Eleven Members

Parliament's victory in the 1642 to 1646 First English Civil War intensified an internal political struggle over a settlement with Charles I.

[3] By 1647, Parliament was struggling with the economic cost of the war, a poor 1646 harvest, and plague, while it had to suspend wages for the New Model to raise cash for the Scots.

The Presbyterians had substantial support among the London Trained Bands, and by March 1647, they felt strong enough to order the New Model to Ireland.

Only those who agreed would receive their arrears, and when regimental representatives, or Agitators, demanded full payment for all in advance, Parliament disbanded it.

[4] The New Model refused to be disbanded; in early June, the Army Council presented peace terms to Charles, which he rejected.