So You Want To Know About The Army of the Earl of Essex?

The start of a new 'series' of posts helping those who want to build a specific army that fought during the Wars of The Three Kingdoms. Consider them recommended reading...

The Earl of Essex commanded Parliament's main field army - Parliament also had regional armies (the Associations) who were responsible for protecting their 'area', they could also be called upon to support Essex when on campaign near their area.

Thanks to scrupulous records being kept and more importantly, surviving (!); not to mention some diligent researchers, who have spent many hours in archive rooms and libraries, we have the most complete record of any of the armies that took to the fields.

A good place to start would be with a commentary of Essex's campaigns. You'll be needing "Hey For Old Robin" by Scott and Turton (Helion Books).

Now that your interest is growing, you will want to know all about the Regiments of Foot that made up Essex's army. That'll be the revamped second edition of  Peachey and Turton's "Old Robin's Foot" (Partizan Press) added to your reading pile. A brief narrative, the more interesting part of the book includes many transcribed contemporary accounts documenting supplies, lists of officers, clothing etc. There are a few typos in this edition, which should have been picked up at the editorial stage, but don't let that cloud this important work. ("Old Robin's Foot" is the benchmark that set the style, format and quality of content that so many others have tried to replicate.) You might have guessed, I like this book just a soupçon.

So now you know about the Foot, you'll be needing a similar volume about the Regiments of Horse... cue Turton's "Chief Strength of the Army" (Partizan Press). More of a pamphlet than a book, this replicates the style of "Old Robin's Foot", but with slightly less detail (mainly because the records aren't quite as good).

Foot ✓ Horse ✓ What's next? That'll be the Train of Artillery. Simon Marsh has two volumes documenting the "The Train of Artillery of the Earl of Essex" (Pike and Shot Society). Style very much in keeping with "Old Robin's Foot".

But that's not all! Be still my beating heart, the wagon train and logistics side of Essex's Army are covered too. That man Simon Marsh again, with his volume "Exceeding Toylsome" (Pike and Shot Society).

That's certainly enough to be getting on with.

Suppliers:

• Helion
• Partizan Press available from Caliver Books 
• Pike and Shot Society 

Please note, whilst I do occasionally get sent books to review, I bought all of the above volumes with my own money. Nor do I get any commission for recommending any reading materials...

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