Home › F › Fairfax (THOMAS LORD a British military)

Fairfax (THOMAS LORD a British military)

THOMAS, LORD, a British military officer; born in Denton, England, Jan. 17, 1611. He was the eldest son of Ferdinand, Lord Fairfax. On the first breaking out of the civil discontents, following the example of his father, Fairfax embraced the popular side, and ranged himself as one of the firmest opponents of the royal party in Church and state. On the commencement of hostilities, he was commissioned by the Parliament to act as general of the horse under his father, who was made commander in the north. After the passing of the "Self-denying ordinance," Fairfax was appointed general, conjointly with Cromwell. He and Skipton commanded the main body of the Parliamentary army at the battle of Naseby; after which he marched with a powerful division to the W. counties; and, having reduced Exeter and other important towns, proceeded to lay siege to Oxford. His conduct on all occasions FAIRFAX was marked by the highest sense of honor and humanity. During the Com- monwealth Cromwell treated him with contempt. After Cromwell's death, when it became evident that the restoration of the monarchy was the general wish, he came forward to co-operate in bringing about that event. It was through his influence mainly that the Irish brigade forsook Lambert and joined Monk's army. Fairfax then seized York on the royal ing Parliament; and was nominated head of the committee appointed to wait upon Charles II. at The Hague and invite him to the throne of England. On the Restoration he withdrew altogether from active life. He wrote "Short from active life.

He wrote "Short Memorials" of his life, etc. He died near York, England, Nov. 12, 1671.