Battles & Campaigns · 1644
Battle of Nantwich
Nantwich, Cheshire, England, UK
What happened
Byron was besieging Nantwich, a Parliamentarian town. A sudden thaw flooded the River Weaver and split his army. Fairfax's relief force attacked, Booth's garrison sallied out of the town, and the Royalist regiments were overwhelmed.
Why it matters
It stopped a run of Royalist gains in the area and upset the King's plan to build an army in the northwest with troops back from Ireland.
What came next
Byron retreated to Chester. A captured officer, George Monck, later changed sides and played a major role in the Commonwealth and the Restoration.
Did you know?
Nantwich celebrates the anniversary every January as 'Holly Holy Day', with a re-enactment.
Timeline
- 25 Jan 1644Battle of Nantwich.
- 2 Jul 1644Battle of Marston Moor.
- 24 Sep 1645Battle of Rowton Heath near Chester.
- 3 Feb 1646Chester surrenders.