Steel Lobsters: Crown, Commonwealth, and the Last Knights in England

by Myke Cole

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.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World History

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 5, 2024

About the author

As a security contractor, government civilian and military officer, Myke Cole’s career has run the gamut from Counterterrorism to Cyber Warfare to Federal Law Enforcement. He’s done three tours in Iraq and was recalled to serve during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. After hunting terrorists and criminals in real life, he kept up the job on TV, first tracking fugitives on CBS’ 2017 show Hunted, and UFOs on Discovery Channel’s 2019 show Contact.

All that conflict can wear a guy out. Thank goodness for fantasy novels, comic books, late night games of Dungeons and Dragons and lots of angst fueled writing.

Reviews

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never has an author had a clearer pitch for a book than Myke Cole's reason for his book, Steel Lobsters. Quite simply, it is "knights-with-guns." Were there knight-with-guns? Yes. How did they do? Well, you need to read the book, but there is a reason you don't see them anymore.

The story takes place during the English Civil War. Cole focuses the story mainly around two antagonists on either side of the war, but the main character is Arthur Haselrig who would ultimately create and lead the aforementioned Steel Lobsters.

Cole has a unique way of writing. The entire book sounds more like a conversation between friends. One of those friends happens to be steeped in knowledge of military weapons and wants to tell you all about it. Cole makes the subjects more accessible to a general audience, but I could also see how military historians might not like his more familiar tone. I personally find it makes the story flow much better without getting bogged down in a list of equipment and lifeless listing of maneuvers. It does mean the audience for this story is a bit specific. It is basically a quick overview of the English Civil War and then a rundown of a few battles the Steel Lobsters were around. If this sounds like a good time to you, then I recommend it. I had a good time!

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Osprey Publishing.)

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 1 out of 5]

I appreciate the opportunity osprey books gave me to read this book and write a review. I noticed I had written a quip around the beginning of the month and I was at 12%. Well today I am at 15%. My life is too delicate to give anymore time to this book, mostly because it’s over 14 hours long. I can get a book I’m enjoying finished much more quickly. I can’t spare the time when I own so many other books. There for awhile I wasn’t even quite sure what event I was reading about. I think this book would have a niche audience. My adoration of various historical eras is not this one, but if you enjoy weaponry and strategy this book may be for you.

[Graff Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steel Lobsters: Crown, Commonwealth, and the Last Knights In England by Myke Cole

informative reflective sad tense

Slow-paced

3.5 Stars

I knew when I heard about this book (and the recent books that this author has been writing) was non-fiction. I was not ready for the book to be SO narrow in subject matter within history.

It is about the Steel Lobsters. They were Sir Arthur Hesilrige's Regiment of Horse soldiers, during the English Civil War. The book visits the time period from 1601 to about 1661.

This book shows the short usage of this type of heavy armour used one last time...against a lighter armoured soldiers...showing it ineffectiveness. The progressive between technology and the war tactics that had worked in the past, and how technology (weapons, gear/armour, and how they will/have changed warfare) at that time within the political time period of England.

The history was revealed in a very approachable way. When I say that...the author takes a very dry set of historical documents (that do NOT always agree with each other) and through his studies...he finds what is the most believable course through this time in England.

I do not usually pick up this type of book, but I am so glad that I did.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Londo...

This book will not be for everyone (obviously), but it does add to the history of weapons and warfare within history.

I'd like to thank Net Galley for the opportunity to read this eArc and to give my thoughts about it...fairly and honestly.

[Chewable Orb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steel Lobsters: Crown, Commonwealth, and the Last Knights In England by Myke Cole

In researching various documentation of the British First Civil War, our esteemed author, Myke Cole, has pieced together information about a famous group known as the Steel Lobsters, known for donning heavy armor on horseback. Sir Arthur Hesilrige, the leader of the Lobsters, whose ideals sparked a revolution between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists backing King Charles I, is at the forefront of the investigation.

Our story starts with the power structure within England at the time. Parliament positions were filled by the wealthy who saw their ideas clash with King Charles I. Religion alongside taxation was front and center in providing significant feelings of malcontent, thus sparking the war between 1642 and 1646.

The novel provides a canvas to many historic battles fought on different pieces of hallowed ground where various war-time strategies are sure to please lovers of memorable British history. Myke Cole, delves deeper into war tactics, particularly those of the older cautious tactics of the Danish and the newer implored by the Swedes. The reader is privy to a "changing of the guard" within combat strategy.

Sir Arthur's reluctance to use a more modern approach may have contributed to the Steel Lobster's demise. They were an imposing wall of shiny metal, an intimidating force, and an impenetrable unit. However, the sheer weight of the armor created a lack of mobility that became an increasing issue. The royalist cavalry exercised speed to its advantage and proved that brute force does not always win. The implementation of new tactics can win any battle engagement.

