Thursday, 30 November 2017

A True and exact relation of the Prince of Orange his publick entrance into Exeter (1688)

Anyone know where I can find this?
Only could find this from here
 "Such a sight had never been seen in Devonshire. Many went forth half a day's journey to meet the champion of their religion. All the neighbouring villages poured forth their inhabitants. A great crowd, consisting chiefly of young peasants, brandishing their weapons, had assembled on the top of Holdron (sic) Hill, whence the army marching from Chudleigh first descried the rich valley of the Esk (sic), and the two massive towers rising from the cloud of smoke which overhung the capital of the west. The road all down the long descent, and through the plains to the banks of the river, was lined mile after mile, with spectators. From the West-gate to the Cathedral-close, the pressing and shouting on each side were such as reminded Londoners of the crowds on the Lord Mayor's-day. The houses were gaily decorated; doors, windows, balconies, and roofs were thronged with gazers. An eye accustomed to the pomp of war would have found much to criticise in the spectacle. For several toilsome marches in the rain, through roads where one who travelled on foot sank, at every step, up to the ancles in clay, had not improved the appearance either of the men or of their accoutrements. But the people of Devonshire, altogether unused to the splendour of well-ordered camps, were overwhelmed with delight and awe. Descriptions of the martial pageant were circulated all over the kingdom. They contained much that was well fitted to gratify the vulgar appetite for the marvellous; for the Dutch army, composed of men who had been born in various climates, and had served under various standards, presented an aspect at once grotesque, gorgeous, and terrible to the islanders, who had in general a very indistinct notion of foreign countries. First rode Macclesfield, at the head of two hundred gentlemen, mostly of English blood, glittering in helmets and cuirasses, and mounted on Flemish war-horses. Each was attended by a negro, brought from the sugar plantations on the coast of Guiana. The citizens of Exeter, who had never seen so many specimens of the African race, gazed with wonder on the black faces, set off by embroidered turbans and white feathers. Then with drawn broadswords came a squadron of Swedish horsemen in black armour and fur cloaks. They were regarded with strange interest; for it was rumoured that they were natives of a land where the ocean was frozen, and where the night lasted through half the year, and that they themselves had slain the huge bears whose skins they wore. Next, surrounded by a goodly company of gentlemen and pages, was borne aloft the prince's banner. On its broad folds, the crowds which covered the roofs and filled the windows read with delight that memorable inscription, ' The Protestant Religion and the Liberties of England.' But the acclamations redoubled when, attended by forty running footmen, the Prince himself appeared, armed on back and breast, wearing a white plume, and mounted on a white charger. With how martial an air he curbed his horse, how thoughtful and commanding was the expression of his ample forehead and falcon eye, may still be seen on the canvas of Kneller. Once those grave features relaxed into a smile. It was when an ancient woman, perhaps one of the zealous Puritans who, through twenty-eight years of persecution, had waited with firm faith for the consolation of Israel—perhaps the mother of some rebel who had perished in the carnage of Sedgemoor, or in the more fearful carnage of the Bloody Circuit—broke from the crowd, rushed through the drawn swords and curvetting horses, touched the hand of the deliverer, and cried out that now she was happy."

William's camp in 1675

From

Blog historyczny Kadrinazi

https://www.facebook.com/Historycznybot/
'Another interesting post is some pics of William III's camp. A series of very interesting sketches showing the army of William III of Orange in the camp of Leuven in 1675. Scenes from the life of the army, captured (I think "live") Josua de Grave (1643-1712). From the Rijksmuseum collection.'
See more here

Interesting image showing the elusive classical helmet.

Thanks to Blog historyczny Kadrinazi for this see here
An illustration of the fact that the one who has never known a war will not cherish peace.

From a series of Illustrated Proverbs issued by Giuseppe Maria Mitelli; ego in 1678

From The British Museum collection.

Monday, 27 November 2017

Colonel Holcroft Blood's Ordnance

Couldn't mention Holcroft Blood without mentioning the unit based on him for the late 17th early 18thc. Here they are in the rain.

Fiction: Blood's Game

 I haven't read this yet but it is about Holcroft Blood who eventually serves in Marlborough's army so it might be a good series to get into. Steve the Wargamer rates it

Description

THE THRILLING NEW SERIES FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE 'OUTLAW CHRONICLES'.

Rogue, Rascal, Traitor . . . Hero?

London, Winter 1670.

Holcroft Blood has entered the employ of the Duke of Buckingham, one of the most powerful men in the kingdom after the king. It is here that his education really begins. With a gift for numbers and decoding ciphers, Holcroft soon proves invaluable to the Duke, but when he's pushed into a betrayal he risks everything for revenge.

His father, Colonel Thomas Blood, has fallen on hard times. A man used to fighting, he lives by his wits and survives by whatever means necessary. When he's asked to commit treason by stealing the crown jewels, he puts himself and his family in a dangerous situation - one that may end at the gallows.

As the machinations of powerful men plot to secure the country's future, both father and son must learn what it is to survive in a more dangerous battlefield than war - the court of King Charles II.

One false step could prove fatal . . .

Saturday, 25 November 2017