Experience

• Continuity in recruitment 1500-1700

  Until 1645 - Tudor system used (based on statute of Winchester)

  • men 16-60 had to serve
  • men provided own weapons - general inspections every few years
  • kings appointed lord lieutenants to command each county's militia
  • trained bands - 1573 - met monthly for training by muster masters
• New model army


  1645 - parliament raided a national volunteer army with regular pay and allowed soldiers to be promoted to command positions
• Cavalry in the new model army

  6600 raised from existing forces

  • paid 24 pence per day - had to provide for themselves
  • instrumental in victory - charged and finished an attack - disciplined forces
  • 1000 dragoons raised from existing forces
• infantry in the new model army

  14400 infantry men raised

  • half pressed (forced) half existing forces
  • received 8 pence a day (same rate as a labourer)
  • high desertion rates
• Changes in training

  New weapons and tactics required discipline and training

  • muskets complied to fire
  • had to work with pikemen
• Impact of warfare on civilians 1500-1700

  before the civil war

  • merchant ships requisitioned for the navy for transport of supplies
  • requisitioning disrupted businesses and lead to shortages - reduced trade and reduced income
  • taxes increased
  • damage to civilian property - limited to areas of fighting

  civil wars

  • requisitioning continued
  • plunder was common due to lack of pay
  • free quarter - forced communities to feed and house troops
  • taxes from areas the army controlled were high
  • sieges caused great damage and homelessness
  • crops could be ruined