Red Box – 72155 – Tudor Light Infantry

Description:

Unpainted plastic soldiers in 1/72 scale depicting Tudor era light infantry.

The Tudor period in England spans from 1485 to 1603, covering the reigns of five monarchs from Henry VII to Elizabeth I. It was a transformative era for England, shaping its political, military, and cultural identity. The Tudor dynasty began when Henry VII defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, ending the Wars of the Roses, a brutal civil war between the rival houses of Lancaster and York. Henry’s victory brought relative stability, but the Tudors continued to face threats and rebellions throughout their rule.

The Tudor army evolved significantly during this time. Early Tudor armies were still largely feudal, made up of noblemen raising levies of archers and men-at-arms. However, as gunpowder weapons became more widespread, the army shifted toward more professional organization. Henry VIII especially expanded the English military, building strong standing forces and creating a powerful Royal Navy, recognizing the growing importance of naval power. The army itself became increasingly reliant on pikemen, arquebusiers (early musket infantry), and professional soldiers, moving away from the medieval reliance on longbowmen.

In terms of wars, the Tudors were involved in several major conflicts. Henry VII fought to secure his throne against pretenders like Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck. Henry VIII was far more aggressive, engaging in expensive wars against France and Scotland (notably the Battle of Flodden in 1513 where the Scottish King James IV was killed). His reign also saw England break from the Roman Catholic Church, leading to internal unrest like the Pilgrimage of Grace. Later, during Elizabeth I’s reign, England faced major threats from Spain, culminating in the famous defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Elizabeth also supported Protestant rebels in the Netherlands and waged war in Ireland.

Box contains 43 figures in 13 different poses, with all the elements required to create a firing line, with 4 poses and 4 figures each, firing and reloading at different stages, a bowmen line, again with 4 poses and 4 figures each, assorted between firing and reloading the bow. Two more poses are type of sword and buckle men, 4 figures each.

Lastly the box include 3 unique command figures, with an officer, flag bearer and musician.

The 50%/50% combination of fire arms and bows, suggests an around 1550 period. Later proportion of fire weapons would be higher, and earlier, proportion would be higher for the archers. Despite this proportions, clothes are ok for a wider time frame, covering almost all 16th century without problem. The box cover is illustrated with a portrait of Henry VIII, king of England  from 22 April 1509 until his death in 1547.

Poses and sculpture is excellent, being this a perfect addition to the 16th century 1/72 plastic soldiers.