Battles & Campaigns · 1644
Battle of Cheriton
Cheriton, Hampshire, England, UK
What happened
Waller's army took Cheriton Wood at dawn, and Royalist attempts to win it back failed. A rash Royalist infantry attack was broken by Haselrig's cavalry, and later Royalist cavalry charges also failed. At nightfall the Royalists retreated to Basing House.
Why it matters
It ended Royalist hopes of retaking South East England and forced them onto the defensive. A Royalist adviser, Clarendon, thought it as disastrous as Marston Moor.
What came next
The Royalists won later victories at Cropredy Bridge and Lostwithiel, but never again attacked into southern England.
Did you know?
Haselrig's heavily armoured cavalry were nicknamed the 'London lobsters'.
Timeline
- 29 Mar 1644Battle of Cheriton.
- 29 Jun 1644Battle of Cropredy Bridge.
- 2 Jul 1644Battle of Marston Moor.
- 2 Sep 1644Parliament's infantry surrender at Lostwithiel.