Through my meandering mind, I wonder how I would have lived in olden times. My horse teetered along a steep embankment, mud clinging to its hooves, and I am fully aware that one slip and I am off into purgatory. I was engaging in a battle that clearly would not end up well for those in the thick of it. I knowingly plunge into an abyss of blood and souls, willing to sacrifice for the betterment of my family. Snapping back to reality, I realize how grateful I am for the sacrifices of my forefathers. The novel reminds us of the blood, sweat, and tears provided by the participants. Folks rallying for a common cause, unfortunately, the outcome being a brutal death by war or an act seen as treason.

The words within this book granted me a reprieve from modern-day problems. I salute those who bravely fought in the face of adversity, including Sir Arthur and the Steel Lobsters. People may agree or disagree with their chosen ideals, but no one can question the bravery exuded. I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars and can recommend it.

Many thanks to Osprey Publishing for the ARC through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this fascinating new history book about the English Civil War, Myke Cole brings the story of the last knights to ride to war in England to life in this brilliant and unknown history. With the juxtaposition of modern warfare, muskets, and other firearms with plate armor, chainmail, and the cavalry from the medieval period, Cole explores how war in the seventeenth century was unique as this bridge period between two distinct kinds of warfare. In bringing Sir Arthur Hesilrige, his knights, his enemies, and the battles of the English Civil War between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians to life, Cole emphasizes how this war shaped English politics, religion, and warfare in the centuries after. With brilliant attention to historical detail and a combination of biographical and macro-historical scale, this book’s use of historical records and the more popular facts combine to give readers large and narrow understandings of historical events. The narrative structure and the evolution of English knighthood are particularly well done, as it gives readers the narrative and emotional throughline to understand the significance of this book and the larger arguments about 17th century warfare. Brilliantly written and complex, this is a unique, fascinating, and deeply enjoyable book that history fans will love.

Thanks to NetGalley and Osprey Publishing for the advance copy.

[Paul A · Rating 4 out of 5]

The transitional period from the late medieval to early modern eras are interesting in how rapidly technology and tactics evolved on the battlefield. Even so, factors such as morale, momentum, and supply still tended to be the determining factors for a how a conflict was resolved. Here, Myke Cole describes the context and unit history surrounding Sir Arthur Heselrige's Regiment of Horse, alternatively known as the London Lobsters.

Cole's approach to history is decidedly more narrative than strictly scholarly, which makes for engaging, if prone to conjecture reading. There's simply not a ton of information on the central "character" of the novel, that character being the unit as a whole. It reads more as a biography of Arthur Heselrige and the part he played in the English Civil War. Still, Cole does a good job of bringing the period and setting to life in his writing, making this an interesting and readable history.

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Myke Cole's book "Steel Lobsters: Crown, Commonwealth, and the Last Knights in England" delves into the history of Sir Arthur Hesilrige's Horse Regiment, or the Steel Lobsters, during the English Civil War. This regiment is notable for being among the last fully armored knights in England, having switched from conventional combat methods to the use of firearms rather than lances and swords.

The book is a dramatic narrative that dives into these knights' experiences, emphasizing their unique significance in a key period of English history. It highlights the combination of chivalry and evolving military tactics that defined their contributions to the fight.

[Averi Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read
Myke Cole's book "Steel Lobsters: Crown, Commonwealth, and the Last Knights in England" delves into the history of Sir Arthur Hesilrige's Horse Regiment, or the Steel Lobsters, during the English Civil War. This regiment is notable for being among the last fully armored knights in England, having switched from conventional combat methods to the use of firearms rather than lances and swords.

The book is a dramatic narrative that dives into these knights' experiences, emphasizing their unique significance in a key period of English history. It highlights the combination of chivalry and evolving military tactics that defined their contributions to the fight.

[The Bauchler · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting foot-note to the English civil war, of which I was unaware.

The book suffered from falling between two stools.

Aimed towards the general reader it probably isn't that interesting enough to be book-length.
To anyone with an interest/knowledge of the events of the mid 17th century it over-labours many points and over explains much that doesn't need explaining.

Felt like a lot of filler, TBH.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great from start to finish. I learned a ton!

[Joanna Hetterman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but a little niche for my tastes

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it on audible, super distant relative of Horton (vested interest)

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Sir Arthur Hesilrige’s Regiment of Horse, England’s last fully armored knights, tracing their history from formation to their final defeat in 1643. It explores their unique tactics, arms, and armor, along with the human stories of the men who fought and the political and social context of their era, marking the end of super-heavy cavalry.

This military and political history has a human heart. The English Civil War was devastating in many ways, and this book tells the story of one regiment during a time when warcraft was evolving. One thing that really came through was the sense of hope—how both sides were fighting for their ideals with the certainty that God was on their side. Hesilrige’s innovative approach, which seemed so promising at first, ultimately proved a failure and a tragedy. In that sense, it’s a microcosm for the war itself.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jonathan Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Focussed history on the waning use of fully armoured cavalry in the 17th Century.
Only real criticism is incredibly frequent storytelling methods that feel slightly one note by the end.
Would recommend to someone interested in English Civil War and/or the broad strokes of military strategy and tactics and how they developed in the very early black powder era.