Steel Lobsters

Crown, Commonwealth, and the Last Knights in England

Myke Cole

$52.99

Hardback

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English

Osprey
01 March 2025

History; Early modern history: c 1450 to c 1700; Military history; Land forces & warfare

A dramatic history of the Steel Lobsters, Sir Arthur Hesilrige’s

Regiment of Horse, in the English Civil War – the last fully armoured

knights in England.

The 17th-century battlefield ushered in a new era, with formed musketeers and pistol-wielding cavalry gradually taking over from the knights and men-at-arms that had dominated the European battlefield. Based on a detailed study of the primary sources, Steel Lobsters tells the story of this transition through the history of the last fully armoured knights in England.

Myke Cole, an award-winning novelist, historian, and veteran, examines the life and times of Sir Arthur Hesilrige and his Regiment of Horse, known as ‘the Lobsters’ as they were encased in plate armour. Steel Lobsters covers the full history of England's last knights, from the seeds of their creation in Hesilrige’s experience as a young cavalry officer, to their final defeat at Roundway Down in July 1643, and the decision to abandon their armour. It provides lavish detail on arms, armour, and tactics, but also covers the human story of Sir Arthur Hesilrige, the men who served under him, and even those who opposed him.

The story of this amazing unit is the story of the end of super-heavy cavalry, and this book delves into how wars were fought in the 17th century, the personalities, politics, and even spiritual beliefs of the combatants, how they fought, and why they ultimately lost.

By: Myke Cole
Imprint: Osprey
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm, Spine: 25mm
Weight: 454g
ISBN: 9781472863584
ISBN 10: 1472863585
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 01 March 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

(subject to confirmation) Preface Introduction Chapter I. The English Civil War Chapter II. Sir Arthur Hesilrige and Richard Atkyns Chapter III. Breitenfeld (1631) – Foreshadowing Chapter IV. Edgehill (1642) – Planting the Seed Chapter V. Ripple Field (1643) – Warping the Roots Chapter VI. Lansdowne (1643) – The Lobsters Triumphant Chapter VII. Devizes (1643) – The Lobsters Redundant Chapter VIII. Roundway Down (1643) – The Last Stand of the Last Knights Chapter IX. The Lobsters Today – From the Royal Horse Guards to The Blues Chapter X. The Dustbin of History – Whither Super-Heavy Cavalry?

Myke Cole has served in war and crisis response and currently works as a security and intelligence consultant in the private sector. He has published extensively in military history, including Legion Versus Phalanx, The Bronze Lie, and the co-authored The Killing Ground for Osprey, and is also a popular fantasy and science fiction novelist. Myke also appeared on CBS’ hit TV show Hunted. He lives in Hudson Valley, NY.

Reviews for Steel Lobsters: Crown, Commonwealth, and the Last Knights in England

This engaging study explores anew the role during the English civil war of fully armored cavalrymen equipped with pistols and carbines as well as swords’ … it is a thoughtful, vigorous and enjoyable re-assessment. * Peter Gaunt, Professor of Early Modern History, University of Chester * The 17th century was a time of transition and revolution, from edged weapons and armor to muskets and cannon. Myke Cole combines his hard-earned battlefield expertise and well-established writing skills to perfectly capture this oft-forgotten military revolution. * Don Hollway, author of 'The Last Viking' and 'Battle for the Island Kingdom' * An interesting and engaging account of Hesilrige and his Lobsters. * Simon Marsh, Research and Threats Coordinator, UK Battlefields Trust *