the Battle of White Mountain was decided near Rakovník in just a few days!

You can find more information about the events and program also at www.1620.cz

First Battle of Newbury

First Battle of Newbury - Wikipedia Happened today.

art by Graham Turner

London Trained Bands - Wikipedia

Friday, 18 September 2026

Tilly

One of the major personalities of the TYW.

Johann Tserclaes, Count of Tilly - Wikipedia

Das Tillylied - Thirty Years' War Song

The Tillylied - or "Tilly Song" was written in the aftermath of the Siege of Magdeburg, and became quite popular with the forces of the Catholic League, led by Johann Tserclaes, the Count of Tilly, the "Iron Monk".

The Thirty Years War was a long-lasting clash of mainly Catholic and Protestant forces that struggled for the status of religion within the Holy Roman Empire. It later involved other forces that tried to exploit the political instability for their own gains, such as France, Sweden, Russia and the Ottoman Empire helping the Protestants. A popular motto spread in the Protestant side, both in the context of Turkish support and in the conquest of Turkish expansion: "Better Turkish than Papist", coincidentally similar to the Orthodox motto "Rather the Turkish Turban than the Papal Tiara". The War eventually ended in a stalemate, with both forces not willing to drag it on for longer, and with religious peace being declared in the Holy Roman Empire. In the picture, the Count of Tilly, and the banner of the Catholic League.

This weekend near Prague

White Mountain 1620. Battle of White Mountain - Wikipedia. The actual battle is in November but they commemorate it in September.

Father Tilly

Father Tilly: Wargame Rules for the Thirty Years War | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
Father Tilly is a set of wargame rules by Stephen Danes, published by AB One Games, designed to recreate battles of the Thirty Years War using 25/28mm miniatures and a fast, token‑driven system.

[TMP] "Father Tilly Rules Review?" Topic

Overview

Father Tilly is a historical miniatures wargame focused specifically on the Thirty Years War. It emphasizes fast play, simple mechanics, and added unpredictability through “war‑tokens,” which introduce events such as powder explosions, drunken generals, mutinies, and looting. These tokens add period flavor without slowing gameplay.

Father Tilly - AB One Games | DriveThruRPG

League of Augsburg new

'Maison du Roi Grenadiers a cheval (Horse Grenadiers). Magnificent uniforms and wonderfully characterful poses. I Will have stock within 10 days. These can be ordered now by pm or email. £26 for a squadron of 6 in 28mm.'

La compagnie la Courbière

[Les Heures Historiques de Sully sur Loire 2026]

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Retour sur notre participation à l'édition où nous représentions un groupe de piquiers et mousquetaires du régiment de Balançon, en 1626.

La compagnie la Courbière est une association de reconstitution historique multiépoque qui s'intéresse à l'Histoire des Franc-Comtois du XVIIe siècle aux années 1940.