Trooper of Horse –
New model Army 1645

This well equipped cavalryman represents a trooper of Parliament’s New Modelled Army. The cavalry of this newly raised professional force being commanded by General of Horse Oliver Cromwell. They were trained and disciplined far more than their Royalist opponents and this ultimately led to their success in battle, so gaining them their nickname of ‘Iron sides’.

The trooper is equipped as ‘medium cavalry’, with breast and back and pot helmet worn over a sleeved buff coat. The armour is blackened to protect it from rust. A ‘bridle gauntlet’ protects his left hand. He is armed with sword, two pistols and a carbine and is perhaps better equipped than many of his opponents. The armour and equipment shown is based on examples surviving at Littlecote House. This is standard ‘harquebusier’s armour’ which was worn by both sides, this man is distinguished as a ‘Roundhead’ by the

‘orange tawny’ sash adopted by many Parliamentary forces.

Cromwell’s troopers gained a deserved reputation during the course of the war for their discipline and zeal in battle. It was this discipline that led to their superiority over the Royalist Horse, who, for all their dash, lacked the discipline to fight efficiently, so losing their advantage in several battles when, after a successful charge they failed to press their advantage and galloped off after their retreating enemy or looted their opponents’ camp or baggage train.