Nunney Castle in Somerset (and more)

While en route to see family in the county of Somerset, Chris and I stopped off at Nunney Castle (DEC 28). This small castle, more accurately a keep, was built shortly after 1375, when King Edward the IIIrd granted permission to a Sir John Delamare to reconstruct and fortify his manor house. This knight had served in France during the Hundred Years War. After several family changes, it passed to the Prater family, who remained Roman Catholic, and loyal to the House of Stuart during the English Civil War. It was during this conflict that the castle was besieged and captured by Parliamentary troops. The Praters returned with the Restoration. There were plans to hold French prisoners of war there during the French Revolutionary Wars, 1789-1802. But by 1910 it was in a very bad way, and part of a outer wall actually collapsed! By 1922 it was under the care of the government, and later English Heritage.

I must say, although a ruin, this castle still has a lot of mystique. Unfortunately, the moat bridge is considered unsafe so internal views are presently prohibited. Not sure close-up photos are that important, it is the landscape view which is memorable. This attraction (and carpark) is free to the general public to visit.

In the quaint village of Nunney is the All Saints Anglican Church, which was built in the 12th century. It replaced a Norman church, which had replaced one which was Saxon, from which some items have survived. Sir John Delamare is buried in the church.

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RECENT ACQUISITIONS

Popped into my local collectables shop on December 30. Wasn't really expecting to find anything so soon after Christmas...... I was wrong. Could not resist these American Civil War figures. I have still to find out who produced the metal Confederate officer, and would welcome opinions. While the four artillerymen are plastic Britains. The price was £5 for the mounted, and £15 for the four gun crew. Not cheap, but I wanted them!

These figures are always useful as they can stand in for Italian, French or Danish gunners. I will tidy up the boot paintwork, but otherwise leave them as they are. 

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ANTIQUE TIN SHIPS

While researching ideas for my retro fleet of gunboats, I came across an auction house listing for a large collection of tin or base-metal ships. Not sure of their date but suspect they were made between 1870 to 1910, and very likely German. While my instinct is always to restore, I'm drawn to the simple but attractive paintwork, and muse at the games they participated in over a century ago. 

I'm seriously tempted to reproduce some of these for my wargames, using plasticard or wood.

(Photos For Educational Purposes only, no profit)

The naval crew have hanging tassels at the back of their hats, so probably German or Russian. I do like this toy, deserves to be reproduced.

Another of the same, so mass produced.

And again.

You often see weaponry like this, at first I thought they were guns, but they are probably early torpedo tubes!

Worth noting how many of the ships are designed to ram the enemy.

I'm assuming this is a Russian flag.

Could this be a Japanese flag? They do have the appearance of ships in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-5.

Just imagine what these toys looked like when they were new!

MGB

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REPLYING TO COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS

Hello Donnie. I just love the archaic look of the tin gunboats. Have already decided to make a plasticard reproduction of number three, the troop carrier. I can see this being very useful in amphibious landings. The original carries ten, mine must carry a full battalion of twelve. It can then serve with at least five mid-19th century armies.

Hello Roger. It really is a nice castle to visit, probably even more so in the summer. I said to Chris, would have liked to have spent some time in the very attractive village, but we were en route to nearby Frome. Hope to make a second visit. The Confederate officer would pass as a Danish militia officer as some of their militia units wore grey in the mid-19th century, and the kepi was a popular headdress while on active service. I'm hoping to stage another 1848 Schleswig game soon.

WOW, Brad. I have viewed Gisbert Freber's site, which is devoted to Theodor Krause, Gotha tin and lead collectables. I noted the company made 1870s French and German infantry in 20mm, 45mm, and 60mm. The toys are pure magic. To see them is like stepping back in time. Concerning the troop carrier, I have decided to augment my reconstruction with some bolder artwork, and some internal detail. But it must remain appropriate for any nationality, but still claim its 'pedigree' or inspiration. (For purposes of education, some photos from Mr Freber's site, and a link.)

https://www.gisbert-freber.de/krause/