The Life and Times of a mercenary during the English Civil War
Philip Barham SpeakerNet Sponsor
- Regions:
- Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Essex
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- History
- Fee:
- Paid: £60 + travel
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 21st January 2026
- Tagged:
- English Civil War
The King’s Mercenary.
Meet Capt. Matthias Hawkeslade, soldier of fortune and veteran of the brutal thirty years war being fought in Europe. After many years fighting as a mercenary for various commanders, Hawkeslade, called ‘Der Kriegswolf’ by his men, returned to England in 1633. Upon the outbreak of civil war in 1642 he was persuaded by Prince Rupert, King Charles’s nephew, to raise his sword for the royal cause in the bitter struggle that was about to tear the nation apart. After the promise of a hefty purse and a command in the Prince’s troop of horse he agreed.
This is not a history lecture of dates and battles, instead it's an interactive experience where the audience are free to join the discussion and see the conflict through Hawkeslade's eyes. Presented in character and full 17th century battle gear, armour, sword, pistols etc.
Bringing to life the bloody reality of a mercenary Captain during one of the most turbulent chapters of British history.
About Philip Barham
I’m an amateur historian with a long-standing interest in the English Civil War, a series of conflicts fought in the British Isles between the forces of King Charles 1st and those of Parliament from roughly 1642~1651. This fascination led me onto the battlefield as a member of the Sealed Knot, the English Civil War reenactment Society, helping to bring history to life and understand the mechanics of hand to hand combat during that period. I have many times experienced a full bloodied charge by troops of parliamentary horse and being fired upon by companies of musketeers. These experiences have all helped me add authenticity to the talk.
I live just outside Maidstone in Kent with my wife and our enormous Newfoundland dog.
Received feedback.
Brilliant lecture, very informative & interesting
Good story teller & felt you had been there
Very knowledgeable - an informative & interesting evening
Very entertaining
Informative and unusual way of presenting
Nice atmosphere and approach
Made history come to life - liked the interaction with the audience
Send a message to the speaker
If you are interested in this talk and wish to contact the speaker, please complete the following form: