New Model Army

New Model Army
source
Unit name	New Model Army
Caption	Oliver Cromwell by Samuel Cooper
Country	Kingdom of England
Allegiance	Parliament of England
Branch	English Army
Type	Infantry
Size	22,000
Garrison	London
Anniversaries	Battle of Naseby

New Model Army. The New Model Army was formed in 1645 by Parliament of England during the English Civil War, with the support of John Pym and Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex. It was led by Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, who played a crucial role in the Battle of Marston Moor and the Battle of Naseby. The army's creation was influenced by the Solemn League and Covenant and the Westminster Assembly, which brought together Presbyterian and Independent factions.

● History

The New Model Army was created in response to the English Civil War, which began in 1642 between the Royalist supporters of King Charles I and the Parliamentarian forces. The army was formed from the Eastern Association and the Southern Association armies, with the addition of new recruits, including Levellers and Diggers. The New Model Army was instrumental in the Battle of Langport and the Battle of Torrington, which led to the defeat of the Royalist forces. The army's victories were also influenced by the Scots Covenanters and the Ulster Plantation.

● Organization and Structure

The New Model Army was organized into regiments of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, with a total strength of around 22,000 men. The army was led by Thomas Fairfax as the Lord General, with Oliver Cromwell as the Lieutenant-General of the cavalry. The army's structure was influenced by the Dutch States Army and the Swedish Army, which were known for their discipline and tactics. The New Model Army also had a strong Chaplaincy, which included Richard Baxter and John Owen, who played a significant role in the Savoy Conference.

● Military Campaigns

The New Model Army was involved in several key battles, including the Battle of Naseby, the Battle of Langport, and the Battle of Torrington. The army also played a crucial role in the Siege of Oxford and the Siege of Bristol, which led to the capture of these key Royalist strongholds. The New Model Army also fought against the Irish Confederates in the Irish Confederate Wars, with the support of the Adventurers' Act and the Committee for Compounding. The army's military campaigns were influenced by the Thirty Years' War and the Eighty Years' War.

● Legacy and Impact

The New Model Army played a significant role in the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution, which led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in England. The army's legacy can be seen in the British Army, which was formed in 1707 with the Acts of Union 1707. The New Model Army also influenced the development of modern warfare, with its use of discipline and tactics. The army's impact can also be seen in the American Revolution, which was influenced by the English Bill of Rights and the Petition of Right.

● Notable Figures

The New Model Army included several notable figures, including Oliver Cromwell, Thomas Fairfax, and John Lambert. Other notable figures included Henry Ireton, Charles Fleetwood, and John Desborough, who played significant roles in the English Civil War and the Interregnum. The army also included Levellers such as John Lilburne and Richard Overton, who advocated for democratic reforms and the rights of man. The New Model Army also had connections with Isaac Newton, Robert Boyle, and Edmund Halley, who were influenced by the Scientific Revolution. Category:English Civil War