Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Norman Archers

Just finished a unit of 8 Norman Archers with another 8 on the way, after I finish more Knights and Sargents.









Monday, May 27, 2013

Norman Castle and Priory

So for Memorial Day my wife and I went to see the ruins of a Norman Castle, Medieval town, and Priory known as Castle Acre.
 The castle was founded soon after the Norman Conquest of 1066 by William de Warenne, the first Earl of Surrey, as his most important estate in Norfolk. The settlement is strategically placed where the ancient track way known as the Peddar’s Way crossed the River Nar. To the west of the castle was a planned town; the whole settlement was fortified.

The Castle

 Artist rendition of what the castle may have looked like at its peak.

Aerial photo of the castle ruins.















The original gate to the walled town


The Priory



















Sunday, May 26, 2013

Norman Knights and Sargents

Just finished up a unit of Norman Knights and changed the shields of my Norman Foot Knights (Sargents).

As of right now I only have 6 Knights done which would be a unit in some games or I can just use 4 which would be a unit in SAGA (which is on order). I decided to go with shield transfers from Flags of War through Conquest Games.  All 6 of the Knights are from Conquest Games and I was a little disappointed to find that the shield slide could be a tad small. However this is only noticeable close up and they still look great on the table.
From my research I found that Norman Knights normally fought with lances and would charge then enemy with lances crouched under the arm. During the 1066 Battle of Hastings this tactic was proven ineffective against the Anglo-Saxon's shield wall tactic held over from the Romans. To counter the shield wall the knights would ride passed the enemy, throwing their lances like javelins into the enemy ranks and then engaging them with swords drawn.








I had originally painted my Foot Knights, or Sargents, all with a similar shield design. I decided to change it because I was not happy with the end result and just ordered the shield transfers. I am much happier with how they look now.





All of them together: