Could You Survive in the Cavalry During the English Civil War?

Step back into the 17th century with Survive History and experience the adrenaline-fueled world of cavalry troopers during the English Civil War. In this immersive episode, we ride alongside Parliamentarian and Royalist cavalry soldiers, donning their authentic equipment and delving into their rigorous training regimen.
With help from the Worcestershire Cavalry and Marquess of Winchester’s Regiment, we use contemporary sources and a little firsthand experience to explore what life was in the saddle for Roundheads and Cavaliers. We discover why Prince Rupert’s royalists gained the upper hand in early battles like Edgehill, before being outsmarted at Marston Moor and Naseby.
From the thundering charge of horses to the clash of swords, we uncover the weapons, tactics, and challenges faced on the battlefield. Discover what made these cavalry units so effective and delve into the legendary prowess of Oliver Cromwell's Ironsides - the elite troops of the New Model Army. Join us as we explore the dynamic role of cavalry in shaping one of England's most tumultuous periods of history.
#militaryhistory #englishcivilwar #survivehistory
00:00 Introduction
02:29 The outbreak of war
04:53 Armour and equipment
08:00 Cavalry training and tactics
15:53 Cabbage chopping
17:18 Battle of Edgehill
18:46 Cavalry in combat
21:09 Infantry tactics
24:16 Oliver Cromwell's rise
26:44 Battle of Marston Moor
31:25 The New Model Army
33:21 Could you survive?

[@survivehistory]

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Let us know what you think in the comments and please consider supporting the channel at: ko-fi.com/survivehistory Thanks again to the Worcestershire Cavalry and Marquess of Winchester's Regiment, part of the English Civil War Society. The video was filmed at Bissell Wood Equestrian Centre: www.bissellwood.co.uk/

[@MrMburrough]

You mentioned they were banned from singing. Not true, they just sung the Psalms.

[@PeterMartyrVermigli_is_cool]

And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. - John 3:16 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. - Acts 3:19 If you’re in North America, may you please go check out any of the churches available to you: PCA, OPC, Rpcna/Rpc, Urcna, or a canrc church (These are conservative and actual Presbyterian churches) If you can’t find one of the conservative presby churches then, maybe a Lcms Lutheran church If you’re Scottish, I recommend the Free Church of Scotland and the APC. (Different from the Church of Scotland) If you’re English I recommend the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England & Wales and the Free Church of England (Different from the Church of England) Also online you can look up church finders for each of the groups, it will show you locations. :) .

[@PeterMartyrVermigli_is_cool]

@@MrMburrough🦙

[@PeterMartyrVermigli_is_cool]

And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. - John 3:16 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. - Acts 3:19 If you’re in North America, may you please go check out any of the churches available to you: PCA, OPC, Rpcna/Rpc, Urcna, or a canrc church (These are conservative and actual Presbyterian churches) If you can’t find one of the conservative presby churches then, maybe a Lcms Lutheran church If you’re a Scottish individual, I recommend the Free Church of Scotland and the APC. (Different from the Church of Scotland) If you’re English I recommend the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England & Wales and the Free Church of England (Different from the Church of England) Also online you can look up church finders for each of the groups, it will show you locations. :) .

[@Albertothyinnit]

Make 1 About American Revolution

[@Specter_1125]

Modern horses are actually much less aggressive than horses throughout most of history. I’m not sure about the 17th century, but the 16th century and earlier, war horses were explicitly bread and chosen for it. It often caused problems in the stables since the horses would bite, and only really allow their owner to ride them.

[@TeutonicEmperor1198]

I would speculate that French Gendarme during the first years of the 16th century were the pinnacle of heavy cavalry in a medieval context. Huge heavy horses clad in armour having fully armoured high experienced riders attacking Swiss pike formations head on. Those horses would eat these from the video for breakfast.

[@soldiermeyer2790]

Very interesting!

[@OotsutsukiShibai]

I never tought about that, interesting point

[@Specter_1125]

@@TeutonicEmperor1198they were big, but not exactly huge. They were definitely strong, fast, and agile for their size. Usually 15-17 hand tall stallions at that point in history. They were definitely sizable, just not huge like shires and other draft horses can get.

[@TeutonicEmperor1198]

@@Specter_1125 you are right. They weren't like heavy draught horses like those in Belgium or the Netherlands but they were really intimidating. If the average peasant was like 1.65 -1.70 meters then a 16 hand horse would look like a Goliath.

[@jmcw9632]

I very much doubt it.

