Rupert & Montrose – Civil War Brothers-in-Arms by Mark Turnbull

Think of King Charles I's Royalist cause during the 17th Century Civil Wars and two men emerge most prominently: James Graham, Marquess of Montrose and Prince Rupert of the Rhine.

These key commanders have much more in common than allegiance alone. Sharing an intense devotion and loyalty to the king, they were pillars of his cause, and both brought the Royalists to the brink of victory in Scotland and England respectively.

Mark Turnbull, author and historian specialising in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, will give a talk about these key commanders, whose stories have more common ground than their allegiance alone.

When the Royalist cause foundered and the king surrendered, both men fought on for the king in any way they could. The way their paths crossed and recrossed has woven these commanders into the history of their era.

Mark's passionate interest in Charles I and the Wars of the three Kingdoms began at the age of 10. He thoroughly enjoys contributing to the study of this overshadowed - but fascinating - period through articles and recently published biographies of King Charles I and Prince Rupert.

As well as being one of the co-founders of the Stuart History Festival, he produces a history podcast called 'CavalierCast - The Civil War in Words', is a regional chair of the Battlefields Trust, and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Mark lives in County Durham.