BattlefieldsAction at Torrington 1646
English Civil War

Action at Torrington 1646

1646
Devon, England
Also known as: Battle of Torrington gunpowder explosion
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Devon, England
Status
Registered · EHB31a
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists (Hopton)
Forces
Royalists c.3,000–4,000.
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians (Fairfax)
Forces
Parliamentarians c.4,000–5,000
Outcome
Night battle; Royalists fought street by street; church blew up killing prisoners on both sides
The Battle

History & Significance

The last significant Royalist field action in the west; Hopton cavalry fought Fairfax at Torrington in February 1646; the Royalists stored their powder in the church which exploded during the fighting killing prisoners on both sides; Hopton retreated into Cornwall and surrendered at Truro.

Registered Historic Battlefield

This battlefield is listed on the Register of Historic Battlefields — a national designation identifying Britain's most significant battle sites for protection and further research. Reference: EHB31a.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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