Armies of Plantagenet England, 1135–1337 written by Gabriele Esposito and published by Pen & Sword Books - £25 - Hardback - Pages 184
The ascent of the Plantagenets to the English throne in 1154 led to the beginning of a new
historical phase in the British Isles, which was marked by numerous wars that were fought
between the Kingdom of England and the 'Celtic nations' of Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
During the rule of the Norman kings, the English armies had not completed the conquest
of Wales and had established only some footholds in Ireland; Scotland was still independent
and was ready to contest the Plantagenets’ possession of northern England. As a result of
this situation, the two centuries between the rise of the new dynasty and the beginning of
the Hundred Years’ War were characterised by a series of wars that ravaged feudal England.
Gabriele Esposito covers all these conflicts, following the campaigns of Richard the Lionheart
as well as those of his younger brother who was defeated on the continent at the large Battle
of Bouvines; the conquest of Wales is analysed in detail, as well as the First Scottish War of
Independence that saw William Wallace playing a prominent role. The organization and
equipment of all the troop types taken into account is described in full detail and lavishly
illustrated with colour images of reenactors, bringing these forces to life.
Gabriele Esposito has written a complete and informative book here, looking at the armies, soldiers, tactics and weaponry based around the English Plantagenet Armies. These were the armies that cover the first fighting in Wales, Ireland and the first Scottish wars. The book covers a lot of history and leading Royals which is good to read and helps give the reader a good, solid knowledge of this period of time in medieval history affecting the home nations and their relationships between them. The author covers the weapons, armies and strategies used by the various Kings of the time and what also supported the text was some good photography of a number of re-enactors dressed in accurate uniforms with weapons too. Very informative and ideal for someone who wants a comprehensive book.
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