An incident from the battle of Roundway Down, fought on 13th July 1643, and illustrating how thick and heavy armour had become at this time. Captain Richard Atkyns found himself facing a Parliamentarian dressed in full cuirassier armour, whom he believed to be Sir Arthur Haslerigge. Atkyns reported "…I then immediately struck into him, and touched him before I discharged mine (his pistol); and I’m sure he staggered, and presently wheeled off from his party and ran…… Follow him I did, and in six score yards I came up to him, and discharged the other pistol at him, and I’m sure I hit his head, for I touched it before I gave fire….

Hearing the story Charles I said of Haslerigge “Had he been victualled as well as fortified, he might have endured a siege of seven years”.

Giclée Print published from a gouache painting by Graham Turner.