As a youth, William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle trained with Henry, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of James I and VI. Preferring the Royal Mews to Court, he and the Prince became accomplished horsemen. Being one of the chief supporters of the monarchy, Newcastle was in exile during the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell in the mid-17th century. He set up a riding establishment in Antwerp, and occupied himself with the training and management of horses. He was visited by anyone of distinction who passed through the town. This book is the result of his nine years’ experience there, and features illustrations by Abraham van Diepenbeke, whose work here is notable not only for its excellence, but also for the number of portraits it contains.