BattlefieldsAction at Brotherton and Ferrybridge 1644
English Civil War

Action at Brotherton and Ferrybridge 1644

1644
West Riding, England
Also known as: Fairfax advance on Selby 1644 · Brotherton skirmish 1644
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
West Riding, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists
Forces
Royalists c.1,000–1,500
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians (Fairfax)
Forces
Parliamentarians c.2,000–3,000
Outcome
Fairfax brushed aside Royalist screening forces at Brotherton and Ferrybridge in advance on Selby
The Battle

History & Significance

The advance of Fairfax's Parliamentary force on Selby in April 1644 — which led to the decisive Battle of Selby — was preceded by skirmishing at the Aire crossings at Brotherton and Ferrybridge. Royalist forces attempted to hold the river line but were driven back. Fairfax's crossing of the Aire allowed him to approach Selby from the north while other Parliamentary forces pressed from the south, trapping Belasyse's Royalist army and leading to its destruction.

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