To Topple a King: Prince Wilhelm closes out the 1642 Campaign Season

 

Prince Wilhelm of the Rine

1642: December

And so the 1642 campaign season comes to a close with Prince Wilhelm marching his forces out of eth South West region to occupy Cornwall, leaving behind key garrisons in Salisbury & Exeter to thwart any Parliamentary designs of  a quick smash and grab in taking control of the South West without a fight!

Prince Wilhelm now has control over the only key Cornwall location - namely Plymouth which like the rest of Cornwall is strongly pro-Royalist with their sympathies.  

As ever, they have no indication of his relative strength or if the Prince has garrisoned Plymouth but as noted above the map now reflects the fact that there are know known Royalist garrisons in the South West region. It must be assumed that the Prince's army  remains in the field in Cornwall.

With the closing of the campaign season, players may now regroup and plan for the 1643 season, details will be distributed shortly.

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Campaign Materials sourced from Steven Bagalan / Map by Peter Davies

To Topple a King: Solemn League and Covenant

 

In 1638, tens of thousands of Scots signed the National Covenant, pledging to resist changes imposed by Charles I on the organisation of the Presbyterian church and it's Kirk hierarchy. Following victory in the 1639-40 Bishop's War, the Covenanters came into power in Scotland. 

With the outbreak of the English Civil War negotiations began between the English & Scots Parliaments, culminating in an agreement known as the Solemn League and Covenant which brought the Scots into the war south of the border on the side of Parliament.

Meantime the Royalists are looking to make contacts with potential Catholic allies in Ireland.

To Topple a King: Parliament's Fifth Strategic Move

 

Sir Bevill Dedge and Sir Osborne Black-D'eath discuss next moves
on a bench beside the Thames in London

1642: November

In a somewhat expected response recent moves by the Royalists in Wales, attention now switches back to the Parliamentary cause and the opening gambit to be played by the Sir Osborne Black-De'arth, who is being steered by  Mark through out the campaign.

Sir Osborne opts to move his forces out of London and boards friendly naval vessels and they are transported to the Lancashire region.

Sir Osborne now has control over the key Lancashire locations in Lancashire - Carlisle, Hulme and Preston, which are neutral but wiling to help the Parliamentary cause.

With this move their have been clear noises coming form north of the border to indicate that the Scots Covenanter Government is actively considering raising a force to intervene in the Civil War raging south of the border...

As ever, they have no indication of his relative strength or if he or Sir Osborne has garrisoned any location in the Lancashire region, as far as is known at present the  entire enemy force remains in the field.

Campaign initiative now returns to the Royalist team and it loops back to Steve who controls Prince Wilhelm of the Rine, who is currently based in the South West region of England, after this move the Campaign move son to 1643 and a potentially more active phase as all 'free' regions are now taken.

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Campaign Materials sourced from Steven Bagalan / Map by Peter Davies

To Topple a King: Baron Astley of Reading

 

It has been widely reported that Baron John Astley of Reading has joined the Royalist cause in Wales

Astley was born in Norfolk and grew up in a military family, his first experience of war was at the tender age of 18 years when he joined an expedition to the Azores in 1597 under the command of teh Earl of Essex and Sir Walter Raleigh.

In 1598 he joined Maurice of Nassau and Henry of Orange in the Netherlands, where he served with distinction in the Dutch Revolt. Afterwards he fought under Gustavus Adolphus in the 30 Years War.  

In 1622 Astley joined the household of Elizabeth, daughter of James I of England and her husband Frederick, King of Bohemia serving as military tutor to Frederick's son Prince Rupert.  

His characteristic battle-prayer has become famous: "O Lord, Thou knowest how busy I must be this day. If I forget Thee, do not thou forget me" which he followed promptly with the order "March on, boys!" 

To Topple a King: Lord Cockington makes his move

 

1642: November

Delayed reports of Lord Cockington's occupation of the Welsh region with part of the forces at his disposal have now filtered back to Army Headquarters in Oxford and London. Whilst Royalist military staff are aware of Cockington's exact dispositions, their adversaries in London have no indication of his relative strength or if the pro Royalist Lord has garrisoned any location in either the Welsh or Upper Thames Valley, as far as they are concerned at present Cockington's  entire Royalist force remains in the field, albeit spread across two regions.

Strategic initiative now passes to the Parliamentary Team, where Mark acting as Sir Osborne Black-De'arth must deliberate on his and the Royalist's next move.

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Campaign Materials sourced from Steven Bagalan / Map by Peter Davies

To Topple a King: Parliament's 4th Strategic Move

 

1642: September/October

Reports reached London and Oxford of the recent successful move by SirArron Graces, the famous actor, poet and bard who commands one of Sir Bevill Dedge's brigades, he has now secured the South East Region for Parliament.

