1646-1649: The Role and Influence of the New Model Army

After Charles' surrender, the New Model Army became increasingly politicised. This was due to their dissatisfaction with the settlements offered to the King by Parliament. They also had material concerns - wages were £3 million in arrears and Parliament had proposed to disband them in the Newcastle Propositions. As Parliament failed to address their concerns, the demands of the army became more radical.

When Parliament proposed to disband the Army, Fairfax ordered a meeting at Newmarket on 4th/5th June 1647. During this meeting a more formal political structure in the army was developed. A General Council was created to allow official strategies and possible settlement to be discussed. The General Council was made up of two officers and two agitators (more radical, pushing for change) from each regiment. This was led by Henry Ireton who had the role of Commissary General.

What were the Heads of Proposals?

The army had so much say during the settlement period because:

Physical control of Charles: 
Charles had been placed under semi-protective house arrest by Parliament after his surrender. He was based at Holmby in Northamptonshire. On 2nd June, 1647, the Army seized Charles from Parliament. George Joyce, a Coronet in the army arrived at Holmby House and said that he had Cromwell's permission to remove the King. Joyce had associations with the agitators. He was allowed to take custody of Charles and immediately took him to the Army's headquarters at Newmarket. Most of the garrison protecting the King went with Joyce. Fairfax was furious but it seemed as though Joyce had the approval of Cromwell and Ireton

The Solemn Engagement:
The first step of the army's demands that had been declared in the Humble Remonstrance were put into action through the documents of the Solemn Engagement which encouraged cooperation between the army's officers and the agitators. This document was mainly drafted by Ireton. In June, Cromwell, Ireton and Fairfax met with Charles and to reinforce the Solemn Engagement, impeachment charges were drawn against 11 MPs, including Holles (Political Presbyterian) - the army saw him as leading Parliament against them.

Humble Remonstrance 
Produced on the 4th June, 1647. The Remonstrance declared that the army would not disband until their grievances were met - i.e. indemnity (no prosecution or punishment for affairs during the First Civil War) and also the removal of the Political Presbyterians who wanted to disband the army.

"A Representation of the Army" 
Drafted on the 14th June, 1647 by Ireton, Lambert and Cromwell. The Representation outlined the army's political position and what they wanted. Main points focused on:

• Purge of Parliament
• Future Parliaments of Fixed Duration 
• Guaranteed right of freedom or people to petition to Parliament (meaning free speech and say)
• Liberty of tender consciences (religious freedom)

All these influenced what was to be in the Heads of Proposals