BattlefieldsSecond Civil War — Pembroke and the Poyer Rising
English Civil War

Second Civil War — Pembroke and the Poyer Rising

1648
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Also known as: Poyer Laugharne Powell revolt 1648 · Presbyterian-Royalist rising Pembrokeshire
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Parliamentarians initially
Forces
Parliamentarian c.1000–1500
VS
Victor
Royalists initially (Poyer / Laugharne / Powell)
Forces
Royalists (Poyer/Laugharne/Powell) c.2000–3500
Outcome
Royalist rising swept Pembrokeshire; Parliamentary forces overwhelmed initially; Cromwell required to restore order
The Battle

History & Significance

The Second Civil War in Wales began when former Parliamentary commanders Colonel John Poyer (who refused to give up Pembroke Castle), Colonels Rowland Laugharne and Rice Powell switched to the Royalist cause in spring 1648. They seized most of Pembrokeshire and gathered an army. Parliament sent Colonel Thomas Horton to respond; he defeated them at St Fagans (May 1648). Cromwell then arrived personally to besiege Pembroke. After its fall, the three commanders were tried; lots were drawn for execution — Poyer drew the fatal lot and was shot at Covent Garden.

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