Sir Aaron was seen leading his men south, accompanied by his twin Border Collies Piper & Drummer, as ever Sir Arron was on foot at the forefront of his forces.

With this move the towns, cities and countryside of the South East region are in the hands of the People. In doing so he also takes control of the strongly pro Parliament towns & cities of Dover & Canterbury, see  the blue dots on the map below. 

Graces' force is signified by the light blue tile.

Whilst Parliamentary leaders in London are congratulating themselves on completing this part of their master plan, the enemy in Oxford are also aware of Graces' movement - but as ever, they have no indication of his relative strength or if he or Sir Bevill have garrisoned any location in either the South East or Lower Thames Valley, as far as they are concerned at present the  entire enemy force remains in the field, albeit spread across two regions.

In celebration of his occupation of the region, Sir Aaron writes and performs his latest Sonnet to the gentlefolk of the South East to much applause...

In yonder realm, where shadows cast their pall,

A valiant knight did rise, by honour driven,

Sir Aaron Graces, leader strong and tall,

With heart ablaze, his cause was thusly given.

 

From Sussex to fair Surrey's verdant plains,

He led his foot brigade with steadfast might,

To break the chains of tyranny's cruel reign,

And free the land from Charles the tyrant's blight.

 

Brave Graces, noble knight of righteous aims,

His sword gleamed bright, his armour staunch and true,

With every step, he quelled the people's claims,

And ushered in an era that was new.

 

Oh, gallant leader, fierce and full of grace,

Your name shall shine through time, a beacon's trace.

Strategic initiative now passes to the Royalist Team, where Paul acting as Lord Cockington must deliberate on his and the Royalist's next move.

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Campaign Materials sourced from Steven Bagalan / Map by Peter Davies

To Topple a King: Royalist 3rd & 4th Strategic Moves

Royalist Dragoon waving his musket about

1642: September/October

After what seems like many days of lack of information for each of the opposing command teams in Oxford & London, finally word comes through of significant Royalist strategic movements.

Firstly, German born, Prince Ruprecht of the Elbe moves his forces from the Upper Thames Valley region to that of the West Midland, this is the closely followed by the Italian stallion - Giovanni da Verrazano - moving his forces to the Yorkshire region via the newly secured East Midlands region.

In the West Midlands, Prince Ruprecht's force took control of the Pro-Royalist tows/cities of Chester & Shrewsbury, whilst in Yorkshire Giovanni's forces got control of pro-Royalist locations of Newcastle & York as well as the pro-Parliament port of Hull.

As noted, enemy leaders in London eventually become aware of Giovanni & the Prince's movements - but they have no indication of his relative strength of these forces or if any garrisons have been set-up in either region, as far as they are concerned at present, both Royalist forces remain in the field.

Strategic initiative now passes to the Parliamentary Team, where Sir Bevill Dedge is cogitating on his first move.

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Campaign Materials sourced from Steven Bagalan / Map by Peter Davies

To Topple a King: Parliament takes the Initiative

 

Escalating Public Order offences and vicious Dog fights result in Parliamentary forces
liberating the Lincolnshire region on behalf of the People, to prevent further violence.

1642: September/October

Parliamentary forces surge onwards and northwards as Sir Matthew Bacon secures access to the north by occupying the Lincolnshire region of the campaign map. In doing so he brings the formerly neutral region and it's notable towns & cities of Nottingham, Newark & Lincoln to the side of righteousness and democracy.

Whilst Royalist leaders in Oxford are initially shocked by Parliament pulling off two phases sequentially, they now prepare to do likewise themselves, with first Prince Ruprecht of the Elbe and then Giovanni da Verrazano displaying their extravagantly continental military prowess on the campaign field.

However of the recent moves by Sir Matthew, the Royalist know little, they have no indication of his relative strength or if he has garrisoned any location, as far as they are concerned at present the entire enemy force remains in the field.

What has been heard however is that the Parliamentary forces have been supplemented by mercenaries sourced form Scotland, they northern hosts having apparently been sent south by their overlords to bolster Sir William's weakened forces.

Strategic initiative now passes to the Royalist Team, the forces of the English People wait with baited breath!

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Campaign Materials sourced from Steven Bagalan / Map by Peter Davies

To Topple a King: Parliament responds again

 

Royalist pamphlets in Oxford somewhat exaggerate the arrival
of Parliamentary forces in East Anglia

1642: August/September

Still somewhat on the backfoot, playing catch-up with the Royalists, Parliament is keen to gain the initiative and with a unanimous vote, they quickly authorises Sir Philip Johnson to oppose the enemy's strategic moves by marching his force into East Anglia.

