The MacGregor Trilogy

 The latest in my Nigel Tranter project is the MacGregor Trilogy. Three books focused on the proscribed MacGregor Clan in the late 17th and early 18th century. This begins with the story of Rob Roy MacGregor and continues with his relatives in the period following his death in 1734.

Most people are familiar with the story of Rob Roy through the 1995 film starring Liam Neeson or Sir Walter Scott's novel. It is a cracking film, even if historically inaccurate, particularly in the depiction of the government troops' uniforms. In fairness, details of Rob Roy's life are a mix of fact and legend, and according to one historian, the film portrays Rob Roy "in the most sympathetic light possible". Tranter takes a slightly less romantic view of Rob Roy and doesn't shy away from his outlaw status and blackmailing of cattle owners around the Highland Line. 

This part of the MacGregor story is closely linked to the Jacobite risings. Rob Roy took part in the 1689, 1715 and 1719 risings. His role in the Battle of Sheriffmuir is contested, and Tranter supports the theory that he arrived late. Tranter probably exaggerates Rob Roy's broader role in coordinating the clans during the 1715 and 1719 risings, but it helps with the storyline. 

The final book in the trilogy, Gold for Prince Charlie, starts just after the Battle of Culloden, and our hero is Duncan MacGregor, great-nephew of Rob Roy. It covers the escape of the Prince from Scotland and the gold sent to support the rising that arrived too late. The gold was from Spain rather than France (although sent in French ships), but otherwise, Tranter sticks to what little we know about where it went and how it disappeared. Duncan is inserted into the story, and he attempts to save it from grasping clan chiefs.

Rob Roy is a classic legend of Scottish history, and Tranter does the story justice. Well worth a read.

Some of my 1745 figures on the tabletop.

Warwick military heritage

 I was in Warwick last Saturday afternoon, not for the castle, which I have visited before, but to visit the three regimental museums. Yes, that's right, a small Midlands town has three regimental museums. 

The first stop was the Museum of the Queen's Royal Hussars. Based in a former drill hall, it tells the story of the British Army's light cavalry regiment, amalgamated from many famous regiments over the years. There is nothing light about the current regiment, which utilises the Challenger 2 and will be the first to receive the Challenger 3. The regiment served in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq.

The 3rd and 4th Hussars were created in 1685, and the 7th Hussars in 1690. The 8th Irish Hussars in 1693. One or more of the regiments served in just about every significant conflict the British Army was involved in since. This is reflected in the museum displays on two floors, with an annexe that holds the Parker Collection.

This is one for wargamers moaning about the effectiveness of mounted skirmishing. The Padget carbine was effective at only 25 paces!

An early version of Wofun miniatures!

Next stop was the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum in the town centre. The regiment was created in 1794 and disbanded in 1956.

They have a room dedicated to the last unsupported cavalry charge of the British Army at Huj in Palestine in 1917.

Finally, the Fusilier Museum, which covers the history of the Warwickshire Regiment, now part of today's Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. This is the oldest regiment in the county, formed in 1674.

This drum was lost at Prestonpans and turned up in a Highland cottage.

The regiment can boast three of the most influential British commanders of World War II - Montgomery, Slim, and Nye.

Having three regimental museums in one town is quite unusual. And we should remember they are all run by volunteers. The ones I met were very welcoming and knowledgeable, adding a lot to the visit. A highly recommended way to spend the afternoon in an attractive town. Frankly, much better than the overpriced castle.

Midland Air Museum

As the football (Aston Villa v Fulham) was switched to Sunday for TV purposes, I found myself with a spare day in the Birmingham area. I visited the Midland Air Museum, located next to Coventry Airport.

They have a fantastic range of aircraft, including some old favourites and plenty of rare types as well.

Yet another Vulcan on this trip. Always an awesome sight, even if I am getting used to them on this trip.

US Cold War aircraft, also used by the Turkish Air Force, reminded me that I have kits to finish. I drove past RAF Sculthorpe yesterday, which is where many of the former French aircraft ended up, before heading to museums like this.

A couple of Soviet types, including this Mil-24 and Mig-21.

A Polish Iskra. An advanced trainer, it was also used for ground support. The Indian Air Force also used them.

The German helicopter seen in the film Where Eagles Dare was actually a post-war Bell 47G. However, the Germans did develop a prototype, and the designer ended up in the US developing helicopters for Kaman.

They also feature a wide range of exhibits indoors and numerous models. The special exhibition is about Frank Whittle and the jet engine.

After reading Pilling's book about the Disinherited Montfortians, a trip to nearby Kenilworth Castle was a must. There was an epic 172-day siege in 1266, and the defences still look impressive today.  However, the focus of the castle display is on a later owner, Dudley's wooing of Queen Elizabeth.

I finished the day in Warwick, which has no less than three regimental museums. I'll cover them in a separate post.     

Norwich Museums

 I was in Norwich today, I think for the first time, to give a talk about the Cyprus conflict. With a couple of hours to spare, I headed for the castle and its museum.

The original castle was built by the Normans after 1066, and then strengthened throughout the Middle Ages. It is on a steep mound in the centre of the city, and became the local prison. From the outside, it looks more like a prison than a typical medieval castle.

The interior has been renovated to restore the main floors to their medieval original state. 

The rest of the castle is now used as the regional museum. Taking the story of the Iceni, Romans, Saxons and Vikings up to the Norman conquest.

The Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum is also in the castle. There are just a few display cases, but they feature some interesting items. These include a beaded snake made by a Turkish PoW, something I have seen before, but I can't recall where. The Norfolks did a tour of Cyprus, so those exhibits came in handy.

I was impressed with the city centre and found two good secondhand bookshops and a fine memorial to Edith Cavell, who hails from these parts.

After my talk, I headed out to the airport and the Aviation Heritage Museum. The star turn is the Vulcan, but they also have a Lightning, Meteor, Jaguar, Nimrod, Hunter, T33 and more, as well as civilian aircraft. They also have displays covering the region's flight heritage.

This Lockheed T-33 was on its way to the Turkish Air Force when its engine failed.

The Nimrod is huge.

There is also a tank museum outside the city, but it was closed today.

On the way back to my hotel, I broke my journey at Castle Rising, near King's Lynn. This is an imposing castle that was once owned by Bishop Odo, the brother of the Conqueror. Massive mounds and ditches surround the site, and the keep is in decent condition. 

I had dinner in King's Lynn, which has a fascinating history, particularly during the Civil War.