[@jimrobinson4142]

Yeah I wouldn't fancy my chances either

[@sudzthegreat]

Not with that attitude!

[@jmcw9632]

@@sudzthegreat Hah, fair point.

[@spicykaraage641]

@@sudzthegreat who knows, a soldier with nothing to lose is very effective so it may help his chances.

[@poil8351]

neither at least its england and not continental Europe where i would have even less chance of survival with the thirty years war going on. the main difference was more chance of being taken prisoner if i surrender(at least iam not irish or catholic). there were more atrocities and massacres in the thirty years war. though if i was in Scotland i wouldn't fancy my chances at all both sides had a nasty habit of slaughtering prisoners and settling old clan scores.

[@kazmark_gl8652]

So glad there are people out there still dedicating themselves to big historical projects like this.

[@PeterMartyrVermigli_is_cool]

And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. - John 3:16 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. - Acts 3:19 If you’re in North America, may you please go check out any of the churches available to you: PCA, OPC, Rpcna/Rpc, Urcna, or a canrc church (These are conservative and actual Presbyterian churches) If you can’t find one of the conservative presby churches then, maybe a Lcms Lutheran church If you’re Scottish, I recommend the Free Church of Scotland and the APC. (Different from the Church of Scotland) If you’re English I recommend the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England & Wales and the Free Church of England (Different from the Church of England) Also online you can look up church finders for each of the groups, it will show you locations. :) .

[@SultanOfAwesomeness]

Survive in the Calvary of the English civil war? I’m not sure if I can even survive today, period. Jokes aside, this is a cool one. It’s nice to see these more niche periods of military history like the pike and shot era being explored.

[@sid2112]

You are stronger than you realize. I promise.

[@knochlax97]

I did my capstone based around Scottish mercenaries in the 30 years war. Truly fascinating the ties they had with Sweden and how it transferred over into the English Civil war. Especially in regard to artillery.

[@HO-bndk]

Cavalry, not "calvary" 😂

[@SultanOfAwesomeness]

@@HO-bndk cut me some slack; I remember writing this at like 4 am lmao

[@StudioNBS]

The entire concept of this channel is like a childhood dream come true

[@WiseOwl_1408]

Childish is the word

[@tellable9425]

As an Irishman I have....very strong opinions about Cromwell as a person. But I cant deny how interesting and well presented this video was!

[@skepticalbadger]

I don't think you'll find many fans of his in England these days either. Either because we also hate what he did to Ireland specifically, his religious extremism in general, or even die-hard royalists who hate him for obvious reasons.

[@THECHEESELORD69]

@@skepticalbadgerwell he’s dead now so no use worrying!

[@Falkriim]

As an Englishman I hate both the Monarchy and Cromwell. So I’m at a bit of a crossroads here LOL

[@SerialChiller1000]

Old Ironside's conquest of Ireland was barbaric and butcherous.

[@thehungrylittlenihilist]

That shits hereditary too. My grandmother, who has never been to Ireland but is one of those stereotypical "Irish-Americans," will get drunk and say that if it weren't for Cromwell we'd live in Ireland today. Never mind her father was a Cajun Louisianan and so she wouldn't actually exist.

[@andrewbellavie795]

the Roman Legionary video was my favorite so far, but this was very cool to see a proper cavalry experience. well done, great series

[@ducomaritiem7160]

If you like to see a scene from the movie "Alatriste" (2006 Viggo Mortensen) there you can find a scene with blocks of musketeers inside pikemen attacked by cuirasiers... One of the most impressive battlescenes I've ever seen. It's all about Diego Alatriste, a Spanish career officer in the 80 years war. Viggo Mortensen is very, very convincing. Also the locations are real historical ( a scene filmed at El Escorial, Phillps II palace near Madrid - I've been there, and there it was, in that movie!)

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

NOW, that is a fantastic movie, (the books are pretty good too, although I've only read one, so far). And yup, the battle scene is brilliant, especially the "push of pike". Messy, nasty, dirty fighting, real "machine-gun-stab the other guy, so he's proper dead", kind of stuff. Watched it, again, just the other week.

[@specialnewb9821]

Love that movie

[@PeterMartyrVermigli_is_cool]

And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. - John 3:16 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. - Acts 3:19 If you’re in North America, may you please go check out any of the churches available to you: PCA, OPC, Rpcna/Rpc, Urcna, or a canrc church (These are conservative and actual Presbyterian churches) If you can’t find one of the conservative presby churches then, maybe a Lcms Lutheran church If you’re Scottish, I recommend the Free Church of Scotland and the APC. (Different from the Church of Scotland) If you’re English I recommend the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England & Wales and the Free Church of England (Different from the Church of England) Also online you can look up church finders for each of the groups, it will show you locations. :) .

