Eastern Association facts for kids

The Eastern Association of counties was a special group of counties in England. It was created by the Parliament (the government group fighting the King) at the start of the First English Civil War. Its main job was to pay for and support an army. This army became a very important part of Parliament's fighting force until early 1645. At that time, many of its soldiers joined the New Model Army, which was a new, professional army.

How the Eastern Association Started

To make their army stronger, Parliament decided to group together the local armies, called militias. On December 20, 1642, the militias from Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire formed the "Eastern Association." Later, Huntingdonshire and Lincolnshire also joined this group.

The first general chosen to lead the Association's army was William Grey, 1st Baron Grey of Werke. One of the first groups to join was a "troop of horse" (cavalry) led by Captain Oliver Cromwell.

The counties in the Eastern Association were some of the richest farming areas in England. This meant the Association's army had plenty of money and good equipment. They were among the best-funded troops on either side during the early part of the war. During the winter of 1642–43, they helped Parliament take control of East Anglia. The main committee of the Eastern Association met in Cambridge throughout 1643 and 1644.

Growing Stronger and Fighting Battles

In August 1643, Lord Manchester took over as the commander, replacing Lord Grey. Oliver Cromwell was made Lieutenant General of the Horse (meaning he led the cavalry). These two leaders sometimes disagreed, especially about Cromwell's choices for officers. Manchester once wrote that Cromwell picked officers who were "common men, poor and of mean parentage," just because they were "godly, precious men." Later in 1643, Lawrence Crawford became Sergeant-Major General of the Foot (leading the infantry). He also often argued with Cromwell.

For much of 1643, the Association's army fought against the King's forces in the north. Their goal was to secure Lincolnshire for Parliament. They won important battles at Gainsborough and Winceby.

In May 1644, the Association's army surrounded Lincoln, which was the last place the King's army held in Lincolnshire. After they captured Lincoln, the Association's army was free to join other Parliamentarian forces. They joined the army led by Lord Fairfax and the Scottish Covenanters led by the Earl of Leven. Together, they surrounded the city of York.

On July 1, Prince Rupert of the Rhine, a famous Royalist commander, managed to get past the Parliamentarian armies and reach York. However, the next day, Rupert decided to fight them, even though his army was smaller. This led to the Battle of Marston Moor. During the battle, Lord Fairfax's army and half of the Scottish army ran away. But Manchester's infantry and especially the Eastern Association cavalry, led by Cromwell, stayed strong. Cromwell's cavalry, with help from Scottish soldiers, first defeated the Royalist cavalry on their side. Then, showing great discipline, they regrouped and attacked the Royalist cavalry on the other side, driving them off the field. The siege of York started again, and the city fell to Parliament on July 16.

Later in 1644, the Eastern Association forces moved to southern England. Other Parliamentarian armies there, led by the Earl of Essex and Sir William Waller, had faced difficulties. After the Second battle of Newbury, which ended without a clear winner, Cromwell strongly criticized Manchester. He felt Manchester had not led with enough effort.

The End of the Association's Army

The Eastern Association army had been doing a lot of the fighting in the war. By November 19, 1644, the Association announced that they could no longer afford to keep their army going. This led Parliament to create the New Model Army. Four cavalry and four infantry regiments from the Eastern Association army joined the New Model Army. These units became the example for how most of the other new units were formed. At the same time, the criticism of the Earls of Manchester and Essex led to the Self-denying Ordinance. This rule meant that professional soldiers, not noblemen, would command the New Model Army.

Key Military Leaders

• Major-General: Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester
• Lieutenant-General of Horse (Cavalry): Oliver Cromwell
• Sergeant Major-General of Foot (Infantry): Lawrence Crawford
• Commissary-General: Bartholomew Vermuyden
• Quartermaster-General: Henry Ireton
• Lieutenant-Colonel of Dragoons: John Lilburne