Pike & Musket

And now for something completely different ... A touch of chivalry even in the midst of a Civil War ... A bold cavalier takes the hand of a pretty young maiden during one of the short interludes between battles and skirmishes.

Mathew Hopkins was a self-appointed witch-hunter whose career flourished during the major upheavals caused by the English Civil War. Although never officially sanctioned by Parliament, he prowled far and wide across East Anglia conducting investigations, trials and executions from 1644-1647. More than 300 unfortunate people, mostly women, fell victim to his deadly inquisitions with more being hanged and burned than in all of the previous 100 years! Our figure shows him in Parliamentary garb and wearing a black cloak and hat and carrying both a volume of Parish records ... and a sword. He was memorably played by legendary horror film villain, Vincent Price in “Witchfinder General”, a 1968 British horror movie.

A brave and energetic Parliamentary cavalry officer who before the war was a Member of Parliament. Here, he sits atop his mount calmly assessing the situation - See more at: http://www.kingandcountry.com/captain-horse-nathaniel-fiennes-xclusive-p-9639.html#sthash.xgzIMZf3.dpuf

In England, around the same time, duels between armies took precedence over personal disagreements. Here one of Cromwell’s “Ironsides” fights it out with a dismounted Royalist cavalier. - See more at: http://www.kingandcountry.com/english-civil-duellists-p-10502.html#sthash.tTCPPG2N.dpuf

This dismounted trooper carries both sword and pistol. He wears the distinctive “lobster-pot” helmet with the protective steel face visor raised. Under his armoured cuirass he wears the heavy buff leather long jacket. - See more at: http://www.kingandcountry.com/trooper-wpistol-p-8643.html#sthash.tXgmYuS0.dpuf

Henry Tillier was of a French Huguemont family and an officer in Charles I's army when it fought in Ireland in 1642. In 1643 he was promoted Colonel and raised his own regiment from the Dublin garrison which crossed over to England in 1644 on the King’s side. Their green coats marked them out as proud Irishmen ... as is our drummer.

Raised in London for the Earl of Essex’s Parliamentary Army they were easily recognized on the battlefield by their red coat with blue cuffs.

Rupert was a noted German soldier and nephew of King Charles I of England.

One of King Charles’ own Staff Officers, Sir Richard Pembroke posing in typical , confident “Cavalier” fashion.

An advancing officer of the King Charles ‘ own “Lifeguard Regiment of Foot”. Over his right shoulder he carries the Regimental Colour… In his left hand a pistol. - See more at: http://www.kingandcountry.com/kings-lifeguard-standard-english-civil-p-10092.html#sthash.Uhh7ia3a.dpuf