The Origins of the Novel Series

Out of all these international connections the Franco-British connection was the most dominant and this is where the origins of the novels lie.

Where did John Hamilton come from?

I will now say something briefly about the origins of the main character in the novel, Lieutenant-General John Hamilton.  When we are first introduced to John Hamilton, he is a shadowy and intimidating figure and before we formally meet Hamilton we know that for some people the ‘lieutenant-colonel’ is a terrifying figure.  Gaston, the hapless master meal miller, who attempts a rather poor heist, is utterly terrified by the prospect of being reprimanded by the ‘lieutenant-colonel’.[1]

When we meet John Hamilton for the first time it is through the eyes of Robert Meldrum who is overcome by Hamilton’s sheer physical size.  Meldrum describes Hamilton for us, explaining that Hamilton is 6 foot four inches tall, which, for the seventeenth century, is an immense height.

To put it into context, the Swiss Guards, who were considered to be Louis XIVs tallest men, were to be at least six feet tall. For other guards, specifications were much lower around five foot five.

As Meldrum continues to state that Hamilton had large hands, an exceptionally broad back, large shoulders, and chest.  We find out in later chapters that Hamilton weighs at least 250 pounds with a muscular and athletic build and exceptional strength.  Hamilton’s stature easily intimidates friends and foes alike.

[1] MacKenzie, La Garde Ecossaise 34.

Thank you for joining me for series 1 of the podcast for the La Garde Ecossaise Novels and I look forward to welcoming you to series two in the near future.

Au revoir, a bientôt !

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