The Edgcote Video

 As was trailed nearly a month ago I did an interview with Mark Fastoso for a video he was making for Little Wars TV. This was shot in his games room, and was a video of the Test of Resolve Edgcote scenario. Well, it's done and is up on the YouTube channel. 

After the initial discussion we had, Mark came back and asked me to do a running commentary voice over with him and his friend Ben whilst we watched the game video. Well, why not? So we did half an hour or so of that as well.

The final video includes an introduction by Mark, then some chat with me followed by the game voice over and finally some end of game shenanigans.

I don't often look at these types of video (don't ask why) but I have to say I'm impressed with the technical skill that Mark displays. I know what I said and when, and his editing together makes the most of it. I will make a few other points so there's no need to tell me in the comments:

1. Yes. It's pronounced "Worrick" not "War-wick". Forgive the man. It may well have been pronounced like that at the time. Same with "shire" v "sheer" in Northamptonshire and other manglings of our treasured bizarre pronunciations, designed to confuse furriners.. 
2. I know it isn't "Sir Parr" and "Sir Gates". So does Mark now. That was recorded before he spoke to me.
3. I also know that the West Country from where Devon hales isn't the West of Wales, but Cornwall/Devon. For non-UK watchers, that's the bottom sticky out bit on the left of the map, not the bigger sticky out bit half way up.
4. It's Wars not War of the Roses. In fact, for this battle it isn't Wars of the Roses at all.
5. Yes. That's a picture of Henry VI, not Edward IV
6. And yes, that picture of Warwick isn't contemporary, and might not even be him. The only known contemporary likeness of him is in Warwick, I think, and is part of the Beauchamp tomb (it is suggested he is in the back of the picture of Edward IV & Henry VI at Northampton, but that isn't certain). See below for more information.
7. Sir William Herbert's 2iC at Edgcote was probably his brother Richard.
8. The views expressed by me are my own. If you want more detail, buy the book.
9. I really do think that about armour. Mid-late 15th century armour is functional and stylish. the 16th century changes are simply fiddling with perfection more or less, whilst adding nothing to battlefield utility. I find the Maximillian lemon squeezer look ugly. That's a personal opinion and therefore there is no point in arguing. 

In terms of the game itself, I don't know the rules, nor do I know the scenario set up and briefings. My main points of contention would be that the mounted guys keep fighting on horse back, when they should probably retire back behind their foot, dismount and then re-join the fray. I don't know how the rules work in incentivising this type of behaviour. Also the outcome of the flank charge was down to the extreme dice rolled, I think, but if not, I might take issue with the system or the scenario. Whatever, the kids had fun.

Mark tells me that there'll be a follow up episode on the actual battle, boiled down from our initial chat, so keep an eye out for that.

And hopefully he'll do Northampton too, and we can talk about that.

Images of the Duke of Warwick

This is the only image of Warwick that is likely to be close to being accurate:

The image below shows Edward of March kneeling to Henry VI in 1460. Warwick is possibly the bloke in the red circle, although looking at the image above, the one in yellow looks closer. Why he would be dressed like that is a mystery, however. 

Or perhaps it's the bloke in red livery. Who knows.