Steel Lobsters

Crown, Commonwealth, and the Last Knights in England

Steel Lobsters cover

Description

A dramatic history of the Steel Lobsters, Sir Arthur Hesilrige's Regiment of Horse, in the English Civil War – the last fully armoured knights in England.

The 17th-century battlefield ushered in a new era, with formed musketeers and pistol-wielding cavalry gradually taking over from the knights and men-at-arms that had dominated the European battlefield. Based on a detailed study of the primary sources, Steel Lobsters tells the story of this transition through the history of the last fully armoured knights in England.

Myke Cole, an award-winning novelist, historian, and veteran, examines the life and times of Sir Arthur Hesilrige and his Regiment of Horse, known as 'the Lobsters' as they were encased in plate armour. Steel Lobsters covers the full history of England's last knights, from the seeds of their creation in Hesilrige's experience as a young cavalry officer, to their final defeat at Roundway Down in July 1643, and the decision to abandon their armour. It provides lavish detail on arms, armour, and tactics, but also covers the human story of Sir Arthur Hesilrige, the men who served under him, and even those who opposed him.

The story of this amazing unit is the story of the end of super-heavy cavalry, and this book delves into how wars were fought in the 17th century, the personalities, politics, and even spiritual beliefs of the combatants, how they fought, and why they ultimately lost.

Table of Contents

Preface
List of Illustrations
List of Maps
Introduction

Section I: Political Radicals
I. Divine Right, Common Law, and True Religion
II. Vivat Rex Carolus
III. Tech, Tactics, and the Battle of Breitenfeld
IV. Decade of Defiance

Section II: Military Conservatives
V. Edgehill (1642)
VI. Ripple Field (1643)
VII. Lansdown (1643)
VIII. Devizes (1643)
IX. Roundway Down (1643)

Epilogue: The Dustbin of History
Notes
Index

Product details

Published Nov 07 2024
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 288
ISBN 9781472863546
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 8-page plate section in full colour
Series General Military
Short code GNM
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Myke Cole

Following a long career in the military, intellige…

Resources

Book Vote

Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!

Related Titles

Sign up for Osprey membership for access to thousands of plane profiles, maps, battle scenes and more. Plus up to 30% off website purchases