Military Macclesfield and Britain's Battles 1066-1656

Macclesfield Forest was a favorite hunting ground of royalty, and Edward III appreciated the town's longbowmen's skills. Cheshire was treated differently from other counties and was a palatine where animals were kept for war service. Macclesfield's foresters provided troops for the sovereign up to the Civil War, and their ancestral homes are now tourist attractions. The Jodrells, Fittons, and Earl of Derby all held important military positions in Ireland. Military Macclesfield follows the progress of these families and the men who accompanied them, many of whom were knighted on the battlefield.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2019
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Macclesfield Forest, a cherished hunting ground of royalty, holds a rich historical significance. However, it was during the reign of Edward III that the true prowess of the town's longbowmen was truly recognized. These skilled archers played a pivotal role in securing victories at crucial battles such as Crécy, Poiters, and Agincourt, earning them a daily wage of 6 pence, significantly higher than their Welsh counterparts who received only 3 pence per day.

Moreover, the story of Macclesfield's troops' involvement in the Battle of Flodden is captivating. Cheshire stood apart from other counties, serving as a palatine where animals were bred and trained for military service from the time of Edward I. This strategic location made it an essential hub for supplying troops during conflicts in Ireland, Scotland, and even suppressing revolts in Wales. The foresters who administered Macclesfield Forest played a crucial role in providing troops for the sovereign until the onset of the Civil War. Some of these foresters even rose to become important commanders.

Today, the ancestral homes of these foresters, such as Lyme Hall, famous for its appearance in Pride and Prejudice, and Adlington Hall, where Handel completed his Messiah, continue to attract tourists. The Fittons of Gawsworth Hall were particularly favored at the Tudor court, holding significant military positions in Ireland. The Jodrells, who provided foresters for military involvement on numerous occasions, are remembered in the name of Jodrell Bank and its renowned radio telescope.

The Earl of Derby, who served as the steward of Macclesfield Forest and organized troops under the king's command, held prominent positions of authority. The Military Macclesfield series follows the lineage of these families and the men who accompanied them, many of whom were honored with knighthoods on the battlefield, spanning from 1066 to 1656. This comprehensive account provides a deep insight into the historical significance of Macclesfield Forest and its role in shaping the course of English history.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 234 x 158 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445694672