Scottish Renaissance Armies 1513-1550 (Elite)

• Publisher:   Osprey Publishing
• Number Of Pages:   64
• Publication Date:   2008-11-18
• ISBN-10 / ASIN:   184603325X
• ISBN-13 / EAN:   9781846033254

This book details the armies of what is known as "the Rough Wooing" - the most active period of Scottish warfare, which saw conflicts against both the English Tudor monarchs and notable internal struggles between the Stuart kings and their unruly lords in the Marches and highlands. Militarily, this covers an important transition period, which saw the change from medieval to Renaissance armies, with the spread of firearms and cannon, the involvement of various foreign mercenaries and tactics ranging from lightning cavalry raids to pitched battles and sieges, as well as early instances of the classic Highland Clan charge. The author analyzes these changes in the context of the ongoing conflict as well as examining the colorful costumes, armor and heraldry worn during the period, a diverse mix of late medieval, Elizabethan and Highland clothing and armor. The major battles are also discussed and described, including engagements between the armies of rival lords, such as Douglas and Lennox, which could involve up to 10,000 men. Ultimately, this was a time of great success for the Scots. By the fall of Lauder in 1550 the English had lost every fortress north of the border. Scotland's independence was secure and 50 years later King James VI of Scotland became the first Stuart king of England.

Osprey has not tackled pre-Culloden Scotland in much detail, but this book give a great feel for the Scottish armies of the later Middle Ages, focusing on the tactics, arms and armor, and social origins of a wide range of troop types, from Scotland's knightly chivalry to Highland caterans to Lowland reivers. Special attention is paid to the cavalry and emergent artillery branches of the Scottish Army. Graham Turner's eight color plates add an attractive splash of color, including rare, accurate reconstructions of 16th Century Highlanders, as well as Continental mercenaries in Scottish service, Scots mercenary bands in French service, and the Scots light cavalry and pikemen who fought at the great defeat at Flodden Field in 1513.

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