Bothwell Brig 1679 Project

[SV52]

Oops I'm a year early

This one I've had a bee in my bunnet about for some time but haven't yet got round to.  However the time has come...

As battles go it was more of a skirmish but I'm sure for those who were there it was battle enough for them.  Basically it's all about a section of the Scots' population (Covenanters) disagreeing with the Crown's (Charles II) interference in the Kirk.  So in the time-honoured manner, people got excited and both sides looked for sharp things to strengthen their arguments.  The whole episode consisted of two notable actions - Drumclog, a very small affair which was a win for the Covenanters and Bothwell Brig fought in 1679 in which the Crown forces massacred the Covenanters.

The event happened on the outskirts of my home town and there's Covenanting blood in the family, hence my interest.  Having said that, I don't intend to create two armies from scratch...

... Some time ago I intended in gaming the Glorious Revolution of 1688 by having Dutch William's foreign army opposed by James II/VII's army drawn from the three kingdoms; James' army was completed but the project was then abandoned.  Some time before that I completed forces for both sides for Montrose v Scots Parliament in the civil war period.  It's these armies which I'll use to provide troops for Bothwell Brig.

Crown forces:



On the left are four civil war foot regiments used here as militia, there were up to eight militia regiments involved at Bothwell Brig. I haven't replaced their flags with appropriate militia ones. Centre rear is a contingent of Highland Clansmen with three regular infantry regiments in front, again their flags haven't been changed out for those who were actually present.  Artillery details are vague, so two medium guns. Lastly a mixed bag of horse and dragoons.  The mounted arm employed at the battle was a real hodge-podge of regulars and militia from all over the place.

Covenanter forces:



There seems to have been one formed body of foot, represented by the rear regiment. In front of them are those who formed the great majority on the day - armed civilians (more to be completed).  Next to them are musket armed skirmishers, in front two light brass guns. To finish off a couple of troops of irregular horse.



Ready for priming are the last of the civilians made up of LoA scythemen and civil war Scots (thanks Leon for filling what was an oddball order).

The aim of course is to get this lot finished and game the action.  I'll update progress.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Looking good!

[Techno]

 
Cheers - Phil

[jambo1]

I have been reading up on this battle very recently, very interested to see how this develops.

[paulr]

Looking forward to watching this progress

[SV52]

Cheers guys.  I've an awful feeling that the game itself will take longer to set up than play! 

[paulr]

Cheers guys.  I've an awful feeling that the game itself will take longer to set up than play! 

Isn't that always the case

[SV52]

Progress is being made if somewhat haltingly:



The figures in red are sculpted wearing regimentals so do nicely for Crown deserters.

Pondering over rules I have to hand; looks like DBR for army lists, troop types and capabilities.  I'll cherry pick the rest from it.

[Womble67]

Very nice indeed

Take care

Andy

[Subedai]

Looking good, I've never heard of this little interlude north of the border before, so following with interest. Do you have actual orbats?

[SV52]

Pretty much a local affair, a footnote in history.

There is very little known about the military aspects and the deployments of the armies is unknown, only that the Crown was on the north side of the river Clyde and the Covenenters opposite.

The Crown forces (yup, That  Monmouth):

There were as many as eight militia foot regiments present.

The Covenanter forces:

[Techno]

Going very nicely ! 
Cheers - Phil

[Bill Braham]

SV52

Is that he same William Cleland who ended up as the Lt Col of the 'Cameronians'/Earl of Angus' Regt and who was mortally wounded in the action at Dunkeld in the aftermath of Killiekrankie?

[Leman]

This all looks rather fascinating.

[SV52]

SV52

Is that he same William Cleland who ended up as the Lt Col of the 'Cameronians'/Earl of Angus' Regt and who was mortally wounded in the action at Dunkeld in the aftermath of Killiekrankie?

Yup, same guy.  He was one of the fortunate few who got away from Bothwell and fled to Holland, to return under the auspices of Dutch William.