William Waller

Born: 1598, Knole, Kent
Died: 19th September 1668, London
Allegiance: Parliamentarian
Position: General

Waller had experience in warfare from the Thirty Years War, for which he was knighted in 1622.

Waller was an MP shortly before the wars began, and became a colonel for parliament at the outbreak of war. He quickly took many towns in the South-East of England, earning himself a promotion to general.

His army was defeated soundly at Roundway Down, which left a mark on his career. This and other defeats caused a rethink of the parliamentarian forces, which included the Self-Denying Ordinance. This barred MP's from comissions in the army, and Waller resigned shortly before it came into effect.

After the wars, Waller opposed Oliver Cromwell and the republic, being imprisoned several times for his beliefs.