BattlefieldsSiege of Cambridge Castle (1643)
English Civil War

Siege of Cambridge Castle (1643)

1643
Cambridgeshire, England
Also known as: Cambridge castle civil war · Parliament secures Cambridge 1643
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Cambridgeshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists
Forces
Royalist c. 150–350; secured university town.
VS
Victor
Parliament
Forces
Parliamentary c. 400–700
Outcome
Cambridge secured firmly for Parliament; castle used as prison
The Battle

History & Significance

Cambridge and its university were secured for Parliament early in the Civil War. The town's importance as the administrative heart of the Eastern Association made it vital. Cromwell used Cambridge as a base for organising the Eastern Association cavalry. The castle served as a prison for Royalist captives. The university's plate and funds were seized by Parliament.

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