Outpost of the New Model Army on the Eve of the Battle of Naseby by Ernest Crofts. [Print]

The New Model Army was formed in 1645 by the Parliamentarians during English Civil War, and was disbanded in 1660 after the Restoration. It differed from the other armies in the Civil war in that it was intended as an army where its soldeirs were liable for service anywhere in the country, instead of restricted to a local area or garrison. This meant that the soldiers of the new Model Army would be full time professional soldiers instead of part time militia. It was also intended that its officers were to be professional soldiers, not having seats in either the Houses of Lords or Commons. Here a Cavalry sentry is shown before the battle of Naseby, which would become a key battle of the English Civil War. On 14th June 1645, the main army of King Charles I was completely destroyed by the Parliamentarian New Model Army under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell.