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Osprey Campaign #185
Naseby 1645: The triumph of the New Model Army
Osprey's study of the pivotal battle of the English Civil War (1642-1651). In 1645 the fate of the British monarchy hung in the balance as the Royalist Army under King Charles I fought the Parliamentarian Army for control of the country. In this book Martin Marix Evans gives a vivid account of the pivotal battle of Naseby. He introduces the origins of the campaign and explores the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing armies, including the famous New Model Army. Dramatic and fast-paced first-hand accounts tell how the fighting unfolded on that fateful day. Featuring strategic maps and new information regarding the troops and battlefield, the author uses his unparalleled knowledge of the terrain, as well as archaeological evidence, to piece together a remarkable blow-by-blow account of the battle that lost the King his throne.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 28, 2019
I was interested in this battle as one of my Denison ancestors (also an ancestor of Lady Di) was a member of Cromwell’s elite “Ironside” cavalry, fighting (and being wounded) on the left wing of the Parliamentary assault at Naseby. Years ago, before knowing of this ancestor, my family drove past the battlefield but never stopped. Alas,….
Evans provides a thumbnail summary of the battle beginning with an historical sketch of the political scene, military tactics, armaments and their use, the two armies that faced off against each other and then the battle itself, in stages, from the initial movements through the punches, counter-punches, the full royalist retreat and the robbery, mutilation and murder of 100+ of the Irish royalist camp-follower whores (Evan’s word) after the battle. Hmmm…. God’s men carrying out God’s work??? Pretty pathetic bunch morally, although this was pretty much standard practice at the time – destroy the enemy, then rob, rape, mutilate and murder the women camp followers of the losing army. My ancestor was seriously wounded in the battle and I hope he had nothing to do with this. For an exaggerated and sarcastic description of European warfare just a little later, read Voltaire’s book, “Candide.”
If you are an ignorant colonial, as I am, you will want to consult other sources for information amplifying understanding of terms I am certain most educated Brits take for granted. Like “The New Model Army.” Which differed from previous armies in at least 3 ways: First, troops could be used anywhere in Britain, including Scotland and Ireland; second, the troops were professionals instead of temporary local militia; third, soldiers could not be members of parliament. There are many other terms which are “mysterious” depending on the reader’s expertise.
The book includes many illustrations and old maps or photos (few of which are too small to really discern what they illustrate but it’s nice to know they exist if you want to delve more deeply into the battle). The last section describes what will meet the tourist/visitor today (in 2007 at time of publication) – it would have been good to mention these additional resources at the beginning of the book to aid visualization of the battle as it progressed.
If you are a real connoisseur of the battle you will want to go to more detailed sources, but this is a reasonable start.
Evans provides a thumbnail summary of the battle beginning with an historical sketch of the political scene, military tactics, armaments and their use, the two armies that faced off against each other and then the battle itself, in stages, from the initial movements through the punches, counter-punches, the full royalist retreat and the robbery, mutilation and murder of 100+ of the Irish royalist camp-follower whores (Evan’s word) after the battle. Hmmm…. God’s men carrying out God’s work??? Pretty pathetic bunch morally, although this was pretty much standard practice at the time – destroy the enemy, then rob, rape, mutilate and murder the women camp followers of the losing army. My ancestor was seriously wounded in the battle and I hope he had nothing to do with this. For an exaggerated and sarcastic description of European warfare just a little later, read Voltaire’s book, “Candide.”
If you are an ignorant colonial, as I am, you will want to consult other sources for information amplifying understanding of terms I am certain most educated Brits take for granted. Like “The New Model Army.” Which differed from previous armies in at least 3 ways: First, troops could be used anywhere in Britain, including Scotland and Ireland; second, the troops were professionals instead of temporary local militia; third, soldiers could not be members of parliament. There are many other terms which are “mysterious” depending on the reader’s expertise.
The book includes many illustrations and old maps or photos (few of which are too small to really discern what they illustrate but it’s nice to know they exist if you want to delve more deeply into the battle). The last section describes what will meet the tourist/visitor today (in 2007 at time of publication) – it would have been good to mention these additional resources at the beginning of the book to aid visualization of the battle as it progressed.
If you are a real connoisseur of the battle you will want to go to more detailed sources, but this is a reasonable start.
October 4, 2020
A workmanlike accounting of a "famous victory," save that our knowledge of what the participants were thinking seems to be really limited; this is particularly the case from the perspective of the Royalist camp. Still, this seems to be the most recent general analysis available.
February 12, 2018
There is some good images, maps, and analysis, particularly of the battle's closing phase. However, the narrative is very choppy, and long block quotations are liberally repeated.
June 25, 2013
Good details of the campaign and battle. Modern battlefield photos and contemporary maps help give a clear picture of the action. Wish there were more, however not all that much has come down to us, so this is a solid collection of sources.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews