A Sword for Christ: The Republican Era in Great Britain and Ireland

by Jonathan Cobb

The 15-year period between 1645 and 1660 was one of the most dynamic in British history, during which the republican Commonwealth and Cromwellian Protectorate attempted to create a new type of 'Godly' state after the execution of Charles I.

Drawing on the latest research and established sources, as well as the works and diaries of contemporaries such as John Evelyn, John Milton and Samuel Pepys, A Sword for Christ offers a new and stimulating perspective on these extraordinary years. Key figures such as Sir Thomas Fairfax, Charles II and, of course, Oliver Cromwell himself – one of the most contentious figures in history – are re-appraised and brought vividly to life.

In addition to exploring the religious and political debates which shaped the era and the military engagements which defined it, it also considers how society was profoundly shaped by the destruction caused by the civil wars; the relations between what was essentially an English republic and its Irish and Scottish neighbours; and the ethos of the New Model Army and the navy.

Genres: History

416 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2021

Reviews

[Ivor Armistead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Cobb provides a well written, accessible, balanced and fascinating account of the English Civil War. The thoroughness of his account means that this is not a quick read, but Mr. Cobb’s wit and wisdom make if a very enjoyable one.

[Suzanne McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5. A first rate narrative history of the period. I have quibbles with some of the details, but this is a splendidly written account of these turbulent, confused, and confusing years. It makes for a tremendous complement to Anna Keay's outstanding 2022 book, Restless Republic. She gives a powerful impression of the 1650s via a series of beautifully-written vignettes of fascinating people. Cobb's terrific and more 'traditional' history of the whole period provides a wonderful framework within which to situate Keay's work.

As a side note, I have a particular interest in Sir Thomas Fairfax, and I deeply appreciate the picture of Fairfax that emerges from Cobb's work. Although he nowhere gives a narrative account or summary of Fairfax - like everyone else, he simply appears when he has a significant role in the unfolding events - Cobb works a quiet revolution through his overall portrayal of Fairfax. Rather than the cliched account of Fairfax as a strong commander who was a bit dim and out of his depth when it came to politics, which I have never found entirely convincing, Cobb's Fairfax is consistent throughout - in politics as in battle and sieges, he emerges as someone who seeks the most efficient way to achieve what he considers to be the primary objectives. He refuses to be sidelined by what he considers to be secondary matters, and he will not take actions that would jeopardize those primary objectives. I think this is absolutely spot on - and I wonder if it is because Cobb has been a military man himself that he is able to offer this (to me) much more convincing account of what made Fairfax tick during those crucial years.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patchy. Really interesting in places but got bogged down in detail throughout. I probably lacked a bit of the necessary background to make the most of it.