Crossbows/Handguns in the War of the Roses

[Wargamer Dave]

I'm slowly building out matched armies (about 30+ points each) for Lion Rampant.

I was thinking about having a couple units of mercenaries - handguns and/or crossbows.

I wondered if there were any specific Burgundian or Flemish or whatever mercenary groups that could have fought for both sides?

I know it ultimately doesn't matter, but if I can be historically accurate, I'd like to be.

Cheers,
Dave

[painterman]

From memory, the only foreign contingents that we have some referenced sources for, are:
- Burgundian handgunners at 2nd St Albans (in Warwick's army)
- French in Henry Tudors (Bosworth)
- Irish and 'germans' in Perkin Warbeck's (Stoke)

but, there are so few detailed sources re the WotR armies, that this shouldn't prevent you using some, if you're ok with being a little liberal with your army compositions.

Simon.

[Wargamer Dave]

Thanks Simon. Also the more I read the more it seems unlikely that crossbows would play a part. So might be better off with pike and handguns.

[Arlequín]

While we have Warkworth mentioning "three hundred of Flemmynges with handegonnes" leading the way for Edward IV, but no mention of crossbows, that may just be due to the novelty value.

Crossbows would have been quite common, even amongst the English - they had to be specifically prohibited as an alternative to longbows for practice under Henry VII (or VIII, I forget), whereas they were previously acceptable.

French, especially Gascons, were likely to be crossbowmen.

Either would not look out of place in the WotR, even the Pastons hired a handgunner to defend the manor.

[Wargamer Dave]

Thanks Arlequin! I read on another thread that you had a great blog on the WotR but couldn't find the link. Would you mind sharing?

Also to anyone who is reading - I'm using Lion Rampant to start but wondered what people's favorite rules were for the period?

[Arlequín]

You're welcome Dave. 

Sadly the Great Photobucket Scandal had some effects on my blog, so I took all the older posts down for repair. I intend to put the better posts back up at some point, but it's finding the time to revise them.

If you don't mind the wait, the blog is here: http://arlequinsworld.blogspot.co.uk

As for rules, it's Lion Rampant for me too. If you substitute 'bases of figures' for 'figures', it scales up for larger battles as your collection grows too.

[Big Martin Back]

We've used A Coat of Steel for big battles and, lately, Lion Rampant for several smaller actions. Had some fun with both sets. Hope you enjoy whatever you do.

[Wargamer Dave]

Thanks all! I'm really enjoying this period. Have been reading and researching and it's just a wargamer's treasure trove of battles, scenarios, etc. Thanks for your help!