Book Chapter

The Political Wars, 1646–48 Part II: From the Occupation of London to the Second Civil War

Gentles, Ian

2022

Overview

This chapter investigates how the crowd's assault on Parliament vindicated the agitators' repeated call for a march on London. It recounts the bloodless occupation of London, helped by the cooperation of the Southwark trained bands (militia). The chapter then shifts to show the fiery spirits in the army which were crying for vengeance against its political enemies. What incensed them was the eleven impeached members, most still sitting in the House, and manipulating Commons business against the agenda of the army. The chapter reveals how the agitators, boiling with indignation, insisted that the army expel all MPs who had continued to sit. Having brought the Commons to heel, the chapter turns its attention to the City of London. The royalist mayor and three high-ranking aldermen were charged with high treason and thrown in the Tower. Most dramatic of all was the destruction of the lines of communication. The chapter explicates the disbandment of January and February 1648 to safeguard the military effectiveness and restore the political unity of the New Model Army. It then reviews the reasons for restructuring the army.

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Subject: agitators / Commons / London / military effectiveness / Military History / New Model Army / occupation / Parliament / political unity
• ISBN: 9780300226836, 0300226837