Battles & Campaigns · 1642
Battle of Edgehill
Edge Hill, near Kineton, Warwickshire, England, UK
What happened
The Royalists came down from Edge Hill to fight near Kineton. After an artillery exchange, the Royalist cavalry charged. Both armies were mostly inexperienced, and many men fled or left to raid the enemy's baggage, so by nightfall neither side had won.
Why it matters
It was the first major battle of the English Civil War. Because neither side won quickly, the war went on for four years.
What came next
The King captured Banbury and marched on London, but was turned back at Turnham Green and made Oxford his capital.
Did you know?
Before the battle, Sir Jacob Astley prayed: 'O Lord, Thou knowest how busy I must be this day…'
Timeline
- 23 Sep 1642Battle of Powick Bridge.
- 23 Oct 1642Battle of Edgehill.
- 27 Oct 1642Royalists capture Banbury.
- 13 Nov 1642Stand-off at Turnham Green.