Welcome to the list!

Regarding the Scottish archer bodyguard of the French Kings. I believe the institution dates to the 1440's, and is closely related to the raising of ordinance companies by Charles VI (? I get my Charles' confused in the French Monarchy), and it existed until the Pavia campaign and the retreat of the remanents of the French army across the alps. It is unconnected with the later Royal Escoiss, other than Spiritually. I believe the first captain mentioned was one John Campbell.

The Best representation of what they were equipped with and wore for livery, at least through the reign of Louis onze is "The Adoration of the Magi", Where King Charles is shown kneeling in adoration before the Christ Child and Virgin, with his guard drawn up behind him. That they are fully harnessed is apparent from the shape of their covering livery, showing the globose form beneath, but they may be wearing brigandines (many had large breatplate/lungplates that give the defensive garment a distinct waisted shape) from the obvious brigandine work pauldrons that are not covered by their livery. They otherwise have full plate arm & leg defences of Milanese form, and quality visorless sallets with brow re-enforces and decorative lining rivets. Standards of mail are clearly visible at the throat. As they are preforming bodyguard service on foot, they are armed with short glaives, and two members are carrying pavises - my theory is that they would be positioned close to the king escorting him to 'cover' him should there be an assasination attempt.

They wear an elaborate and fashionable livery that is tricolor pink, white, and green (silk, satin, or velvet - I imagine, if records of the cloth distributed for the liveries of the arhers of the guard of Charles the Bold is anything to go by), with a richely embroidered vine pattern overall in silver thread. They have a matching panache of ostrich feathers atop their sallets, and visible on the stems is beading of gold and seed pearls. Truly a bodyguard displaying the Majesty of the King of France.

They saw hot action under Louis the XI at the battle of Montlehery (1465), where that had taken up defensive positions in a small village, and the Burgundian infantry had to root them out at great cost. They also participated in a very active role in the assult on Liege in 1468, where Louis led them alongside Charles the Bold against the rebel Ligeois. At Fornovo (1496), they were heavily enough armed and mounted to be used like Men at Arms in full scale cavalry charges - they suffered terribly according to Commines, while fighting magnificently. I think they lost a third of their number at Fornovo against the leauges Condottieri cavalry.

I can try to find out more for you. They would certainly be a worthwhile 'unit' to reconstruct, but it would be a costly portrayal with the nearly full harness and the high quality textiles involved. We do need people portraying 15th c. French!

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Thanks again,

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