BattlefieldsAction at Newbury — relief of Donnington
English Civil War

Action at Newbury — relief of Donnington

1644
Berkshire, England
Also known as: Charles I relieves Donnington October 1644 · Third Newbury action
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Berkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Parliamentarians (Essex / Manchester)
Forces
Parliamentarians c.5,000-7,000.
VS
Victor
Royalists (Charles I)
Forces
Royalists c.4,000-5,000
Outcome
Charles I marched back to Newbury; collected his artillery from Donnington; Parliament unable to stop him
The Battle

History & Significance

After the Second Battle of Newbury (27 October 1644), Parliament failed to press its advantage. Charles I returned to the Newbury area in November, collected the artillery left at Donnington Castle, and marched away unmolested. Parliament's three generals (Essex, Manchester, Waller) could not agree to attack. This episode directly triggered Cromwell's prosecution of Manchester for incompetence and led to the Self-Denying Ordinance.

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