New Model Army Sign Solemn Engagement

 

On the windswept common of Kentford Heath on the outskirts of Newmarket, representatives from the regiments of the New Model Army gathered on this summer day where they made a formal resolution not to disband until all the Army's grievances had been redressed. The reasons and events leading to the signing of the Solemn Declaration in the interval between the Civil Wars shed light on a particularly character-building period for the Army (although not in the military sense) both internally, under the lengthening shadow of Leveller influence, and in its relations with Parliament. General Fairfax used the opportunity at Kentford Heath to reassert his control, unifying the aims of officers and rank once more and averting the risk of further mutiny.