New Model Army
Jan 9 New Model Ordinance brought before the Commons who passed it without division. It had become clear by early 1645 that the war could not be won without radical military re-organisation. The existing separate armies were run by officers whose rank had more to do with social standing and aristocracy than with military ability.
There were three main objectives...
  • to unite the remnants of the existing armies into one force without local ties.
  • to make an army where the officers had no political strings attached, and could make decisions based solely on military matters.
  • to make an army which could be financed by Parliament.
Jan 13 The Lords throw out the Self Denying Ordinance saying that if there was to be a New Model Army then they wanted some of their members to be leading it.
Jan 21 The Commons vote in Sir Thomas Fairfax to be the General of the New Model Army (101 for, 69 against) with Skippon as its Major-General of the infantry. The names of the generals and colonels were to be written into the ordinance to save bitter wrangling later.
Feb 7 Debate in the Commons over a proposal that Parliament should appoint the officers above the rank of Lieutenant. This was vigorously opposed by Cromwell who insisted on the commander in the field appointing his own officers. A compromise was reached whereby the army commander appointed the officers but Parliament could veto them.
Feb 15 The Lords delayed discussion and passing of the New Model Ordinance until this date despite pressure from the Commons to look at it. The Lords argued over the officers mentioned for weeks afterwards, asking for 57 changes, and insisting that each officer take the Covenant.
Mar 11 Fairfax was given the power to take officers and men from the armies of Manchester, Essex and Waller.
Mar 18 The Lords finally agree to Fairfax's list of officers.
Apr 2 Essex, Manchester and Denbigh resigned their military commissions.
Apr 3 A modified Self-Denying Ordinance is passed by the Lords. This effectively ended the Lords' obstruction to the process of forming the New Model Army. It had wasted valuable time.
The army was to consist of 6600 cavalry, 1000 dragoons and 14400 infantry. Fairfax kept together men and officers who had proved themselves in battle. Decisions were based on military strengths and not on politics or religion.

The army absorbed the remnants of the armies of Waller, Essex and Manchester.
The men were not paid generously but it was regular, and rations were meagre (bread and cheese). Horsemen were paid 2 shillings a day, footmen received 8 pence a day. This was not enough to prevent the men 'liberating' goods as they went round the country.
Many of the initial infantry men had to be recruited from London and the Eastern counties, and these pressed men were not easily retained - even though the penalty for desertion was death. Recruitment became less of a problem as the victories of the army mounted.
The New Model Army was the first in England to wear a uniform - red coats and grey breeches (trimmings varied according to regiment).
Jun 8 Fairfax proposed Cromwell as Lieutenant-General of the horse and he was duly appointed and immediately approved by parliament.