Sir Philip Johnson, under Phil's diligent command, has moved his forces to the edge of the map to secure the towns, cities and countryside of the Eastern agricultural areas for the People. In doing so he also takes control of the strongly pro Parliament towns & cities of Norwich, Great Yarmouth & Ipswich, see  the blue dots on the map below. 

Map by Peter Davies

Whilst Royalist leaders in Oxford are congratulating themselves on completing the first two phases of their master plan, they become aware of Johnson's movement - but as ever, they have no indication of his relative strength or if he has garrisoned any location, as far as they are concerned at present the  entire enemy force remains in the field.

Then whilst the drunken revelry continued in Oxford, Parliament steals a march on them and the movement baton is passed over to Sir Matthew Bacon, another Parliamentary Commander...

Strategic initiative now passes to the Royalist Team, where Marquis Ambrose Burnside must deliberate on his and the Royalist's next move.

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Campaign Materials sourced from Steven Bagalan / Map by Peter Davies

To Topple a King: Royalist Second Strategic Move

A true and accurate image of the Marquis Ambrose Burnside marching
his troops into the East Midlands Region 

1642: August/September

In response to yesterday's opening moves by each side attention now switches back to the royalist cause and the opening gambit to be played by the Marquis Ambrose Burnside, who is being steered by Dave through out the campaign.

Burnside opts to move his forces out of Oxford and occupies the East Midlands region with his entire force, thus securing the neutral region and its equally neutral locations of note - namely Bedford & Cambridge.

As previously noted, enemy leaders in London soon become aware of Burnside's movement - they have no indication of his relative strength or if he has garrisoned either location, as far as they are concerned at present the Royalist entire force remains in the field.

Strategic initiative now passes to the Parliamentary Team, where Sir Sir Philip Johnson s cogitating on his first move.

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Campaign Materials sourced from Steven Bagalan / Map by Peter Davies

To Topple a King: First Parliamentary Strategic Move

 

1642: August

Following on from the recently shared overview, the forces of Parliament  in London / Lower Thames Valley have quickly responded to eth opening Royalist gambit f occupying the South West Region

Sir William Worthyman, under Nigel's thoughtful direction, has moved his forces to the South Coast region to secure the towns, cities and countryside for the People.

The South Coast region includes three key pro-Royalist Towns/Cities of note - namely Portsmouth, Soutampton & Winchester indicate by the blue & red dots on the map below. 

Whilst enemy leaders in Oxford become aware of Worthyman's movement - they have no indication of his relative strength or if he has garrisoned any location, as far as they are concerned at present the  entire enemy force remains in the field.

Strategic initiative now passes to the Royalist Team, where Marquis Ambrose Burnside must deliberate on his and the Royalist's next move.

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Campaign Materials sourced from Steven Bagalan / Map by Peter Davies

To Topple a King: Opening Royalist Strategic Move

1642: August

As per the recently shared overview, the Royalist forces in Oxford / Upper Thames Valley managed to get the strategic initiative in for the year 1642, enabling them to move first.

As such Prince Wilhelm of the Rine, under Steve's able direction, has moved his forces to the South West region to secure the towns, cities and countryside for the King.

The South West region includes two key pro-Royalist Towns/Cities of note - namely Exeter and Salisbury indicate by the red dots on the map above. Whilst enemy leaders in London soon become aware of Prince William's movement - they have no indication of his relative strength or if he has garrisoned either location, as far as they are concerned at present the Prince's entire force remains in the field.

Strategic initiative now passes to the Parliamentary Team, where Sir Magnus Worthyman must deliberate on his first move.

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Campaign Materials sourced from Steven Bagalan / Map by Peter Davies

To Topple a King: And it Begins

Committee of Safety working to ensure Father
Christmas will not visit the King in 1642

After much delay and procrastination both Royalist and Parliamentary Forces are ready to embark on their respective campaigns to Save or topple the King. 

As a precursor the Parliamentary team have established 'The Committee of Safety'  to oversee the War against King Charles I. The initial committee of safety consists of…

Five members of the House of Lords:

Earl of Essex

Earl of Holland

Earl of Northumberland

Earl of Pembroke

Viscount Saye-and-Sele

Ten members of the House of Commons: 

Nathaniel Fiennes

John Glynn

John Hampden 

Denzil Holles

Henry Marten

Sir John Merrick

William Pierrepoint

John Pym,

Sir Philip Stapleton

Sir William Waller

 

The Committee has overseen the raising of five Armies under the command of…

Sir Osborne Black-De’Ath

Sir Matthew Bacon

Sir Bevill Dedge

Sir Magnus Worthyman

Sir Philip Johnson

Whilst these actions were being taken the sneaky Royalists stole a march on their more democratic adversaries and grabbed the initiative (only just) which allows them to make the first strategic move.

