Historian & Historical interpreter. Writing "Besieged & Betrayed" true story of Lady Bankes. Worlds only C17th stand up comedian part of Freeborn John Tour
Joined March 2013
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It has been some time since I preached on the horrors of this bloodie rebellion but His Majestie commands me to @SudeleyCastle this weekend to meet with Prince Rupert and there to preach the word of God to the poor distracted people of those parts. Do come and say hello.
His Majesties Western Army under the command of the badly injured Sir Ralph Hopton are heading for Devizes but were challenged by Waller at Chippenham so they turned and drove him of, he being completely routed. #englishcivilwarsociety
#OTD 7 days after Corfe was taken by Col Bingham Richard Jones was granted "free libertie to brew in Corffe" for "his souldiers". Ironically Jones was one of #TheTraitors in the garrison who had betrayed it. Pitman was a stranger in #Dorset so Jones acted as his supposed guide.
"Corfe Towne, February 27, 1645 (old style) ..This morning 'twixt 4 & 5, a party of about six score firelocks gott into the Castle..the castle is like to bee youres within this hower." John Fitzjames to William Lenthall. Picture Emma Lindell.
His Majesties Army from The English Civil War Society will assemble on The Mall tomorrow at 11.00am and brave the rebels to come out of the City and face them. Then in full C17th funeral regalia proceed to Horse Guards and "Remember" his horrid bloodie murder.
At home we await the arrival of Father Christmas! #Dorset A very Happy Christmas to everyone, all twelve days of them - the cropheads shall not ban it! And a very prosperous New Year to you all.
Do go and see "Trouble, Bubble & Squeak" a solo show by the fabulous @victoriamelody which is still touring. Funny, informative, thought provoking and full of wonderful genuine tales of humanity - what other performer is talking about The Diggers?
Very much looking forward to seeing, with Lady Bray tonight @victoriamelody at @thespringhavant as my sequestration has been lifted. Brilliant to see another take on my times on stage and perhaps it is time for me to return to preaching live again!
Bishop Bray retweeted
Next weekend, Saturday 13 September.
I'll be at Bishop Auckland Library giving a free talk about Prince Rupert, his devilish dog, and the remarkable women in his life. I'll also be signing copies of the biography with quill & ink.
This all coincides with a re-enactment event at Auckland Palace, by the English Civil War Society! @ECWSociety
So if you'd like a full-on 17th century weekend, come along and join me.
Corfe Castle at sunset tonight. The ivy covered tower far left is the probable entrance used by Colonel Pitman & Corporal Jones to betray the castle. Recent archaeology that I was part of failed to prove this but new documentary evidence now suggests this was the sallyport.
His Majesties forces @CorfeCastleUK are receiving huge numbers of young people that are flocking to His cause they will save this Kingdom from the evils of rebellion @ECWSociety
I go to @CorfeCastleUK for a visit this weekend and am greeted by Lady Bankes and Colonel Pitman, an experienced soldier who has just joined the garrison and I am told is most trustworthy. Do come and say hello to Lady Bankes and the @ECWSociety we hear the rebels are closing in!
Visiting my Cornish garrison I go to Gear a huge ancient circular hillfort; "The Gear Rout" 1648 the last stand of Cornish royalism. Firing from the tree line (forts banks) down on the bridge below but driven back some hurled themselves to death in the sea rather than surrender.
"Jack" 1624 - Minehead Church, #Somerset. In 1642 he would have witnessed the Marq of Hertfords small force of Foot from Sherborne Castle evacuated to S Wales in coal boats. Hopton took the Horse and helped raise Cornwall for the King. A pull cord behind strikes his bell.
What did you do at the weekend? I was on the bridge at St Ives, Cambridgeshire smiting the Amalekites! @ECWSociety
This Friday 9.00pm on BBC2 Hidden Treasures of the National Trust the story of last summers dig led by good friend Dr Papworth @NatTrustArch to try and discover the sallyport used by Col Pitman to betray Corfe no spoilers but shockingly you may see knees and a Bishop labouring!
There can be no greater joy as a historian than to make a major discovery in your work after years of searching. I now believe that Col Pitman betrayer of @CorfeCastleUK was from North Cadbury #Somerset and settled in Surrey County Jamestown Virg living well into his late 70's
#OTD 1646 well known traitor Col Pitman betrays #CorfeCastle but he did not work alone. Corporal Richard Jones was pardoned for "hazard of his life" acting as the guide, then he was licenced to brew beer for soldiers sleighting Corfe, doing well he owned 3 local houses in 1664.
