This is a 'Williamite' Army circa 1689, immediately following the 'Glorious Revolution' which forced the last Catholic Stuart Monarch to flee and replaced him with his daughter Mary, a Protestant, and her husband William of Orange, ruler of the United Provinces we now call the Netherlands.
Militarily we are at a watershed moment where pikes are finally becoming entirely obsolete, not only because of advances in firepower, but because the invention of practical bayonets turned every musketeer into his own pikeman. The 'pike and musket' era is about to become the 'horse and musket' era.
The army mixes British, Dutch and other allied contingents freely. The 1689 watershed also marks a shift in British foreign policy as William got Britain more involved on the Continent. Combined British /Dutch / Allied forces played a leading role in a series of alliances aimed at containing the expansionist ambitions of Louis XIV's France. It could be argued that this policy of 'maintaining a balance of power' in Europe while ensuring Britain a free hand at sea and overseas lasted until 1945.
The period saw the emergence of at least one authentic military genius: John Churchill, who became the first Duke of Marlborough. That other Churchill who served his country so magnificently in the middle of the C20 was a direct descendant of the first Duke.
A wide view, showing most of the army. More cavalry is cut off on the left of this picture.

Lines of British and Dutch foot advance. The front regiment has the luxury of battalion guns - a 3 lb artillery piece at each end of the line to increase firepower.

A Dutch infantry regiment advances.
A flank view showing Danish, British and Dutch horse covering one wing of the army.

(Next update) Allied field and siege artillery massed in a grand battery. The camp is visible behind.
2 comments:
Those are excellent photos of a beautiful army. 6mm's not my thing personally, but this is what a 6mm army should look like. Good luck with the blog!
A very nicely done project. I work with bigger figures, but yours look lovely. It's amazing what can be done with such small figures!
Best Regards,
Stokes Schwartz
Grand Duchy of Stollen
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