[3] An exception were small numbers of trained gunners based in key locations like the Tower of London and controlled by the Ordnance Office, which provided personnel for the artillery 'traynes' used in field campaigns.

[4] However, the military was becoming increasingly professional, particularly in the areas of artillery and engineering and Britain's lack of a consistent approach was a weakness; Vauban had established a French Corps royal des ingénieurs militaires as far back as 1690.

He quickly showed technical aptitude in a number of areas, including periods spent aboard a bomb vessel in 1738 and with the sappers and miners, later the Royal Engineers in 1739.

Almost forgotten in Britain, this victory is still remembered in Colombia; a plaque commemorating the 1741 attack was unveiled during a state visit by Prince Charles in 2014, then subsequently removed after protests against 'glorifying English pirates.

He placed a much greater focus on training and discipline, including small arms instruction and weapons drill for his gunners; until then, close protection was provided by the infantry and their flight resulted in the artillery being over-run at Prestonpans and Falkirk.

By the time of his death in 1780, the Royal Artillery included four battalions and two "invalid companies" used for garrison duties, with a total strength of 5,241 men and officers.

[14] Belford was at the Royal Arsenal during the Gordon Riots of June 1780, which began when Protestant workers in London demonstrated against the 1778 Papists Act reducing restrictions on Catholics.

This led to widespread looting and violence that ended only when the army was called out on 7 June; over 300 people died, with extensive damage to Catholic property and immigrant areas like Moorfields.

Rioters attempted to storm the Bank of England and the Arsenal was also a target; Belford successfully organised its defence and Parliament later voted him a gratuity of £330 for his 'good service.

He also reportedly introduced the fife into the British army in 1748 by bringing a Hanoverian musician named Johann Ulrich to teach the instrument to the Royal Artillery Band.