Osprey Men-at-Arms 267 : The British Army 1660-1704

The period between the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 and Marlborough's decisive victory at Blenheim in 1704 is often seen as something of a 'backwater' of military history. The struggles of the English Civil Wars were over and Marlborough's epic campaigns yet to begin. However, this 40-year pause was far from a period of peace and inactivity. It was marked by the defeat of the Monmouth Rebellion at Sedgemoor in 1685, the 'Glorious Revolution' in 1668, the ambush at Killiecrankie in 1689, and the battle of the Boyne in 1690. Overseas it saw the garrisoning of the British colonies of Virginia and the West Indies; expeditions to Bombay and Portugal; and the defence, against overwhelming odds, of the British bases at Dunkirk and Tangier. This 40-year period saw the birth of the British Army in its modern form, and the establishment of many regiments that survive to this day. The 1690s brought direct involvement in the European power struggle - with large numbers of British troops deployed against the French in Flanders at the pitched battles of Walcourt (1689), Steenkirk (1692) and Landen (1693). John Tincey examines the British Army during this eventful, if often overlooked period of the reign of Charles II, James II and William II. The book is complemented by numerous photographs and illustrations, including eight full page colour plates by Gerry Embleton.

Contents

• Introduction
• The Army of Charles II
• The Army of James II
• The Army of William III
• Uniforms & Weapons of the Horse
• Dragoons
• Infantry Uniforms
• Infantry Weapons & Equipment
• Grenadiers
• The Plates