BattlefieldsSiege of Wexford
English Civil War

Siege of Wexford

1649
County Wexford, Ireland
Also known as: Storming of Wexford · Massacre of Wexford
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Siege
Location
County Wexford, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Confederate Irish (Sinnott)
Forces
Confederate Irish garrison c.1,500–2,000.
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians (Cromwell)
Forces
Parliamentarians c.8,000–10,000
Outcome
Town taken 11 October 1649; garrison and civilians massacred
The Battle

History & Significance

Cromwell besieged Wexford while negotiating; soldiers broke in during talks and a massacre followed. Around 2,000 soldiers and 1,500 civilians were killed. Cromwell claimed he had not ordered it; the massacre destroyed one of Ireland's most important ports and eliminated a major Confederate base.

Casualties & Losses

c.3,500 killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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