[@PeterMartyrVermigli_is_cool]

@@specialnewb9821🦕

[@PeterMartyrVermigli_is_cool]

@@FelixstoweFoamForge🦒

[@Mikesman1000]

An hour ago I discovered the channel, finished the video about Napoleon's army, and now we can go with Oliver Cromwell into battle!

[@pirategamer3243]

As an American, the English Civil War is one of my most favorite wars in history. And after noticing your other two videos are also about my interests, I subscribed. Keep up the good work!

[@THECHEESELORD69]

Right after the invention of the hamburger… no? Just me? Ok…

[@burgeryoufoundbehindthegrill]

​@@THECHEESELORD69I'm guessing you're European? If you were American you'd probably have said pizza 😂

[@THECHEESELORD69]

@@burgeryoufoundbehindthegrill Burger King, McDonalds, ect. America is famous for burger places, it’s also famous for not having free health care, although the style of pizza that we know as pizza today was actually invented in America, and is technically an American dish. Now why did I go on a rant about burgers and pizza? Because I’m a fat American and I like good food!

[@Jackman1st]

I got taught that the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, The Revolutionary War and American Civil War were all interlinked. All three wars could be classed as British Civl Wars as the vast majority of the combatants had heritage from the British Isles. All three conflicts were fought over governance, rights and balance of power. The American Civil War was fuelled by unresolved issues from the American Revolution and the Revolution was fuelled by unresolved issues from the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. The American revolutionaries were heavily influenced by Cromwell and his followers. The religious conflict carried over to 18th century colonial America too.

[@NewEnglandHistoryNerd]

My ancestors were cavalry captains in the Eastern Association under the Earl of Manchester (later Cromwell). One served under Charles Fleetwood, the other had been in General Essex’s Lifeguard. This was fantastic!

[@THECHEESELORD69]

My ancestors came over on the mayflower! That’s an about it…

[@cmcapps1963]

Well met! My great x8 grandfather was also one of Cromwell's russet coated captains of horse! He left England for Connecticut in 1660 because he refused to live under a Stuart king.

[@jamesbruce1975]

Rapidly becoming one of my favourite history series' on the internet. Keep up the amazing work

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

I enjoy your frontline perspective, it's a major contrast to the usual view from the top that most documentaries take.

[@THECHEESELORD69]

I mean really at ground level your a pikeman with your pike, you stand in formation and wait… not very exciting compared to royal drama and stuff! But we still find it cool!

[@hieirgaftien2977]

Fantastic video! Interviewer asked really good questions, a lot better than what I expected

[@helmort]

This is only the third upload on the channel, but let me express that I love what you guys are doing! This channel and your work are simply brilliant! All three episodes are amazing, much better than both modern BBC and the History Channel: In all your videos, I can sense passion, a love for history, genuine interest in the topics, and an authentic and unique British ability to make documentaries engaging and not at all boring and You are absolutely professional in delving into the depth of details and conducting tests on experimental archaeology! Moreover, the individuals reacting as historical soldiers are remarkable, as they are everyday people and not the typical new kids with bulging muscles and misguided ideas about history borrowed from video games. I'll be sharing your videos on all my channels because you deserve attention. Thanks for your hard work; I hope you garner millions of views because you truly deserve it! 💀☠💀☠

[@survivehistory]

Really appreciate it, thank you!

[@THECHEESELORD69]

@@survivehistorymen with long sticks go BRRrRRRrrRrRrRRr

[@TheCardanoArmy]

Can't believe I'm this early to the beginning of one of the best channels on KZbin of all time! Can't wait to watch this one later tonight

[@beachcomberbloke462]

Thank you for your in depth analysis of the tactics used by pikeman and cavalry. Thank you for literally bringing history alive.👍

[@davidschlageter5962]

Loved it! Especially that it was presented from the saddle! Outstanding work!!!

[@Philtopy]

I REALLY liked this video! its always nice to see other historical periods getting some love. its a nice standout from the typical romans/napoleonics/WW2 content on youtube. thanks for your work :)

[@Warforged117]

I've only discovered your channel today (through this video) and as an archaeologist, I'm inspired and thoroughly entertained!! Your enthusiasm is infectious and I cannot wait to see both your channel grow and what other exciting videos are next!

