Steel Lobsters

Get in the xigxag app
Already purchased

Click to open directly in the xigxag app.

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book. Pre-order Buy Now ${{ price }} Send as a gift

Listen to a sample

What to expect

Bloomsbury presents Steel Lobsters: Crown, Commonwealth, and the last knights in England by Myke Cole, read by Oliver Hembrough.

A dramatic history of the Steel Lobsters, Sir Arthur Hesilrige’s Regiment of Horse, in the English Civil War – the last fully armoured knights in England.

The 17th-century battlefield ushered in a new era, with formed musketeers and pistol-wielding cavalry gradually taking over from the knights and men-at-arms that had dominated the European battlefield. Based on a detailed study of the primary sources, Steel Lobsters tells the story of this transition through the history of the last fully armoured knights in England.

Myke Cole, an award-winning novelist, historian, and veteran, examines the life and times of Sir Arthur Hesilrige and his Regiment of Horse, known as ‘the Lobsters’ as they were encased in plate armour. Steel Lobsters covers the full history of England's last knights, from the seeds of their creation in Hesilrige’s experience as a young cavalry officer, to their final defeat at Roundway Down in July 1643, and the decision to abandon their armour. It provides lavish detail on arms, armour, and tactics, but also covers the human story of Sir Arthur Hesilrige, the men who served under him, and even those who opposed him.

The story of this amazing unit is the story of the end of super-heavy cavalry, and this book delves into how wars were fought in the 17th century, the personalities, politics, and even spiritual beliefs of the combatants, how they fought, and why they ultimately lost.

Critics Review

This engaging study explores anew the role during the English Civil War of fully armored cavalrymen equipped with pistols and carbines as well as swords’ … it is a thoughtful, vigorous and enjoyable re-assessment.
Peter Gaunt, Professor of Early Modern History, University of Chester
The 17th century was a time of transition and revolution, from edged weapons and armor to muskets and cannon. Myke Cole combines his hard-earned battlefield expertise and well-established writing skills to perfectly capture this oft-forgotten military revolution.
Don Hollway, author of 'The Last Viking' and 'Battle for the Island Kingdom'
An interesting and engaging account of Hesilrige and his Lobsters.
Simon Marsh, Research and Threats Coordinator, UK Battlefields Trust
This story of 'the end of super-heavy cavalry' would be a welcome addition to the libraries of both those interested generally in the Civil Wars and in this particular regiment or type of fighting unit.
Battlefield

About xigxag

Experience the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed for seamless discovery, purchase, and enjoyment of your favorite titles. Our flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less, providing affordable prices and the best audiobook deals without requiring a subscription. Perfect for gifting, xigxag also features convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

 

Beyond the listening experience, xigxag stands as an exciting alternative to big tech, embodying a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we ensure a guilt-free listening experience from a leader in audiobook innovation.

 

Effortlessly search audiobooks, access honest audiobook reviews that evaluate both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. Whether you prefer to download or stream top audiobook titles, xigxag provides the best possible listening experience anytime, anywhere, on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Discover the future of audiobooks today.