The Tudor Arte of Warre Volume 1

If you peruse a bookshop’s shelves, Tudor history seems to concern itself with Monarchy (mostly wives), religion (for or against the Reformation) with a side order of cookery (pies and pottage). Tudor warfare has either been dismissed as unimportant or criticised for its ‘backwardness’.  There have, however, been recent attempts to re-evaluate the achievements of the Tudors at war, especially the part played by Henry VIII in the ‘modernisation’ of the army, in the context of the continuing military revolution debate.

This book provides a broad and comprehensive survey of the Tudor army, explaining its campaigns and battles in the context of its monarchs and their diplomatic and foreign policy priorities.  It also provides a thematic study of key issues, such as recruitment, fortification, equipment, tactics and supply.  While much has been written about how far the Tudor military does or does not fit into a perceived pattern of European military development, the author argues that it can only be understood if the unique political, social and economic background of England is appreciated.  The conclusion drawn is that for all the ‘failings’ identified by historians, it was a system that was not only ‘fit for purpose’ but it could on occasion achieve extraordinary feats, whether those be the Device forts of Henry VIII or the stunning victories at Flodden and Pinkie. 

“This is an excellent analysis of the Tudor war machine, with the subsequent Volume Two presumably covering the period up to the end of Elizabeth’s reign: so around 900 (?) pages on the subject, by an author who has taught and researched the period thoroughly. Each chapter seems just the right length, and he covers the Anglo-European political/dynastical backgrounds, campaigns, battles, equipment, tactics, and so on. As an example of the level of detail, there are around 50 pages on the wars against Scotland, and a 20-page chapter on tactics. He writes beautifully, with the use (but not over-use) of Churchillian quips such as ‘Traditionally, France and England were the best of enemies’.... One small niggle is the use of original contemporary writings: this gives a period feel, but you need to read the passage several times to make sense of it. Wonderful material, for both the historian and the wargamer.” Chris Jarvis, Miniature Wargames Issue 473, Sept 2022