Colonel John Gifford’s Regiment of Foot

Regiment of foot initially serving in Ireland under Inchiquin and Ormond, then declaring for Parliament in 1649

• November: Battle of Knocknanuss

• August: Battle of Rathmines
• October: At Cork, Gifford leads revolt of Munster forces in favour of Cromwell

• A Lt Col William Wetton brings 590 recruits for Monck's regiment from England
• January: Taking of Deeps Castle
• May: George Monck mentioned as Colonel
• Likely disbanded, perhaps drafted into Colonel Reeves’ Regiment

Gifford served as a captain or major in Inchiquin’s army in 1646 and by 1647 was in command of a regiment of foot, fighting at Knocknanuss. Following Inchiquin, the regiment fought on the Royalist side at Rathmines. They then retired to Cork where in the autumn of 1647 Gifford was one of the leaders of a revolt that resulted in them declaring for Parliament. In January 1650 they were reducing various strongholds in Munster. By the May George Monck was noted as Colonel but this appears either temporary or entirely nominal, as the regiment was soon disbanded. They may have joined Colonel Reeves’ Regiment.

Not to be confused with Sir John Gifford, often called Jefford.