[@wankertosseroath]

Great production value! Those reenactors are amazing, great uniforms.

[@Bai_gaming]

Great episode always nice to see people with a passion of history

[@advasity339]

All your releases truly don't miss

[@jaijethwa6738]

I love this channel. The production value, the clear narration and presenting, the use of interesting historical sources. I also love that the presenter gets stuck in to the action - feels like a very fun approach to the subject matter and you're able to picture the scene more effectively. Instantly subscribed and looking forward to more content!

[@bossaudio12]

Hell yea! I was hoping for a new video soon. Thank you!!

[@Moc_Builder]

Another great video! All your videos so far have been great, and this is no different. Great Work.

[@danielknowles3051]

One of the best ECW videos I’ve ever seen!! Awesome job!!

[@stopmotionwarehouse8986]

I’ve watched all of these videos from you, and i simply love this

[@user-es5gx2di7h]

Fantastic videos. You are really bringing history alive. (And excellent choice of paintings!)

[@sillyduck5179]

Very great video, if you want to learn/ see more from this period, I’d recommend the movie “Cromwell” it’s not completely historically accurate but it paints a great picture of the English civil war and has superb combat scenes!

[@revanthefallen9518]

Great video, nice to see consistent audio levels which the other two lacked, can’t wait for the next!

[@karstoncole8783]

Amazing content. Thank you for the commitment and originality.

[@antoniomoreira5921]

There's a beautiful English Civil War series by Schwerpunkt that I strongly recommned

[@douglasbuck8986]

Where?

[@colinlawler8785]

@@douglasbuck8986KZbin

[@oddballsok]

@@douglasbuck8986schwerpunkt schwerpunkt schwerpunkt !

[@ThaFlyinHawaiian]

What an excellent video! Love all these, please make more!

[@jimmy12347654]

This was a great episode, can't wait to see what you bring in the future, subscribed!

[@khalilal-bukhari7042]

Another delight, keep up the hard work!

[@CJ-uf6xl]

Really fascinating period in British history, thanks for sharing 👍

[@davidelabarile1634]

woah finally a video about the english civil war and its beautifiul!!!keep it up like this!!!

[@OotsutsukiShibai]

Another awesome video, thanks

[@Jubilo1]

England is so beautiful!

[@darkmasterchief227]

Amazing content as always!

[@HistoryPanda-ng3wc]

very interesting video, loved it. The British Isles are such a pretty and interesting place especially their history.

[@MrSteveK1138]

Hello from across the Atlantic! Really enjoyed this. I'd love more about the English Civil War focused on Artillery and Pikemen.

[@ducomaritiem7160]

Hey, credits to you for really doing your report from horseback!❤ To you from an old cuirasier reenactor.

[@lyndad1039]

Another excellent video Louee will go far !

[@mario_1683]

Your videos are so great. Very well done and narrated

[@survivehistory]

Thanks a lot Mario!

[@sme70]

Thanks for the time you spend to make these videos.👍

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

best one in the series so far!

[@liveforever9888]

Excellent video. Love this style.

[@moonb3ll925]

Love your videos! Its fun to see how the quality and editing has improved.

[@Winglenthefirst]

the efforts to these video are amazing

[@julianrudolph7434]

This is such high quality content! Cudos my Sir!

[@sunnmringenriksheim7812]

This is awesome! More cavalry videos please!

[@weinor5674]

Love this channel! more please

[@Zagge]

Thanks again for the excellent episode! Took me a few days to find the time to watch this with the attention it deserves. This one's easy one for me though since just with my allergies I think my chances surviving in any sort of cavalry are slim to none :D

[@survivehistory]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alexnakos5825]

Awesome! Keep making videos!

[@philipptomic6310]

Reenactment of history is alway so awsome.

[@Matthew-vs5yh]

This is a nice change of perspective

[@ParutoTH]

I was actually gonna suggest this but then this video dropped. Nice Channel.

[@Sir.Leonardo.Scherer]

I'm loving this channel, I would love to do this kind of thing, but I would also spend a few days in the wild surviving with the historical gear

[@libertycowboy2495]

I reenact as a french cuirassier of the first empire, and enjoyed this very much. Very informative.

[@dersuddeutschesumpf5444]

Nice to see a functional reconstruction of an english pike formation

[@WillReynolds88]

Fantastic episode. Really enjoyed watching it ❤

[@survivehistory]

Awesome, thanks mate!

