This highly readable illustrated biography on the Percy Tenantry Volunteers has been written with exclusive access to the current Duke of Northumberland's treasure trove of archive records. This book is for anyone interested in military history, especially Revolutionary and the Napoleonic war period, and for those looking at the local history of Northumberland, and especially Alnwick Castle. The history of Britain's conflict with France between 1793 and 1815 is well documented. Nevertheless, one aspect that has scant coverage, is that of the role of Volunteers. In 1798, afraid of impending invasion by France's all-conquering armies the British desperately needed to defend their shores. To The Call of Bugles reveals, for the first time, how among those who stood forward in Home Guard style military bodies, there was no finer example than that of the valiant Percy Tenantry Volunteers, created by the 2nd Duke of Northumberland, General Hugh Percy. This amateur body of men, 1,500 strong, consisting of cavalry, artillery and riflemen, was put together, trained, armed, dressed and operated by General Hugh Percy. This book provides stories from the original volunteers, an in-depth understanding of how such a corps was organised and reveals how they were fashioned into an elite and innovative fighting force.

Launch event, presentation and book signing at Alnwick Castle. Bill now works as a guide at Alnwick Castle - he would be delighted to meet readers there!

About the Author
Bill Openshaw, born in Sunderland, now lives in Northumberland. A radio engineer by trade, he later served as a prisoner officer for 16 years. With a lifelong interest in military history and the Napoleonic wars, Bill has been a Napoleonic reenactor for over 20 years. He has written this book having benefited from exclusive access to the current Duke's treasure trove of archive records on the Percy Tenantry Volunteers. Bill now works as a guide at Alnwick Castle - he would be delighted to meet you there!


Book Information
ISBN 9780857162502
Author Bill Openshaw
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint McNidder & Grace
Publisher McNidder & Grace