This book tells the story of Sir Arthur Hesilrige’s Regiment of Horse, England’s last fully armored knights, tracing their history from formation to their final defeat in 1643. It explores their unique tactics, arms, and armor, along with the human stories of the men who fought and the political and social context of their era, marking the end of super-heavy cavalry.

This military and political history has a human heart. The English Civil War was devastating in many ways, and this book tells the story of one regiment during a time when warcraft was evolving. One thing that really came through was the sense of hope—how both sides were fighting for their ideals with the certainty that God was on their side. Hesilrige’s innovative approach, which seemed so promising at first, ultimately proved a failure and a tragedy. In that sense, it’s a microcosm for the war itself.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Steel Lobsters: Crown, Commonwealth, and the Last Knights In England by Myke Cole

In researching various documentation of the British First Civil War, our esteemed author, Myke Cole, has pieced together information about a famous group known as the Steel Lobsters, known for donning heavy armor on horseback. Sir Arthur Hesilrige, the leader of the Lobsters, whose ideals sparked a revolution between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists backing King Charles I, is at the forefront of the investigation.

Our story starts with the power structure within England at the time. Parliament positions were filled by the wealthy who saw their ideas clash with King Charles I. Religion alongside taxation was front and center in providing significant feelings of malcontent, thus sparking the war between 1642 and 1646.

The novel provides a canvas to many historic battles fought on different pieces of hallowed ground where various war-time strategies are sure to please lovers of memorable British history. Myke Cole, delves deeper into war tactics, particularly those of the older cautious tactics of the Danish and the newer implored by the Swedes. The reader is privy to a "changing of the guard" within combat strategy.

Sir Arthur's reluctance to use a more modern approach may have contributed to the Steel Lobster's demise. They were an imposing wall of shiny metal, an intimidating force, and an impenetrable unit. However, the sheer weight of the armor created a lack of mobility that became an increasing issue. The royalist cavalry exercised speed to its advantage and proved that brute force does not always win. The implementation of new tactics can win any battle engagement.

Through my meandering mind, I wonder how I would have lived in olden times. My horse teetered along a steep embankment, mud clinging to its hooves, and I am fully aware that one slip and I am off into purgatory. I was engaging in a battle that clearly would not end up well for those in the thick of it. I knowingly plunge into an abyss of blood and souls, willing to sacrifice for the betterment of my family. Snapping back to reality, I realize how grateful I am for the sacrifices of my forefathers. The novel reminds us of the blood, sweat, and tears provided by the participants. Folks rallying for a common cause, unfortunately, the outcome being a brutal death by war or an act seen as treason.

The words within this book granted me a reprieve from modern-day problems. I salute those who bravely fought in the face of adversity, including Sir Arthur and the Steel Lobsters. People may agree or disagree with their chosen ideals, but no one can question the bravery exuded. I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it.

Many thanks to Osprey Publishing for the ARC through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.

I have recently completed my read of Myke Cole's "Steel Lobsters: Crown, Commonwealth. and the Last Knights of England," working from an ARC provided by Osprey Publishing. I am delighted to report that this is as fine a volume of history as I have recently encountered. It provides a startlingly fresh approach to the often perplexing topic of the English Civil Wars. If that sounds a bit heavy, well, relax, this isn't that kind of book. It is organized around the anachronism known as Sir Arthur Hesilrige's Regiment of Horse, the last hurrah of the super heavy cavalry which had once been a mainstay of aristocratically organized feudal armies. This regiment, fighting for the Roundheads, was marked by a very extensive use of full body armor that set it apart from its contemporaries. The author skillfully uses this unit and its record in combat as a way to get inside of tactics, strategy and even the details of the political clash between King and Parliament, His touch is light and full of curiosity and the reader is soon caught up in the events and the personalities which bring this pivotal period in English history to life. Through the regiment's battlefield employment, the reader begins to see the fractures in this society, most particularly in terms of tactics and weaponry, and the constantly evolving tension between defensive systems, here exemplified by full body armor, and the growing power of kinetic weaponry and the specialized units which employed it, ultimately culminating in Oliver Crowell's New Model Army and the displacement of Pikemen and Swordsmen by highly trained musketeers, riflemen and field artillery. It is a quick read and does not rely on the reader to be immersed in the political and religious controversies which marked the historical epoch. Even the reader who is new to the material will quickly find his or her way to an enhanced understanding of military and political developments which have shaped our modern world. It is a cracking great read and belongs in every collection.

Myke Cole's book "Steel Lobsters: Crown, Commonwealth, and the Last Knights in England" delves into the history of Sir Arthur Hesilrige's Horse Regiment, or the Steel Lobsters, during the English Civil War. This regiment is notable for being among the last fully armored knights in England, having switched from conventional combat methods to the use of firearms rather than lances and swords.

The book is a dramatic narrative that dives into these knights' experiences, emphasizing their unique significance in a key period of English history. It highlights the combination of chivalry and evolving military tactics that defined their contributions to the fight.

Never has an author had a clearer pitch for a book than Myke Cole's reason for his book, Steel Lobsters. Quite simply, it is "knights-with-guns." Were there knight-with-guns? Yes. How did they do? Well, you need to read the book, but there is a reason you don't see them anymore.

The story takes place during the English Civil War. Cole focuses the story mainly around two antagonists on either side of the war, but the main character is Arthur Haselrig who would ultimately create and lead the aforementioned Steel Lobsters.

Cole has a unique way of writing. The entire book sounds more like a conversation between friends. One of those friends happens to be steeped in knowledge of military weapons and wants to tell you all about it. Cole makes the subjects more accessible to a general audience, but I could also see how military historians might not like his more familiar tone. I personally find it makes the story flow much better without getting bogged down in a list of equipment and lifeless listing of maneuvers. It does mean the audience for this story is a bit specific. It is basically a quick overview of the English Civil War and then a rundown of a few battles the Steel Lobsters were around. If this sounds like a good time to you, then I recommend it. I had a good time!

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Osprey Publishing.)