‘The most Noble Ferdinand/ Lord Fairfax Generall of the/ Northern Countyes’, c.1645 (line engraving)

‘The most Noble Ferdinand/ Lord Fairfax Generall of the/ Northern Countyes’, 1645 (c). Engraving by R Sawyer, published 1820 (c), a copy of a plate from Josiah Ricraft's 'Survey of England's Champions, 1647'. Ferdinand Fairfax (1584-1648), 2nd Lord Fairfax of Cameron, was a politician and commander in the Parliamentary Army in Yorkshire during the First Civil War (1642-1646). He experienced mixed fortunes during the conflict, being driven from York and then defeated at Adwalton Moor (30 June 1643), but successfully resisting Royalist attacks on Hull (September-October 1643) and capturing Selby (April 1644). At Marston Moor (2 July 1644) he commanded the Parliamentary infantry but was driven from the field. He was subsequently made Governor of York and resigned his command following the passing of the Self-Denying Ordinance bill in April 1645.