Thomas Fairfax, 3rd Lord Fairfax of Cameron (17 January 1612 – 12 November 1671) was a general and
Parliamentary commander-in-chief during the
English Civil War. An adept and talented commander, Fairfax led Parliament to many victories, notably the crucial
battle of Naseby, becoming effectively military ruler of the new
republic, but was eventually overshadowed by his subordinate
Oliver Cromwell, who was more politically adept and radical in action against
Charles I. Fairfax became unhappy with Cromwell's policy and publicly refused to take part in Charles's show trial. Eventually he resigned leaving Cromwell to control the republic. Because of this, and also his honourable battlefield conduct and his active role in the
Restoration of the monarchy after Cromwell's death, he was exempted from the retribution exacted on many other leaders of the revolution. His dark hair and eyes and a swarthy complexion earned him the nickname "Black Tom".