The Civil War's of England witnessed many innovations not just in the field of weaponry technology but also in the way in which they and the men which used them were deployed. Prior to the wars in Britain Europe had been ravaged in a long and drawn out power struggle between papist and protestant principalities and kingdoms. This war known as the Thirty Years War which had been born out out of a world of religious and political change and had led to several different military styles and manuals being published.

     The three main battle styles to be developed over the 17th Century would become known as the Dutch style, the Swiss Style and The German style. During the English Civil War all three of these were put into practice by both sides.

     The Dutch style drew its inspiration from classical Greek and Roman military systems but adapted for the latest developments in weaponry and military theory. In practice it was a simpler system that made making and following commands easy for an inexperienced army. Because of this it was a very popular style adopted by both royalists and parliamentarians.

     The Swiss style was developed by Gustavus Adolphus in the 30 years war. This system proved very successful but after Gustavas death at the battle of Lutzen in 1632 it went into decline probably because it required a high percentage of experienced troops and and veteran officers. However Prince Rupert adopted this doctrine for the royalist armies several times, most notably at the battle of Edge Hill in 1642.

    The German style was based upon the model developed by the Imperialist commander Albrect Von Wallenstien in 1632 and involved the use of smaller units drawn up in three successive lines. This style was first developed to counter the Swiss model of battle and proved very popular with commanders thereafter.

     Put into practice the armies of both sides were often arranged in a universal model. For the infantry it would see the Pike holding the centre with musket company's making up the wings for each battle formation. dispersed through these foot units would be small field artillery pieces, and to there front often a forlorn hope of dragoons or musketeers. The Cavalry would make up the wings of the Army often with reserve detachments of lighter horse held in reserve. If any large pieces of artillery could be found these would be placed on any available high ground , often on the wings to archive the greatest arc of fire.

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