ECW Battlefields, Oxford and Partizan

Perhaps I need to spend some time painting and gaming, Rather than gallivanting about the country ? Such is the hard life of a retired war gamer.

The plan for the week was to visit some ECW Battlefields, then meet my wife in Oxford for a short break then head to see some friends before heading to Newark for Partizan show.

First up then. Trip to Naseby, the weather was lovely and I was really impressed by the battlefield, there is a local preservation society who have placed clear and well thought out information boards, the battlefield is also fairly unspoilt remaining mainly farmland, although of course more hedges and drainage than there would have been in 1645.

This is the Cromwell monument which roughly aligns with the centre of the Parliamentary line, Cromwell was probably further right in fact. This slight high ground gives a good view of the battlefield. This shot is actually looking NW diagonally across the battlefield.

By some random chance there were some re enactors on the battlefield these pretending to be Dragoons firing across the Sulby Hedges. A very fun visit all in all.

Next up I was staying in Cropredy Bridge and despite the slightly damp weather I set off on a walk around the Battlefield. Above the view across Silt Mill Ford, now a small bridge. Looking Waller took this route to cross to assault the Royalist, because of the gloom it looks further than it is but the road the King was taking runs up and over the low hills in the background.

A view from just below the road looking back down towards Silt Mill Ford

Cropredy Bridge itself with the only info board, the fields are where the Parliamentary Artillery setup having crossed but were then attacked by the Royalists. Cropredy Bridge is definitely on the list of battles to play when we can get into the shed and spreadout.

The weather improved in the afternoon so off to EdgeHill.

Having done a bit of research I knew this would likely be the most disappointing. Basically the majority of the battlefield is part of a large MOD ammunition storage facility and off limits it is actually pretty hard to access the battlefield. This shot is taken looking directly along the Royalist lines, the trees on high ground in the far distance is the far end of Edgehill. Because it is now wooded it is also hard to get a view from there either.

One nice surprise was Radway church

Where they have a nice little museum/display about the battle with some artefacts

The Battlefield monument marking the battlefield but actually placed off the edge of the battle itself. It’s a shame but a lot could be made of Edgehill if the land could be opened up.

Off then to the Kings Capital during the Civil war, we did loads of stuff but I’m only sharing the edited highlights.

castle and Prison, dating back to Saxons/Normans, used during Civil war and where Matilda escaped apparently during the anarchy. The prison is more Moderna and was used into the 1990’s !

The Ashmolean Museum. Free so worth a visit, this is the small gift giving by King Alfred.

Christ Church college headquarters of the king in the Civil war and the quadrangle was used for training and drilling troops, not allowed to even walk on the grass now !

Inside the church some regimental flags from the numerous Oxford regiments who fought in the Napoleonic wars.

This lovely/famous picture of Pavia was in the Ashmolean

I also managed a short (you don’t need that long) trip to the Soldiers of Oxford Musuem

One or two interesting artefacts but they don’t really make enough of the regimental history in my view

After a couple of days with friends I was off to Partizan. Many have already covered loads of the games, needless to say they was a lot of inspiration on view. It was also fantastic to meet a whole host of people and chat which made it a very pleasant day out. So just a couple of highlight battle picture from me.

Steve Jones AWI battle, I had a nice chat with him

Super Japanese battle, buildings and figures were lovely but they needed a bigger mat 

Gettysburg……lovely

Another AWI battle based on Bemis Heights I think

Seven years war I think

And another one

Lush indeed 😮 nice to see blankets the same as mine being used quite often around the show

Terrain heavy sub continent 

ACW if I recollect non historical but beautifully presented. These were the pick of the crop for me, notable by its absence were Napoleonic battles in 28mm perhaps next time there will be a flood of them ?

I did meet up with quite a lot of fellow bloggers and gamers and even remembered to take a selfie with Iain and Steve J we had a great chat about all things wargaming.

Loot you may ask, I wasn’t really in a spending mood but did pick up some stuff which I haven’t even unpacked yet so I will share that when I get a chance.

Hopefully some gaming next post ?

Thanks Matt ❤️