For reference to all players the move sequence for 1642 will be in the following order:

ROYALIST            PARLIAMENT

Player One                -

-                                Player One

Player Two                -

-                                Player Two  

-                                Player Three

Player Three             -                   

Player Four               -

-                                Player Four

Player Five                -

-                                Player Five

To Topple a King; Sir Magnis Worthyman

Sir Magnus Worthyman

Huzza!

Yesterday evening Sir Magnus Worthyman marched his forces of freedom and liberty in to London, under his personal Purple banner, to support the Parliamentary cause. Excited reporters noted the force to be in the order of some 8000 strong, Worthyman's arrival competes all of the expected mustering by the Parliamentarians, who can now move on to developing a Strategic plan to wrestle power from the Royalist tyrants.

Capt. Matthew Black

Worthyman is accompanied by his trusted Captains - Thomas Bignell, Sir George Wyndam & Matthew
Black - some may remember Captain Back who made his name in the wars north of the border in his extremely zealous pursuit of the enemy.

To Topple a King: Sir Philip Johnson

Sir Philip Johnson

It is with much rejoicing and relief that Sir Philip Johnson mustered his regiments in London today after an arduous march via Westminster from the Home counties of Kent and Sussex. Reportedly he has brought some 7,000 men with him in his crusade against the tyrant King. 

Under his command are Captains Thomas Bignell, Sir George Wytham and Sir Oliver Hardy. Folks will remember the fanatical speeches made by Sir George in Parliament in the lead up to the present unpleasantness and Sir George's rhetoric is backed up by the fact that he is likely the single most effective Military Commander in the country at this time, with years of experience on the Continent and n Ireland and the recent troubles in Scotland. 

 Word has it that Sir Magnus Worthyman is also in the act of raising his forces which are due to relocate to London imminently.

To Topple a King: Osborne Black-De'Arth musters in London

Sir Osborne Black-De'arth

Late last night Sir Osborne Black-De'arth raised and mustered his Trayned Bands in London to fight for Parliament, observers present at Finsbury Green estimated their numbers at about 4,000 men.

Osborne Black-De'Arth has considerable military experience, having fought in Europe for many years and since that time has been a member of the London Trained Bands as a part time commander of their Blew Regiment.

Under De'Arth's command are three captains - Richard Calamity, Noah May-Knott & Harry Russet, they join the forces already mustered by William Bacon and Bevell Dedge, to fight for Parliament against the Tyrant King.

To Topple a King: Giovanni di Capo

Marchese Giovanni da Verrazano

First light this morning, amongst much hubbub, carousing and drinking of a cheeky breakfast wine, Marchese Giovanni da Verrazano marched his forces into Oxford and declared for the King. Known to many as 'Giovanni di Cappo' but to others as the 'Pirate of Venice'.

Reports indicate that Verrazano has a force of some 5,000 men with him, including a personal bodyguard of some 200 Venetian Horsemen known as the Azzuri.

Parliamentarian sympathisers question the veracity of Venetian Horsemen, with may at Mrs Miggins' Pie Shoppe suggesting that they in fact as combat ready as Seahorses!

The Royalist forces now have 4 of 5 commanders mustered in Oxford, whilst the Parliamentarians are lagging somewhat behind with just two commanders mustered in London and the other three presumably debating and voting on procedures and configurations for their forces!

So to date we have the following teams mustered...

Royalist                                                       Parliament

Dave - Ambrose Burnside                            Mat - William Bacon                               

Paul - Lord Cockington                                Mike - Bevell Dedge

Steve - Wilhelm of the Rine                         -----------------------------------

John - Giovanni di Capo                              Mark - Osborne Black-De'ath

-----------------------------------                       Phil - Philip Johnson

Rupert - Ruprecht of the Elbe                       Nigel - Magnus Worthyman

To Topple King: Breaking News - Burnside joins Royalist Muster at Oxford

BREAKING NEWS!!

Marquis Ambrose Burnside

Late in the afternoon, Marquis Ambrose Burnside marched his hastily recruited forces into Oxford, where he declared for the King and mustered in a force of about 7,000 men to the King's colours.

Sources close to eth King have called this 'Magnificent Monday', with three commanders declaring in quick succession, this very day. As previously reported it is known that Prince Ruprecht is working on mustering his troops, the only laggard at this stage is the piratical Italian nobleman Marchese Giovanni da Verrazano, who has promised support to the King but so far has not shown his hand...

