2.1.3
Recruitment & Training
Recruitment & Training c.1500-1700
Recruitment & Training c.1500-1700
Most of the Early Modern period saw England at war, meaning recruitment needs were far greater. More advanced weapons and tactics of the period demanded stronger training.
Recruitment and training
Recruitment and training
- Most of the Early Modern period saw England at war, either overseas with the Tudors or, during Charles I’s reign, at home in a Civil War.
- As a result, recruitment needs were far greater.
- Additionally, the more advanced weapons and tactics of the period demanded stronger training.
How did recruitment stay the same?
How did recruitment stay the same?
- Commissioners of Array assisted in the recruitment/muster of locals.
- Recruits’ pay and weapons were paid for out of local taxation.
- 1573 - Local militias (often called Trained Bands) trained together to provide local defence.
- 1580s - Muster masters (professional soldiers) began to run the training, but it was still largely a continuation from the training seen locally in the medieval period.
How did recruitment change?
How did recruitment change?
- The Civil War created a demand for swift and efficient recruitment.
- Conscription (forcing men to fight) was introduced by Parliament in 1643 and the Royalists in 1644.
- Conscription did increase numbers of recruits, but training was poor and desertion was common.
- Pamphlets increasingly used as propaganda to encourage recruitment.
The New Model Army
The New Model Army
- Parliament reorganised their army in 1645.
- Developed by Oliver Cromwell but led by Thomas Fairfax.
- Shift towards a professional, national and standing (exists in peacetime) army.
The New Model Army cont.
The New Model Army cont.
- 1645 Self Denying Ordinance - removed incompetent leaders.
- Emphasised the importance of drill training and discipline.
- Highly effective, defeating the King’s men at the 1645 Battle of Naseby.
- Grew to a size of 22,000 men, funded by national taxes.
- Disbanded in 1660 as Charles II restored the monarchy, but replaced by a small, permanent English army.
1Medieval Warfare c.1250-1500
2Early Modern Warfare c.1500-1700
3Industrial Warfare c.1700-1900
4Modern Warfare c.1900-present
5The Historic Environment
5.1London & the Second World War, 1939-45
Jump to other topics
1Medieval Warfare c.1250-1500
2Early Modern Warfare c.1500-1700
3Industrial Warfare c.1700-1900
4Modern Warfare c.1900-present
5The Historic Environment
5.1London & the Second World War, 1939-45
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