Civil War revival Although long obsolete by the 17th century, the system was revived by King Charles I in 1642 at the start of the Civil War, in an unconstitutional manner, that is to say without Parliament having been consulted, in order to counteract the equally unconstitutional Militia Ordinance enacted by Parliament in 1642 without the usual Royal Assent. Both decrees were issued in order to attempt to gain control of existing militia forces and to raise further troops. The Commission of Array issued by the king thus sought to muster a Royalist army at the onset of the English Civil War. Commissioners were appointed for each county, generally from leading members of the local aristocracy and gentry who might be assumed to wield great influence over their feudal tenants and the population in general. The commissioners proceeded to the major population centres and read out in public gatherings the text of their commission. Frequently such innovative royal decrees, uncertain in precedent and purpose, were met with open hostility on the part of the local inhabitants who suspected them as being instruments designed for general suppression of the people. Opponents of the king, whilst playing down the role of the Militia Ordinance in augmenting civil strife, portrayed the Commission of Array as being a sign that it was the king and not Parliament who was the real aggressor in the developing conflict. Devon 28 Commissioners of Array were appointed in Devon on 19 July 1642, including: Henry Bourchier, 5th Earl of Bath Edward Chichester, 1st Viscount Chichester George Southcote of Buckland Tout Saints, appointed but apparently never acted as he was appointed Sheriff of Devon during the Commonwealth, father of Thomas Southcote (c. 1622–1664), of Buckland Tout Saints, MP. Sir John Acland, 1st Baronet (c. 1591–1647) See also Posse comitatus References Bibliography 1828 Webster's Dictionary English Civil War Military history of the United Kingdom Military command staff occupations