South East in London there are stirrings of further Parliamentary declarations with Sir Osborne Black-De’Ath, known to be attempting to recruit and Sir Magnus Worthyman and Sir Philp Johnson considering their positions....

To Topple a King: Royalists Muster in Oxford

Prince Wilhelm

What a difference a weekend makes, two Royalist Commanders have declared for the King and marched into Oxford with their forces. Namely the German mercenary Prince,  Wilhelm of the Rine, Margarve of the Palatine of Baconburger with a force that some say is 8,000 strong. That same afternoon Lord Cockington and his West Country fellows arrived to join Prince Wilhelm with what is also widely reported as an additional 7,000 men.

Lord Cockington

Meanwhile there are strong rumours that another German Prince, Ruprecht of the Elbe, is near to completion of raising a third Royalist force that is heading to muster at Oxford.

Prince Ruprecht of the Elbe

Meanwhile things are quiet on the Parliamentary side after an initial rush to arms.

To Topple A King: Introducing Prince Wilhelm of the Rine

Prince Wilhelm of the Rind,
Margrave of the Palatinate state of Baconburger

The first Royalist Player has now declared for the King, Steve is playing as Prince Wilhelm of the Rine, for those interested, here is a brief outline of this character's backgound.

Prince Wilhelm of the Rind, Margrave of the Palatinate state of Baconburger This little known Prince came from a distinctly poorer twig of the Palatinate-Simmern branch of the House of Wittelsbach and this is why the Baconburgers have been largely written out of History’s rich tapestry. 

Wilhelm was the seventh son of Prince Ludwig of Baconburger and had little hope of becoming anyone important. His title had been given to him by his father to make him sound and feel very important but it held no water so he jumped at the chance when he received a letter from the Royal court in England asking Wilhelm to come and fight at the Kings side. 

Wilhelm brought 200 men with him and when he arrived in England he organised them into his own regiment of horse but unfortunately due to his poor English he named them “Wilhelms Life Jackets” instead of “Life Guard” and they soon got the nickname of “The fat Lardys” due to Wilhelm’s title.

Wilhelm’s best friend, Baron Von Klaus of Hangover soon joined him and he too brought along his own regiment of horse naming it in honour of Wilhelm. “Wilhelm’s Loyal Reiter” quickly got a reputation for being the most miserable bunch of German mercenaries in the Royalist army and were soon nicknamed “The Sour Krauts". However, King Charles wasted little time introducing Wilhelm to some well connected people at his court to help raise an army on the Kings behalf.

Baron Harry Monck 

Wilhelm was first presented to Baron Harry Monck at the Kings Court. The Moncks are a religious family and are well connected to the Carp eating Bishop of Orson Wells. The Moncks come from a Sheep producing part of the Kingdom and managed to raise two regiments of horse under the command of Captaynes Johnathon Lamb of Tallow and Roger Mint of Herbaton.

Marquis Hugh Jampton 

The Jamptons are an old Norman family who have lived in the same castle by the river Jampton since the time of William the Conqueror and come from a Pork producing part of the Kingdom. They managed to raise three regiments of foote under the commands of Captaynes Howard Scrumpy of Appleton, Jacob Streaky of Lardcastle and Greville Boar of Tenderloin. 

Sir Phil Magroin 

The Magroins are an old Scottish family and were originally called Macgrain but due to the constant mispronunciation of their name it became Magroin much to the amusement of everyone at court. The Magroins are well know as producers of beef and have raised two regiments of foote under the command of Captaynes Arthur Blade of Chuck Hatch and John Bull of Brisket by the Cut and one of Dragoons under the command of Captayne Samual Béarnaise of Eggbaston.

Benoit Baggette de la Boulangerie 

However, there was one element of the army that was still missing and that was Artillery. Whilst out one day in Oxford Wilhelm came across an establishment selling Honey cake. Wilhelm loved Honey cake so he stopped for a slice and a cup of milk curdled with wine and spiced with cinnamon, otherwise known as Posset. 

Wilhelm got chatting with the proprietor of the establishment who turned out to be one Benoit Baggette de la Boulangerie (of the bakery). As one would expect in a wargames campaign, Benoit had fought in the 30 years war as a master gunner. What a coincidence thought Wilhelm, it couldn’t have been written any better, so he invited Benoit to form a company of gunners. 

Benoir closed down his establishment and asked his employees if they would like to join him and would you believe it, they did! There was however one small problem, his staff only knew how to load bread into ovens and not cannon balls into guns so Benoit would have his work cut out kneading them from Pain ordinere into Pain au chocolat.