Notes on the English Civil War - 1642-1644

Battle of Edge Hill (October 1642)

• King Charles had a good chance to win outright after the battle but failed to capitalize on it.
• By November, the Parliamentary Army recaptured London under Essex, while Charles established his court in Oxford.
• Both sides realized there would be no swift end to the Civil War.

Aftermath of Edge Hill

• Sir Edward Sydenham wrote about the death of Ralph Verney's father, emphasizing personal losses despite military victories.
• The economic and demographic advantage lay with Parliament:
  • London as the center of trade and finance.
  • Parliamentary control over major ports and the Navy.
  • Royalists supported by poorer regions.

Winter of 1642-43

• Both sides had a relatively inactive winter, consolidating positions.
• Harsh winter conditions made movement difficult.
• Small skirmishes occurred as both sides prepared for the 1643 campaign;
  • Attacks on garrisons and ambushes were common.

Strategic Positions

• Royalists held Northumberland, Durham, and parts of Wales.
• Parliament had control over East Anglia and began to extend influence into the West Country.
• Jockeying continued in Thames Valley and Midlands.

Royalist Strategy for 1643

• Aim to defeat Parliamentary armies in the North, Midlands, and South-West, then move on London.
• King needed more territory to support a longer war.
• Despite having initiative, the royalists suffered shortages in arms and ammunition.

Key Events in 1643

• February: Queen Henrietta traveled to Holland for arms; Prince Rupert advanced into the Midlands.
• April: Rupert captured Lichfield but lost Reading to Earl of Essex.
• April 27: Reading surrendered, leading to a stalemate.
• Essex's army was afflicted by a typhus epidemic, leading to a need for a decisive battle.

Battle of Lansdowne Hill (July 5, 1643)

• Royalists, led by Sir Ralph Hopton, faced the Parliamentarians.
• Both Hopton and Waller expressed their long-standing friendship in letters, highlighting the tragedy of war.
• Royalists won at Lansdowne but could not capitalize on the victory.

Storming of Bristol (July 26, 1643)

• The Royalists, after their victory in the West, captured Bristol, a major port and arms manufacturer.
• Bristol's capture significantly bolstered the Royalist cause despite high casualties.

Siege of Gloucester (Summer 1643)

• King Charles aimed to capture Gloucester to control the Seven Valley.
• The siege was prolonged, and the Governor, Colonel Massey, successfully defended the town.
• Essex's relief force appeared just in time to lift the siege on September 4.

Battle of Newbury (September 20, 1643)

• Indecisive battle; both sides suffered heavy losses.
• Royalists held a good position but were low on ammunition.
• Charles decided to retreat, leading to missed opportunities for the royalists.

Northern Campaign (1643)

• The Royalists faced challenges from Parliament's forces under the command of Fairfax and Goring.
• Key battles included Seacroft Moore and Wakefield.
• The Battle of Adwalton Moor (June 1643) resulted in a major Royalist victory.
• Newcastle's Siege of Hull was a costly mistake.

Political Developments - December 1643

• John Pym, a key leader for Parliament, died, causing a significant loss.
• His efforts had paved the way for an alliance with the Scots.
• The Solemn League and Covenant committed Scots to support Parliament, dramatically changing the war's dynamics.

Scottish Involvement (1644)

• The Scots were better trained and had experience from the Thirty Years War.
• Their advance into Northern England put pressure on the Royalist forces.
• Newcastle's decision to lay siege to Hull instead of joining forces with the King was a strategic error.

Overall Summary

• By the end of 1643, the Royalists controlled much of England and Wales.
• Parliament faced internal divisions and dwindling morale.
• The war continued to take a severe toll on the country, with significant losses on both sides.