London militia

During the winter and spring of 1646-7 parliament had moved in a Presbyterian direction. On 17 January 1647 the City was empowered, following the petition of December 1646, to raise a troop of horse in April and May control of the London militia was given to the City and the City s purge of Independent members of the militia committee was conlirmed by parliament. 

Conscription by impressment to the military forces, administered by the London Militia Committee and by deputy lieutenants and committees in the counties, targeted the poor. Exempt were men (and sons of men) rated at in goods or, 3 in lands, clergymen, scholars, students at law or at the universities, esquires sons, MPs and peers and tax officials. Mariners, watermen and fishermen were exempt for reasons of state economy. 

That the militia of London may be returned to the custody and disposing of those persons of whose faithfulness and wisdom in managing thereof you have had great experience and that none may be put out of command in the trained bands or auxiliaries who have been and are of known good affection to the commonwealth. 

---