Civil War In Ruralshire

Ye Ruralshire Echo

Fighting Breaks Out In Ruralshire

 by our own Royal correspondent - Lunchtime O'Cider

Upon hearing that Prince Rupert was leading the Royal Army was marching down the London Road, the Parliamentary host under Milord of Essex ventured out beyond Emtyfive Lane to impede their entry into the city.

Essex took up a strong position on a ridge to the east of the village of Muckspreader. Price Rupert deployed his army on a similar ridge adjacent to the hamlet and the two sides exchanged insults and the occasional ball.

The two commanders could be seen riding out to their cavalry on each wing, waving their arms and delivering stirring speeches, but the aforesaid cavalry refused to move.

The parliamentary cannon were usefully engaged bombarding the village, where it was later reported that they killed two chickens and a pig belonging to Parson Noseworthy, when unhappily one of their balls went astray and caused divers wounds to a company of Royal Horse, believed to be the King's Own Waterboys. Said company immediately retired from the field at a brisk gallop.

On the Royal right wing the horse, hearing the sound of galloping, mo doubt assumed that their left was charging so they charged too. Twas a stirring sight to see the parliamentary horse countercharge in response. The thunder of hooves and clash of arms fair made your correspondent spill his refreshment in excitement.

One of the Parliamentary company of horse retreated behind the foot, closely followed by the Cavaliers but the other pushed back the Royalist horse despite the being supported by curassiers.

With high spirits ye Roundheads charged into ye foe who flee.

After some confused milling about behind the line, ye Cavaliers retreated followed by our Roundhead troopers [A - a blue marker indicates a blown unit] but neither seemed keen to continue the fray.

Prince Rupert personally lead the charge of the Royalist troopers against the exhausted Roundeads [B - note blue marker].

And a fine sight they made, polished armour flashing in the sunshine. Indeed, they made just as fine a sight as they promptly u-turned and retired from the field.

A friend of  Rupert reported that the prince was 'disappointed' by his horses' performance.

On ye right flank absolutely nothing moved until the King's entire army departed.

'Tis your humble scribe's opinion that although  Parliament was left in possession of the field celebrating a victory that the issue had not been decided. I predict more trouble to come.



The troops were 25mm minifigs belonging to my friend Shaun and we used Warlord Games Pike & Shot rules by Steve Morgan.