Thomas Fairfax

Full Name: Thomas Fairfax, 3rd Lord Fairfax of Cameron
Profession: General

Nationality:

Biography: Thomas Fairfax played a significant role in the English Civil War. He is best known for leading the Parliamentary forces to victory at the Battle of Naseby in 1645.

Fairfax was born in 1612 in Yorkshire, the eldest son of Ferdinando Fairfax, 2nd Lord Fairfax of Cameron. He studied at St John's College, Cambridge, and Gray's Inn before gaining early military experience in the Netherlands and the First Bishops' War.

During the English Civil War, Fairfax was appointed lieutenant-general of the horse under his father and distinguished himself in the Yorkshire campaigns. He became Lord General of the New Model Army and led Parliament to victory at the Battle of Naseby, despite being severely wounded at the Battle of Marston Moor the previous year.

Although initially supporting Parliament against King Charles I, Fairfax grew dissatisfied with Oliver Cromwell's radical policies. He refused to participate in the king's trial and resigned as Commander-in-chief in 1650.

During the Interregnum, Fairfax was elected MP for West Riding in the First Protectorate Parliament and lived in retirement at Nunappleton, where he was the subject of Andrew Marvell's poem "Upon Appleton House." He later assisted George Monck against John Lambert's army, playing a crucial role in the Restoration of the monarchy.

Fairfax spent his final years in Yorkshire and died in 1671 at Nun Appleton Priory. He was buried at St James' Church, Bilbrough.

Born: January 17, 1612
Birthplace: Denton Hall, Yorkshire, England
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: November 12, 1671 (aged 59)