Battles & Campaigns · 1643
Battle of Roundway Down
Roundway Down, near Devizes, Wiltshire, England, UK
What happened
After riding overnight from Oxford, Wilmot's cavalry attacked Waller's army on the downs near Devizes. They drove the Parliamentarian cavalry from the field, and Byron's horsemen captured the guns. The remaining Parliamentarian soldiers broke up and surrendered.
Why it matters
It was arguably the most complete Royalist victory of the war. It secured South West England for the King until late 1645.
What came next
Less than two weeks later the Royalists captured the port of Bristol.
Did you know?
Wilmot's cavalry had ridden more than 60 kilometres to reach the battle and still beat a larger force.
Timeline
- 5 Jul 1643Battle of Lansdowne.
- 13 Jul 1643Battle of Roundway Down.
- 26 Jul 1643Royalists capture Bristol.
- 20 Sep 1643First Battle of Newbury.