A History of the British Army, Vol. 1: First Part—to the Close of the Seven Years' War

"A History of the British Army, Vol. 1" by Sir J. W. Fortescue is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume explores the development of the British Army up until the conclusion of the Seven Years' War. The author's objective is to trace the origins and evolution of British military forces, detailing major campaigns, organizational structures, and evolved tactics that shaped the Army's identity. At the start of the work, the author contextualizes the history of the British Army, arguing that its true beginnings predate widely accepted dates, extending back to the roots of military organization in the English Civil War. He illustrates how the evolution of English military practices emerged from earlier feudal systems, emphasizing pivotal battles, such as Hastings and Falkirk, that shaped military tactics and unity among English forces. Fortescue also highlights the critical role of trained officers, the transition from local levies to a standing army, and the complexities involved in managing military finance and governance, setting the stage for a comprehensive history that examines both military and political dimensions of the Army's past.