History of Fairfax

Sir Thomas Fairfax was a moderniser in the 17th Century. He was widely known for his fairness and strong principles and remained resolute in the face of adversity and political unrest. At Fairfax we pride ourselves in providing exceptional quality and service and never compromising on our principles; integrity, reliability and fairness.

Born on 17th January 1612 at Denton in Yorkshire, Fairfax was educated at the University of Cambridge. From a young age, he had a sophisticated interest in Roman antiquities as well as horticulture, particularly cultivating roses. However, he also gained much military experience at an early age. At the age of 17, he went abroad to fight on behalf of the Dutch against the Spanish as part of the English Brigade under Sir Horace Vere. He supported Sir Horace for a number of years and as a result of his developing skills as a soldier, he was knighted for his support in 1640 (28 years old).

At the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, he was appointed Commander of the Parliamentarian Horse in Yorkshire.  From this appointment, he saw considerable action, involved in a range of skirmishes and battles including Wakefield, Adwalton Moor, Winceby and the fighting retreat to Hull in 1643. Already, he was being hailed as a hero by the London press. In 1644 he led the attack on Selby and at Marston Moor was in command of the right wing of the Parliamentary army. Few of his officers were unwounded as he broke through the Royalist lines. He was widely admired on both sides: a strict disciplinarian who won the trust of his soldiers through his fair dealing and personal courage and a general not afraid of fighting against the odds. Fairfax was a soldier rather than politician. As the best available officer, he was thus appointed as the first Commander in Chief of the New Model Army in 1645. He appointed Oliver Cromwell as his Lieutenant-General of Horse. Fairfax immediately set about organising its formation and training as England’s first professional army, uniting the earlier regional armies which had difficulties operating outside their own areas and with rivalries between the different command structures. He put his principles into practice with his own regiment - the First Regiment of Foot or 'General's Regiment' and refused to give it to any privileges connected with his command. This re-organisation of the army revitalised the Parliamentary cause and brought ultimate victory in the war, with the decisive victories in 1645 at Naseby and Langport.

Despite his decisive military role, Fairfax was a moderate in his political and religious views. He refused to condemn Charles I to death and resigned his commission in 1650 rather than lead an invasion of Scotland, his former allies. It was at this point that Oliver Cromwell was appointed as Commander in Chief of the New Model Army. Fairfax did, however, return to active service to mobilise the Yorkshire Militia in 1651 when the Scots invaded England.

Fairfax retired from public life and supported the restoration of Charles II in 1660. He died in 1671