Thomas Fairfax

Born: 17th January 1612, Denton, Yorkshire Died: 12th November 1671, Nun Appleton, Yorkshire Allegiance: Parliamentarian Position: 3rd Baron of Cameron, Lord General of New Model Army (1645-1650)

He fought in the Bishops' Wars, and was knighted for his support (Jan 1640).

At the outbreak of the English Civil Wars, he became a cavalry commander for Parliament in his home county of Yorkshire. As such, he fought at Adwalton Moor and Winceby in 1643, and at Marston Moor in 1644.

Fairfax was appointed commander in chief of the New Model Army in 1645, and set about organising its formation and training. It was largely due to the success of this that Parliament were so victorious in 1645.

The New Model Army beat the royalists at Naseby and Langport, bringing the first war to a close.

Fairfax also fought in the second civil war for Parliament, but refused to condemn Charles I to death. Fairfax was moderate in his political and religious views, and did not like extremists.

Fairfax resigned his commission in 1650 in reaction to the proposed invasion of Scotland.