Redcoats and Courtesans: The Birth of the British Army (1660-1690)"[This] story will tell the birth of the modern British army? and of how and why it began. It will chronicle its dramatic growth within the space of two reigns, from a small force of foot and horse guards, which Charles II raised and paid out of his own pocket to protect his person and safeguard his throne, to a standing army of over three dozen famous regiments. This army saw active service on the Continent, in the colonies and on the African mainland, where at Tangier it would win the first battle honour to be inscribed on a British regimental colour. It is a story of wars, plots and rebellions, of fire and plague, of love and romance, and of two kings? I have attempted to place the army in its political and social setting, and to show how the events in which the regiments were engaged were shaped and influenced not only by the sovereigns but also by the men and women who surrounded them"--Preface. |
Contents
Our Trusty and WellBeloved George Monck | 1 |
Enter King and Royal Mistress | 11 |
The Birth of the Army and a Royal Marriage | 16 |
Copyright | |
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Anne appointed army Barbara battle beauty became brother Burnet called Castlemaine Catholic Charles Charles's church Churchill civil Clarendon Colonel command Commons companies court daughter despite Duchess Duke Dutch Earl England English established Evelyn father followed Foot force France French garrison gave George given Guards Henry History Holland honour Horse House Ireland James James's John July King King's Lady land later lived London Lord Louis XIV Louise March marriage married military militia ministers mistress Monck Monmouth months never noted officers ordered palace Palace of Whitehall Parliament Pepys person plot political Portsmouth Protestant Queen raised received Regiment reign remained Restoration royal Scotland sent ships soldiers standing streets Stuart succession Tangier took Tower troops Whitehall wife women wrote York