Earl of Leven’s Regiment of Horse

Fret no more regular readers (who I am led to believe now number almost seven): a return to the normal Monday posting sees yet more Scots cavalry...

Alexander Leslie was an accomplished soldier having first fought for the Netherlands, then Sweden in the Thirty Years War. Gustavus Adolphus thought so highly of Leslie's skills he knighted him and made him lieutenant general. He would return to Scotland in 1638, in response to the crisis brought about by the introduction of the Laudian prayer book, and the signing of the National Covenant.

Leslie/Leven had in effect two Regiments of Horse - his Life Guard and his 'normal' Horse. This post looks at the 'normal' Horse, and tries to make sense of their somewhat complicated timeline.

Leslie was commander in chief of the Scots Army for both Bishops Wars. For the second war he commanded the Fife Horse who were raised in Kirkcaldy and Cupar. They didn't really get up to much apart from crossing the border, occupying Newcastle, then going home. The Army of the Second Bishops' War would be disbanded in August 1641.

Leslie would be made 1st Earl of Leven for his efforts in 1641.

Leven would be authorised to raise two new Troops of Horse in the second half of 1643 for service in the Army of the Solemn League and Covenant. They marched south and crossed into England fighting at Corbridge; Ovingham; Chester le Street; the siege of York; and Marston Moor. 


We know that at least one troop were armed with lances at Marston Moor. 

Result! Lancers they shall be! 

They would continue their campaigning at the siege of Hereford; returning north to fight at Philiphaugh; before returning to England for the siege of Newark. They would be reinforced by troops returned from Ulster before being disbanded in 1647.

In 1649 the 69 year old Leven was commissioned to raise the unit anew in Haddington and Berwickshire. The new Regiment had a quiet existence until they fought at Dunbar.

Christmas 1650, Major General Massey replaces Leven as Colonel of the Regiment (Leven was by now too old and infirm). In the new year, troopers of Leven's old troop would mutiny, flinging away their cornet. 

What remained of Leven's Regiment, under Massey, would fight in the Worcester campaign.

Leven, himself, would be captured and sent to the Tower, where he would remain until 1654.

Upon his release, Leven would retire to his estates, eventually dying in 1661.

Standard, as always from Maverick Models. Rank and file are straight out of the bag PP lancers. Command is PP helmet wearing command with some headswaps. I decided to go for Hodden Grey coats rather than buff coats with these fellows.

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