BattlefieldsAction at Musselburgh 1650
English Civil War

Action at Musselburgh 1650

1650
East Lothian, Scotland
Also known as: Skirmish at Musselburgh 1650 Cromwell campaign
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
East Lothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Parliamentarians (Cromwell)
Forces
Parliamentarians c.1,000–1,500.
VS
Victor
Scots (Leslie)
Forces
Scots c.1,500–2,000 cavalry
Outcome
Cromwell cavalry probed the Scottish defensive line at Musselburgh and was repulsed
The Battle

History & Significance

In the weeks before Dunbar Cromwell probed the Scottish lines repeatedly and was repulsed; at Musselburgh his cavalry was turned back by Leslie well-positioned Scots; Cromwell retreated toward Dunbar with his sick army and supply line threatened — until Leslie was persuaded to attack downhill and disaster followed.

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