BattlefieldsSiege of Wexford (1649)
English Civil War

Siege of Wexford (1649)

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

Who Fought

Defeated
Confederate/Royalist Irish
Forces
Confederate Irish garrison c.1,500–2,000.
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians (Oliver Cromwell)
Forces
Parliamentarians c.8,000–10,000
Outcome
Town taken during negotiations; massacre follows
The Battle

History & Significance

While negotiating the town's surrender, Cromwell's troops forced entry through the castle. The ensuing massacre killed c.2,000 soldiers and civilians. Wexford's trading fleet was destroyed. The town did not recover for decades. Together with Drogheda, the Wexford massacre defined Cromwell's reputation in Ireland.

Casualties & Losses

c.2,000 killed; Wexford's merchant fleet destroyed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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