The Lord Fairfax of Cameron | |
|---|---|
_by_Robert_Walker_and_studio.jpg) Thomas Fairfax by Robert Walker, painted between 1649 and 1658 | |
| Nickname(s) | Black Tom Rider of the White Horse |
| Born | 17 January 1612 Denton Hall, Denton, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 12 November 1671 (aged 59) Nun Appleton, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Buried | St James' Church, Bilbrough, Yorkshire |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of England Parliament of England |
| Service | English Army Parliamentarian army |
| Rank | Lord General |
| Battles / wars | |
| Signature |  |
Thomas Fairfax, 3rd Lord Fairfax of Cameron (17 January 1612 – 12 November 1671)[1] was an English politician, military officer and peer who fought in the English Civil War. An adept and talented commander, Fairfax led the Parliamentarians to several victories, including at the crucial Battle of Naseby, effectively becoming military ruler of England, though he was eventually eclipsed by his subordinate Oliver Cromwell, who was more politically adept and radical in his actions against Charles I of England.
Fairfax became dissatisfied with Cromwell's policies and publicly refused to take part in the trial of Charles I. Eventually he resigned, leaving Cromwell to control the country. Because of this, as well as his honourable battlefield conduct and active role in the 1660 Stuart Restoration after Cromwell's death in 1659, Fairfax was exempted from the retribution that was exacted on many other leaders of the revolution.
- ^ Plant 2005, Sir Thomas, Lord Fairfax 1612–1671.