4. The Generals at Naseby
The Royalist Army
Commander: King Charles I
Right Wing: Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice – 1,700 horse and 200 musketeers
Centre: Sir Jacob Astley – 3,500 foot and 800 horse
Left Wing: Sir Marmaduke Langdale – 1,700 horse and 200 musketeers
Reserve: King Charles I – 1,300 horse and 800 foot
Formation: The Royal army was drawn up in three lines with musketeers interspersed with the horse on each of the wings. Total stength 10,200 men
The New Model Army [Parliament]
Commander: Sir Thomas Fairfax
Right Wing: Lt. General Oliver Cromwell – 3,900 horse
Centre: Sergeant Major General Philip Skippon – 6,400 foot and 11 cannons
Left Wing: Commissary-General Henry Ireton – 3,300 horse
Dragoons: Colonel John Okey – 1000 men
Formation: The New Model Army was drawn up in two lines with a forlorn hope of 300 musketeers in front and to the left hand side of the infantry. Total stength 14,600 men
The Royalist Army
King Charles I
Commanded the Royalist’s forces despite his inexperience. His most notable success had been the defeat of the Earl of Essex’s army at Lostwithiel in the autumn of 1644.
Prince Rupert of the Rhine
A cavalry commander of flair and courage, who had served in the Thirty Years’ War.
Despite initial success, Rupert was defeated at Marston Moor. With his brother Prince Maurice he was regarded as a great but impetuous cavalry commander.
Sir Jacob Astley
Commanded the infantry at Naseby. After the battle he continued to fight on, surrendering the last Royalist field army at Stow-on-the-Wold in 1646.
Sir Marmaduke Langdale
A Catholic Yorkshireman, he was another outstanding cavalry commander who had fought in all the major engagements in the North of England.
The New Model Army [Parliament]
Sir Thomas Fairfax
Fought for the Parliamentarian Northern Army up to Marston Moor.
On the creation of the New Model Army in 1645, Sir Thomas was appointed Captain General. The first major engagement of this highly disciplined force was the Battle of Naseby.
Oliver Cromwell
A brilliant cavalry commander with the Eastern Association, notably at Marston Moor in 1644.
Appointed Lieutenant-General in the New Model Army at Fairfax’s request, although he should have been debarred as an MP. He commanded the cavalry at Naseby
Henry Ireton
Served under Cromwell earlier in the war and was appointed his second in command at Naseby, commanding the left wing. He later married Cromwell’s daughter.
Philip Skippon
Commanded the London Trained Bands and defied the King and the Royalist Army at Turnham Green in November 1642. He commanded the infantry at Naseby.