Preview 5 - The Militia Ordinance vs Commissions of Array

During the run upto the beginning of the English civil war, tensions grew between King and Parliament. Control of the county militias, known as trained bands became a central focus as there was no standing army in England. The tensions began to boil and in January 1642 King Charles attempted to arrest 5 members of Parliament. Parliaments reaction was to deny Charles control of the Army.

Parliament passed 'The Militia Ordinance'. It was a piece of legislation that pushed the country one step closer towards Civil War between the King and Parliament of England. It permitted parliament to choose who could command the militia and where. This was an outrage to the King who had traditionally been in control of appointing the Lord Lieutenants to command the county militias (known as Trained bands). It was the first law Parliament had put into affect without royal approval.

In response the king sent out commissions of array to gentry across England empowering them to summon all men aged 15-60. The question of whether to obey Parliament's Militia Ordinance or the King's Commission of Array became an early test of allegiance for nobles and gentry.

Parliaments militia ordinance divided the nation up into "Associations". Each association had a commander and it was his job to recruit into his regiments. This system is simulated in For King or Country.



The map above shows the 6 associations that facilitate recruitment of regimented infantry. Both inside and outside of the associations you can recruit basic militia units providing the settlement has a Militia hall, not a Regimental headquarters.


The Regiments

Parliamentarian RegimentsRoyalist Regiments

Southern Association

The Earl of Essex's regiment of FooteKing Charles I lifeguard of foote



Western Association

The Earl of Stamford's regiment of FooteRalph Hopton's regiment of foote



Eastern Association

The Earl of Manchester's regiment of FootePrince Rupert's regiment of blew coat foote




Midland Association

The Baron of Brooke's regiment of FooteSpencer Compton's regiment of foote



Northern Association

Thomas Fairfax's regiment of foote The Earl of Newcastle's regiment of foote



London Association

Tower Hamlet Trayned bands



Hope you enjoyed this preview.

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