Redcoats and courtesans : the birth of the British Army (1660-1690)

This book tells the story of the birth of the modern British Army and its growth from a small force of Foot and Horse Guards, to a standing army of over three dozen famous regiments, including those who fought in the Seven Years War (1756-63) in North America, and later during the American War of Independence. Placing the army in its political and social contexts during the reigns of Charles II and James II, "Redcoats and Courtesans" is a tale of political intrigue, petticoat diplomacy and a licentious court. Colonel Noel St John Williams is the author of "Judy O'Grady and the Colonel's Lady: The Army Wife and Camp Follower". [this] Story Will Tell The Birth Of The Modern British Army? And Of How And Why It Began. It Will Chronicle Its Dramatic Growth Within The Space Of Two Reigns, From A Small Force Of Foot And Horse Guards, Which Charles Ii Raised And Paid Out Of His Own Pocket To Protect His Person And Safeguard His Throne, To A Standing Army Of Over Three Dozen Famous Regiments. This Army Saw Active Service On The Continent, In The Colonies And On The African Mainland, Where At Tangier It Would Win The First Battle Honour To Be Inscribed On A British Regimental Colour. It Is A Story Of Wars, Plots And Rebellions, Of Fire And Plague, Of Love And Romance, And Of Two Kings? I Have Attempted To Place The Army In Its Political And Social Setting, And To Show How The Events In Which The Regiments Were Engaged Were Shaped And Influenced Not Only By The Sovereigns But Also By The Men And Women Who Surrounded Them--preface. Our Trusty And Well-beloved George Monck -- Enter King And Royal Mistress -- The Birth Of The Army And A Royal Marriage -- The Growth Of The New Army -- The Palace Of Whitehall -- The Court -- Tangier : An Expensive Wedding Present -- Royal Pleasures And Military Affairs -- The Girl Most Fitted To Adorn The Court -- War And A Growing Empire -- The Hand Of God -- Indecent Actresses And Decayed Soldiers -- The Standing Army : From Ensign To Colonel -- Petticoat Diplomacy -- The Grand Design -- The French Whore Will Do Her Duty -- Men And Women At War -- The Champion Of Protestant Europe -- The Popist Plot And Exclusion Crisis -- Charles's Final Curtain -- King Monmouth And An Expanded Army -- A Popist Army To Enslave A Nation -- A Simpleton Who Lost Three Kingdoms For A Mass -- Battlefield In Ireland. Noel T. St. John Williams. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Recounts the story of the birth of the modern British Army and its growth from a small force of Foot and Horse Guards, to a standing army of three dozen regiments. The book goes on to place the army in its political and social contexts, discussing political intrigues and licentiousness in court.