Battles & Campaigns · 1644
Battle of Lostwithiel
Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England, UK
What happened
Essex's army of about 9,500 men was hemmed in around Lostwithiel in the Fowey valley by a larger Royalist force. The King took the high ground. Essex's cavalry broke out, Essex escaped by boat, and Philip Skippon surrendered the infantry on terms.
Why it matters
It was Parliament's greatest defeat of the First English Civil War. It secured South West England for the King until early 1646.
What came next
Together with the disappointment at Second Newbury, it led Parliament to create the New Model Army.
Did you know?
Charles marched west partly to protect his queen, who had just given birth to a princess in Exeter.
Timeline
- 29 Jun 1644Battle of Cropredy Bridge.
- 21 Aug 1644The King attacks at Lostwithiel.
- 2 Sep 1644Parliament's infantry surrender.
- 27 Oct 1644Second Battle of Newbury.