Regulating Religion and Morality in the King’s Armies 1639-1646

This book documents the commitment of the commanders of Charles I’s armies to religious observance and moral discipline. Through a close textual analysis of printed military regulations, royal proclamations, and injunctions, a long tradition of British military regulation is outlined and developmental patterns of influence in the orders are traced. In these sources, swearing, drunkenness, fornication, and duelling, as well as attendance at prayers and sermons were perennial concerns and it may be necessary to re-examine the stereotypical image of the Cavalier. The official foundation of the British Army Chaplains’ Corps is finally identified and shown to belong in the Royalist army. Many details about attitudes to and the status of women in the King’s armies are provided.