'A View of the Camp at Cox Heath, near Maidstone in Kent', 1778

Engraving published by Carington Bowles, 29 September 1778. Subtitled, 'Containing a Prospect of the Military on Duty, the Sutling Houses, Kitchens, Visitants, Neighbouring Country &c'.

The print provides some fine detail of the military encampment at Coxheath, with the camp kitchens producing food for the soldiers, sentries on duty, clothes drying on the tents, and fashionable civilian sightseers promenading through the camp.

Coxheath, near Maidstone in Kent, was the site of a large military camp established in 1778, during the American War of Independence (1775-1783). With the American revolutionaries allied to the French, the threat of invasion from France galvanised Britain to bolster its defences. Coxheath became a centre for the training of militia forces. With its proximity to London, the annual summer camp attracted sightseers from across society, along with commercial opportunists and profiteers. The camp became well known for scandal and disorderly conduct. As a result, it became the focus of satirical, theatrical and literary productions which only increased its notoriety further.