royalists

• strengths - king


  lead by the recognised lawful leader, king charles
• strengths - aristocracy


  support from aristocracy and higher gentry who had financial reserves and military experience
• strengths - London


  clear objective focusing on taking london
• strengths - aid from abroad


  Charles' nephews prince Rubert and Maurice helped militarily
• weaknesses - poor areas

  royalist controlled areas tended to be poorer
• weaknesses - clubmen 


  Clubmen who tried to defend their localities against excesses of both armies particularly hampered Royalist forces who were seen as more exploitative of local communities in comparison to the disciplined New Model Army   
• weaknesses - legality 


  Some felt that royalists lacked legal weight to make others join their forces (Commissions of Array of dubious legality) 
• weaknesses - administration


  the Royalist Council of War at Oxford was initially an effective organisation however there was limited authority as royalist commanders in north and west were basically independent & a separate council at Bristol. 
• weaknesses - indecisiveness


  Charles and Royalists proved indecisive on following their initial promising start to the war, poor strategy and did not take advantage of Charles' generals experience and support from the aristocracy. 
• weaknesses - generals 


  Charles used local, influential men as the areas lieutenant generals (hoped that they would gain local support) – lack of military experience and commitment. Charles' appointment of his nephews helped him with the military however caused more division between the royalist councils.
• weaknesses - division 


  lack of leadership from Charles and failure to recognise the best advice. Opposing views of Henrietta Maria and Edward Hyde (Charles' main advisor) – Hyde advised for a settlement with Parliament whereas Henrietta Maria advised a continued war until they achieved total victory. Charles was always inclined to listen to his wife, even when she was in exile. Prince Rupert also opposed a settlement. 
• weaknesses - Charles as military leader 


  Charles made himself leader-in-chief but was a poor leader and did not listen or follow the best advice from his war council. 
• weaknesses - Charles and catholics

  September 1643 Charles orders ceasefire with Confederates and transports 22,000 Irish troops to England to fight for him and even though they may not have been Catholics, opposition to Charles and some supporters did not approve. 1117/603 Catholics for Charles.
• weaknesses - foreign aid reliance

  use of Rupert and Maurice, Charles negotiated with the French and the Pope (good for parliamentary propaganda).