'A Rabble of Gentility': The Royalist Northern Horse, 1644-45

Description

General George Monck once described the Royalist horse as "a rabble of gentility". Modern research has largely dispelled this image of the King's cavalry. However the description seems at first sight appropriate to the body of cavalry known as the "Northern Horse". Formed from those elements of the Marquis of Newcastle's Northern Royalist Army which elected to continue to fight after the crushing defeat at Marston Moor (2 July 1644) during the next 15 months the Northern Horse swept across much of England and Wales , becoming increasingly notorious in the process. United and reorganised by their commander, the formidable Sir Marmaduke Langdale, the Northern Horse, whilst professing loyalty to the King, increasingly followed their own agenda, of renewing the war in the North, sometimes at the expense of the wider Royalist cause. This book looks at the origins and composition of the Northern Horse, the characteristics of its officers and men, their motivation and behaviour, and their impact on those they encountered. It examines their chequered fighting record, a subject of debate even among contemporaries. It will deal with their victories, notably their epic relief of Pontefract in March 1645, and their controversial role at such encounters as Naseby and Rowton Heath. The book makes extensive use of contemporary sources, some used here for the first time. Extensively illustrated, including specially commissioned artwork and maps, 'Rabble of Gentility?' will be welcomed by readers interested in the history of the British Civil Wars, living history enthusiasts, wargamers and model makers, and those interested in the history of Northern England in the 17th century.

The author writes widely on British military history, with special reference to the 17th century and English Civil Wars. Among his books is "Cavaliers", widely regarded as the standard history of the Royalist armies. He also lectures widely on historical subjects.

All in all this a good book for a wargamer/modeller and anybody with an interest in the period. * Army Rumour Service * Readers who have a particular interest in the Northern Horse, or wish to refight the campaigns and battles in which it took part after Marston Moor as wargames, will find this book both informative and useful. * Miniature Wargames - Arthur Harman * The book is well illustrated with some useful maps and some very nice colour plates...all in all, this is a rather good study and a worthy addition to the Century of the Soldier series. * Military History Monthly *