Battles & Campaigns · 1642
Battle of Brentford
Brentford, west London, England, UK
What happened
In early morning mist, Rupert's horsemen and dragoons attacked the Parliamentarian soldiers holding Brentford. After Welsh infantry joined them, the Royalists pushed into the town and fought into the afternoon. John Hampden's brigade covered the retreat of the survivors. The victorious Royalists then sacked the town.
Why it matters
The Royalists won and captured guns, flags and about 500 prisoners. But the attack on Brentford alarmed Londoners and pushed some of them to support Parliament.
What came next
The next day Parliament's much larger army blocked the King's road to London at Turnham Green.
Did you know?
John Lilburne was the first well-known Parliamentarian captured in the war and was later exchanged for a Royalist officer.
Timeline
- 23 Oct 1642Battle of Edgehill.
- 12 Nov 1642Battle of Brentford.
- 13 Nov 1642Stand-off at Turnham Green.