Weekend

Weekend at last!
Uptown today I finally spent my Waterstone's tokens on a book I have observed for a while-

I have had little time to read it (visitors for a meal tonight) but on first skim it looks fascinating.

I have a number of books on the period- an excellent biography of James  iv and a book on Flodden amongst others.

I also have this-

which contains an illustration of a pretty useless weapon - the rattle.

No wonder they were often left in camp...

The renaissance in Scotland reminds us of what might have been here had the reformation not taken hold.

I have some 25 mm English,Scots and isles men of the period .The English and islesmen are ready to go and I intend to paint up & base the Scots when time /energy allow.I will use Ross's Gathering of Hosts for gaming on a squared cloth.

Tonight ,as darkness fell, Advent  began-

The time of preparation for Christmas begins...

Apps chaps?

We bought an i Pad Air yesterday. For a while, some time ago, I had use of an i Pad through work but we are delighted to have our own now. I wonder if you would like to recommend  Apps for us- free or otherwise...
Thanks
Alan

A Tony Bath question

Friday night at last- thank goodness!
A question- what real life ancient armies did  Tony Bath use to represent his different Hyborian nations?
Thanks
Alan

Happy St Margaret's Day!

Today (Sunday) is St Margaret of Scotland's Day. She was a formidable and devout woman who did much to influence the country and people. Queen,mother,champion of the poor,refugee,exile and much more she was a great figure in 11th century Europe. She lived for years in the city where I live (with her husband the king) and first came ashore as a political exile where I work.Where I work is named after her and my daughter's schools were named thus too. A fascinating figure well worth reading about at the very least...

What to look for in autumn, for ancients...

Morning all!
I have resolved to put all my ancient gaming here from now on-
http://pavilionedinsplendour.blogspot.co.uk/
Do pop by for a look...

A letter arrives

The new Duke has just been delivered letters from the officer commanding the Schwabische Kreis of the Reichsarmee. Apart from the usual formalities and pleasantries ( albeit in short supply) there is information regarding the imminent arrival of I R Alt Wurttemburg and I R Baden -Durlach in the Duchy of Tradgardland. They will be billeted in the Tradgardstadt in order that drill and other exercises of arms might be undertaken with the Tradgardland regiments.

The Duke immediately heads off to speak with his Head Gardener,sorry Janissary Guard Commander, telling him of the forthcoming arrivals and tells him that  tents need to be erected with great haste. The Janissary Commander  tells his men to put away their false moustaches and get changed into their everyday clothes as there is much work to be done..

Meet the new Duke of Tradgardland

It is a month now since the old Duke of Tradagrdland retired from the burdens of Statecraft to become a monk. He has settled well  into his new life of prayer and meditation and cares little for his old life. He is ,however,interested to hear how his 2nd cousin is getting on as the new Duke- Duke Aeneas the Third.
Duke Aeneas is a very different fellow indeed. Here is his newly decorated bedroom at the Ducal Palace-

And here below is  a portrait of Aeneas as a young man-

The new Duke is consumed by the East and by that decadent fashion sweeping Europe - Turquerie!

Since arriving he has already formed his own Janissary Guard-

He is unaware of the hours of work spent sewing by candlelight in dusty attics to make the costumes from a pattern sent by the seamstresses of Augustus the Strong of Saxony. He remains unaware too of the huffs and puffs  of the Palace Gardeners forced to wear this outlandish attire and wear false moustaches. 

Yes things (not to mention the buildings) are going to be different under the rule of Aeneas the Third...