After the uncertainties of 1642-43 and the Royalist advances of 1643, the war entered a crucial phase during 1644-45. The Parliamentarians won an outstanding victory at Marston Moor in July 1644 which gave them control of the north of England. However, the Royalists continued to enjoy spectacular successes, especially in Scotland where Montrose enjoyed his 'year of miracles'. The second Battle of Newbury was inconclusive and the Parliamentary commanders seemed strangely unwilling to capitalise on their victories. Parliament experienced major splits and divisions during 1644. Puritan Independents such as Cromwell and Ireton favoured vigorous prosecution of the war and a religious settlement based on liberty of conscience. The moderate Presbyterian 'old guard' favoured a negotiated end to hostilities and a restoration of their prestige and influence. By late 1644, the Independents had gained the upper hand, pushing through the Self-Denying Ordinance which severed the link between peers and MPs and military command (Cromwell was exempt) and, in early 1645, they followed this up by forming the New Model Army. The conduct of the war during 1645 decisively influenced the long-term political settlement, and the news was universally disastrous for Royalism. Crushed at Naseby, vanquished at Bristol and slaughtered at Philiphaugh, by the end of the year, Royalism was dead as a military force. After the destruction of his armies, Charles relied on his personality and tactics to gain advantage but he was no more gifted in this field than on the field of battle. After his deal with the Irish Confederates backfired disastrously, he surrendered to the Scottish Covenanters in May 1646 and brought the First Civil War to an end. However, as he haggled and negotiated with his hosts, violence erupted in Ireland once more.