[@Elor_Lando]

Nice video! Well done 🙌🏻

[@marcelsf23br]

Amazing video! 👏

[@romanbed2224]

Great content, thank you very much

[@yoshitsunedono]

What a channel! What a find! Amazing!

[@ddunn3489]

Great Video !!

[@kenken8765]

This is good stuff. I'm subscribing!

[@shroapkudavichski4894]

A very interesting video, on a topic I know very little about

[@nialls1048]

Great video. I think the English Civil War is overlooked considering its importance and scale. I am from Huntingdon where we have the Cromwell Museum (the school he went to) and The Falcon (pub) opposite, which may have been used as a headquarters by Cromwell during the war. They also have mango cider and a jukebox.

[@IvanPopov-gq1sp]

Brilliant stuff, as always!

[@survivehistory]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Josh-hx7ub]

A great video, thank you

[@survivehistory]

You are welcome!

[@unlos_t]

This period of warfare is probably my favorite

[@thecount5558]

Your series is great! Any chance you might be willing to tackle any topics from the age of exploration or the colonial wars during the Victorian era?

[@mikew735]

This is a great vid, def want to see more stuff like this, exactly lie this, a day in the life of a soldier/cavalryman/rifleman. sued and liked.

[@ihsanyuce953]

love these vids

[@bend9195]

Man I love your videos!

[@jalilabdur-rahman9524]

great history video love your videos keep it going!

[@survivehistory]

We will!

[@jalilabdur-rahman9524]

maybe you should do it on the american revolution eh?

[@o.r.grinter7763]

This is such a great channel

[@nathantallar8967]

Love the videos keep it up, maybe also do videos about other European infantry and calvary groups

[@cocodelavoz6190]

Very interesting video, it is great to see reconstitution mixed with historical narrative and you do it wonderfully great! Thank you and congratulations

[@survivehistory]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@reivercaptain510]

Very interesting. I'd be interested to see such comprehensive insight on the Border Reivers.

[@georgemcintyre112]

Fantastic video

[@Historian_and_cats]

Nice vid I am in to history and your channel is so good

[@kenny8654]

Could You Survive as a Soldier in Oliver Cromwell's Cavalry? Me: No, I would be shot for being a monarchist

[@THECHEESELORD69]

I would be shot for being American! Or at least I think I’m right about that, idk man I would probably just hold da pointy stick

[@history_alice]

Love it!

[@siralexandersequeira3rdcou12]

5:59 that's a english style battlefield armor made for the King of Portugal Peter II, he wore it during the Portuguese Restauration War, it had some feathers on top.

[@theimmortalgrenadier3851]

Wonderful armour sire!

[@rorystockley5969]

Great video

[@okancanarslan3730]

nice documentary

[@Jmgbc555]

This channel is so underrated

[@nigden1]

Good presentation, well done.

[@OwenM476]

I believe a lot of the troops in the civil wars were Dragoons, which in those days were mounted infantry. They rode to the battlefield but fought on foot.

[@hero-gl4zy]

Exllent produced documentary . I hope one day I will make one about mamluks

[@zacharydelgado2279]

I subscribed because of your shorts. I watched this video because I watched all of the shorts.

[@TeutonicEmperor1198]

I was wondering if any of these commanders would had any experience with the thoughts of Gustavus Adolphus and I was correct. What a man he was! Awesome video, congratulations for your work!

[@poil8351]

yes alexander Alexander Leslie the earl of leven served with Gustavus Adolfus, so did david leslie the 1st lord newark and William Baillie. mind you most of the scottish commanders had seen action during the thirty years wars. which is why during the bishops war the scots had and an army and the english were barley trained militia.

[@poil8351]

also prince rupert had seen alot of conbat during the thirty years war.

[@TeutonicEmperor1198]

@@poil8351 I didn't know that. Thank you for the information. I assume that the Scots were fighting under French command during the thirty years war. Isn't that right?

[@poil8351]

@@TeutonicEmperor1198 actually mostly under swedish command. though some did serve in the french and dutch armies as well.

[@THECHEESELORD69]

@@poil8351I forgot that Scotland was a different country back then.

[@thewarrior6627]

I'm particularly here to gain an understanding of how to form pike infantry to counter cavalry. Real, live research through reenacting is such a useful resource!

[@THECHEESELORD69]

Unfortunately we can’t put it to real use because.. well you know we don’t want to kill anyone.

[@thewarrior6627]

​@@THECHEESELORD69 My intentions are in the wonderful world of writing. :)

[@user-lo9yn6ji6o]

Windsor is definitely a big guy. He’s very beautiful!! Great series!!!