History - Cromwell's soldiers?

Question

What were they called? I alwas thought they were roundheads - someone on t.v just called them ironsides - I asked my son - who read history at uni but he says he has only ever heard of them being called roundheads or cromwellian forces etc now I am wondering if we are both wrong?

thanks Xamanator

thanks Xamanator

thanks CLIVE H

In fact thanks to all I am overwhelmed with info bless you all.

carolus tahnks for your input I think I know where you were coming from but that concept not what I was on about - just a general answer would have sufficed but appreciate interest shown.
Dot

Answer 1

The Ironsides were Cromwell's original cavalry detachment, raised in 1642, not the New Model Army of 1645.

Answer 2

Roundheads, derisive name for the supporters of Parliament during the English civil war. The name, which originated c.1641, referred to the short haircuts worn by some of the Puritans in contrast to the fashionable long-haired wigs worn by many of the supporters of King Charles I, who were called Cavaliers.

Cromwell's Ironsides

At the first outbreak of war Cromwell joined the Parliamentarian army as a Cavalry officer, forming his own troop of horse. At the Battle of Edgehill Cromwell was able to see the Royalist cavalry of Prince Rupert in action. Rupert's cavalry were impressive and Cromwell realised that such a force would be needed if Parliament were to compete. By early 1643 Cromwell's troop had become a regiment. Re-trained and re-equipped they soon acquired the name "Cromwell's Ironsides", after Cromwell's own nickname of "Old Ironsides". Although the phrase "Ironside" suggests heavily armoured men, Cromwell's troops were equipped in the common style of the day, with armour limited to back- and breastplate and "pot" helmet.

So I would say your both right in a way, Roundhead relating to any soldier in the Parliamentarian army and Ironside specifically to Cromwell's regiment of horse.

Answer 3

The 'Ironsides' were heavy cavalry and wore more armour than was usual including metal plates on the upper legs then thus their name.The roundheads got their name from their hairstyles which were adopted by the trained bands of London (militia of the day)who were mainly recruited from apprentices in the city who had their hair cut in a particular fasion to show their status,it was a kind of fashion thing among them.

Answer 4

The soldiers of Oliver Cromwell's "New Model Army" were called Roundheads by the Cavaliers [soldiers of the King's Army] a form of mild insult and reference to the fact that many of them shaved their heads.

The name Ironside's refers to the body armour [armor] worn by soldiers of the New Model Army [Parliament].

English Civil War - Royalist or Parliamentarian?
Information about Royalist cavaliers and Parliamentarian roundheads ... Roundheads. Parliamentarians were nicknamed 'roundheads' because they cut their hair very ...
http://www.historyonthenet.com/Civil_War/royalist_or_parliament.htm

The New Model Army
... army with no regional affiliations and the idea was taken up by Oliver Cromwell ... Cromwell's military alliance with France, contingents of the New Model Army ...
http://www.british-civil-wars.co.uk/glossary/new-model-army.htm

::The New Model Army::
The New Model Army was created in February 1645 by Parliament as it felt that a ... in-chief was General Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell was put in charge of the cavalry. ...
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/new_model_army.htm

New Model Army: Information from Answers.com
Under Baron Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, the New Model Army won the Battle of ... Oliver Cromwell, the Protectorate died a slow death, and the New Model army died ...
http://www.answers.com/topic/new-model-army

New Model Army (England)
The New Model Army was the brainchild of Oliver Cromwell, who saw the need for a ... some respects the New Model Army was based on Cromwell's Ironsides, and it's ...
http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_newmodel.html

Answer 5

"Cromwell's soldiers became known as the Ironsides because of the way they cut through the Cavaliers on the battlefield."

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/STUcromwellO.htm

Answer 6

who wrote that history and what about the concept of the historian at society?

Answer 7

First answer short and sweet!

Answer 8

1st answer is correct, and you may find this link interesting too.

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/STUcromwellO.htm