Battle of Worcester
Worcester, England, UK
What happened
Cromwell split his army across the River Severn and attacked from two directions. His troops forced a crossing of the River Teme, and fighting was fierce at Powick. The Royalist position collapsed, and Parliament's troops entered the city as darkness fell.
Why it matters
It destroyed the last major Royalist army and ended the English Civil War. Cromwell called it 'a crowning mercy'.
What came next
Charles II escaped, hid in an oak tree at Boscobel House, and sailed from Shoreham to France. Around 8,000 Scottish prisoners were deported to New England, Bermuda and the West Indies as indentured labourers, and many of the prisoners taken to London died in makeshift prison camps.
Did you know?
In 2008 Prince Charles paid off a 357-year-old debt that Charles II had left with Worcester clothiers for army uniforms.
Timeline
- 23 Sep 1642Battle of Powick Bridge.
- 3 Sep 1650Battle of Dunbar.
- 3 Sep 1651Battle of Worcester.
- 2008An old royal debt for uniforms is repaid.