ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the role of Philip Skippon as a military commander during the British Civil Wars, in his capacity as Sergeant-Major-General of the London Trained Bands, the earl of Essex’s parliamentary army and the New Model Army. This chapter elucidates his personal contribution to the military encounters in which he participated. These include the stand-off at Turnham Green, the sieges of Reading, Grafton House, Boarstall House and Oxford, the first and second battles of Newbury, and the battles of Lostwithiel and Naseby. This chapter considers the impact that the availability of resources had on the strategic and tactical choices available to him, with particular attention given to the availability of the London Trained Bands as an additional source of men to augment Essex’s army. It supports the argument that whilst the Trained Bands had their shortcomings, the discipline obtained by their officers in the Artillery Company prior to the Civil Wars enabled them to implement complex manoeuvres, which made them a valuable asset in set-piece battles. Moreover, this chapter assesses how far Skippon’s strategy and tactics were influenced by his earlier experiences of fighting in Continental armies and questions how far he applied or adapted European practices.
