Our Incomparable Engineer is the biography of Diderich Beckman, the Swedish military engineer who played a significant role in the defence of Royalist strongholds during the English Civil War.
Drawing on extensive research in Swedish and English archives, it examines the disputed origins of Oxford's defences, traditionally attributed to Bernard de Gomme and others, and Beckman's work at Hillesden House and Malmesbury.
Oxford, the Royalist capital and its most important stronghold, twice resisted Parliamentarian threats before finally being closely besieged in 1646. The defence and fall of Hillesden House to Oliver Cromwell has long been debated, while strategically important Malmesbury was besieged and captured four times. Before its final siege, Beckman was sent to strengthen the town's defences, but Colonel Edward Massey captured it before the work could be completed.
Our Incomparable Engineer offers a fresh perspective on a little-known military engineer and the fortifications of the English Civil War.
| ISBN: | 9781806722730 |
| Publication date: | 31st October 2026 |
| Author: | E Paul Beckmann |
| Publisher: | Helion & Company an imprint of Helion and Company |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 144 pages |
| Series: | Century of the Soldier 1618-1721 |
| Genres: |
Military history Civil wars |
Our Incomparable Engineer is the biography of Diderich Beckman, the Swedish military engineer who played a significant role in the defence of Royalist strongholds during the English Civil War. Drawing on extensive research in Swedish and English archives, it examines the disputed origins of Oxford's defences, traditionally attributed to Bernard de Gomme and others, and Beckman's work at Hillesden House and Malmesbury.
Diderich Beckman - Our Incomparable Engineer features in the following genres: Military history, Civil wars
Paperback. £22.50, down from the £25.00 cover price. Pre-order. 31st October 2026.
Diderich Beckman - Our Incomparable Engineer was written by E Paul Beckmann and published by Helion & Company an imprint of Helion and Company
Diderich Beckman - Our Incomparable Engineer has 144 pages
Yes it is part of Century of the Soldier 1618-1721 series
£22.50, reduced from £25.00. Pre-order. 31st October 2026.