| Westminster Trained Bands | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1572–1662 |
| Country |  England |
| Branch |  Trained Bands |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | 1–2 Regiments + 1 Troop of Horse |
| Part of | Middlesex Trained Bands |
| Garrison/HQ | Westminster |
| Engagements | Siege of Basing House Battle of Alton Battle of Cropredy Bridge Second Battle of Newbury |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Sir James Harington, 3rd Baronet |
The Westminster Trained Bands were a part-time military force established in 1572, recruited from residents of the City of Westminster. As part of the larger London Trained Bands, they were periodically embodied for home defence, such as during the 1588 Spanish Armada campaign. Although service was technically restricted to London, the Trained Bands formed a major portion of the Parliamentarian army in the early years of the First English Civil War. After the New Model Army was established in April 1645, they returned to their primary function of providing security for the palaces of Westminster and Whitehall. Following the 1660 Stuart Restoration, the City of London Militia Act 1662 brought them under the direct control of the Crown, with the Trained Bands becoming part of the British Army.