Commander-in-Chief of the Forces

The Commander-in-Chief of the Forces, later Commander-in-Chief, British Army, or just the Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C), was the professional head of the English Army from 1660 to 1707 (the English Army, founded in 1660, was succeeded in 1707 by the new British Army, incorporating existing Scottish regiments) and of the British Army from 1707 until 1904.

In most instances, Commanders-in-Chief of the Forces were not cabinet members. Instead, the British Army was represented variously in government by the Paymaster of the Forces (Paymaster General), the Master-General of the Ordnance, the Secretary at War (who was not usually a member of the Cabinet) and the Secretary of State for War.

The office was replaced in 1904 with the creation of the Army Council and the appointment of Chief of the General Staff.

On 21st February 1660, the reconstituted Long Parliament resolved "that General George Monck be constituted and appointed Captain-General and Commander in Chief, under Parliament, of all the Land-Forces of England, Scotland and Ireland".

After Moncks's death, the post (which gave the holder significant military power) was abolished, until James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth successfully petitioned the King and was granted it in 1674. After Monmouth's execution the post was again not filled until 1690, when it was bestowed upon John Churchill, Earl of Marlborough, during the King's absence in Ireland; (it was likewise conferred on the Duke of Schomberg the following year during the King's absence in Flanders, Marlborough having fallen from favour).

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