header image
15mm II/53 Ancient British (Essex Miniatures)
By: Neldoreth

This army I ended up up coming about because Essex gave me a few extra figs for my Scots-Irish army that were actually ancient Brits. I always wanted to paint some of the colourfully represented celtic Brits, and so I took my first DBA army commission for the army. This army was done for Xavi of on the Fanaticus Forums.

Miniature Figure painted by Neldoreth - An Hour of Wolves & Shattered Shields


I figured I would throw a camp together for this army. I tried to capture the essence of a celtic hill fort on the isle sometime during Rome's early forays to the isles. It worked out pretty well I think!


Miniature Figure painted by Neldoreth - An Hour of Wolves & Shattered Shields


The British Celt chief rides to battle on his chariot. A pretty cool fig on there, but it was tough to decide on a composition. I ended up going for a design that I found on an image that I got through a google image search... I also spiffed up the chariot, assuming that they would have painted it brightly!


Miniature Figure painted by Neldoreth - An Hour of Wolves & Shattered Shields


This is possibly a mercenary from Spain, although not necessarily. I decided to go with something a little different for the sheild. I think it worked :)


Miniature Figure painted by Neldoreth - An Hour of Wolves & Shattered Shields


One of the first two chariots done for this army. The passenger was not originally meant for the chariot, but I liked the pose and thought it fit better! Notice the shield is shattered? Likely a Roman pilum did the job!


Miniature Figure painted by Neldoreth - An Hour of Wolves & Shattered Shields


The second of the two chariots done so far. I like checkered cloaks! And that shield design is my favourite!


Miniature Figure painted by Neldoreth - An Hour of Wolves & Shattered Shields


These were fun to paint, a nice break from painting foot! The dynamic poses and head positions really allowed them to be based dynamically as well, which I really like for light horse.


Miniature Figure painted by Neldoreth - An Hour of Wolves & Shattered Shields


More dynamic basing for these figs. I'm quite happy with them!


Miniature Figure painted by Neldoreth - An Hour of Wolves & Shattered Shields


So, from this element onwards represent the last of the foot elements for this ancient Brit army. It was fun to do, but a lot of work these guys are, with all their fancy schmancy shields and striped clothes! I am pretty happy with them!


Miniature Figure painted by Neldoreth - An Hour of Wolves & Shattered Shields



Miniature Figure painted by Neldoreth - An Hour of Wolves & Shattered Shields



Miniature Figure painted by Neldoreth - An Hour of Wolves & Shattered Shields


The javelin carrying psiloi/skirmisher unit. Pretty fast looking, but snazzy. Young, but not too young I guess! Overall, very happy with it!


Miniature Figure painted by Neldoreth - An Hour of Wolves & Shattered Shields


These figs came with a Scots-Irish DBA army pack from Essex miniatures. Apparently Essex is well known for pressing certain figs into service despite the fact that they don't really work. I decided to paint these up anyway as the ancient brits they were meant to be. Took some time to do the details well, including the freehand shields.


Miniature Figure painted by Neldoreth - An Hour of Wolves & Shattered Shields