Battles & Campaigns · 1644
Battle of Cropredy Bridge
Cropredy, near Banbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK
What happened
The two armies marched north on opposite banks of the River Cherwell. When the Royalist army became stretched out, Waller sent troops across Cropredy Bridge to cut off its rear. Royalist musketeers blocked them, and a Royalist counterattack drove them back across the river, capturing eleven guns.
Why it matters
Waller failed to capture the King. His army then fell apart through desertion and mutiny.
What came next
The King was free to march west, where Essex's army later surrendered at Lostwithiel.
Did you know?
The Fairport Convention music festival is held each year on the edge of Cropredy.
Timeline
- 29 Mar 1644Battle of Cheriton.
- 29 Jun 1644Battle of Cropredy Bridge.
- 2 Jul 1644Battle of Marston Moor.
- 2 Sep 1644Surrender at Lostwithiel.