Weaknesses of the Royalists

Weaknesses of the Royalists

1. Role of the King

   • Frequently ignored advice of experienced military leaders
     • Sided with Prince Rupert (23 yr old nephew) vs Earl of Lindsey (60 yr old wat vet)
       • Causing Lindsey to resign
       • Over cavalry attack
         • Rupert leads disorganised cavalry advance that fails
   • Did not resolve feud between Digby and Rupert, leading members of Council of War
     • So faction and rivalries undermined the common cause
     • Council of War ineffective
       • In fighting
       • Oxford
       • State of "paralysis"
   • Not a good man manager
   • 1644- Royalist Parliament gave assent on excise tax on 'everie pynt of aquavytie or strong watteris sold within the country'
   • Loose cannons such as General George Goring
     • Did not obey orders
       • Charles acted indecisively in dealing with them
       • More interested in plundering at the expense of victory
   • Poor war leader
     • Descent upon London directly after Edgehill October 1642 might have won war
       • Delay allows Earl of Essex to circle round Royalist army, reaching London before them
     • Decision to turn back after stand-off at Turnham Green despite advtange in size, equipment of army
   • Authority of the Commissions of Array were legally dubious- ancient constitution
     • Ineffective
       • Raised individual counties, draining them of support for Royalists
   • Failed to achieve politcal settlement whilst he had superior resources early on
     • Longer it went on, less advantaged
   • All 6 commanders were grandees
     • Based on social status

2. Lack of significant foreign assistance

   • Henrietta Maria sent to France for material support
     • Failed due to their involvement in 30 yrs war
       • Plus navy in Parliaments control
     • Had to pawn jewelery
   • 1 year truce 1643, Irish confederates
     • Disastrous military and propaganda results
       • Charles bolstered Parliamentarian cause, Parliament horrified of King's willingness to ally with Catholics
     • Employ mercenaries
     • Military alliance fails, so no alliances with anyone

3. Territory and resources

   • Troops infrequently paid deserted
   • JP's were relied on to squeeze more out of counties. Relies on them being energised for war effort
   • In areas of fighting
     • Inability to pay taxes
       • Morrill "financial thrombosis killed the Royalist cause" (clotting)
   • Clubmen movement
     • Favoured Parliamentarians as they looked like winning war
       • BC: Their activities were negative, neutralist and anti-war
     • Rural insurrectionaries wanted protection from plundering soldiers
     • Mostly from Royalist territory, dislocating Charles war effort
   • Controlled less wealthy territories
     • Did not control London
       • So no shipping
   • Relied on donations
     • if they collapse, campaign also collapses