The Siege of Colchester in 1648 was one of the most brutal episodes of the English Civil War. The Royalists seized Colchester at the start of the Second Civil War but were immediately besieged by Fairfax. After 11 weeks the garrison and townspeople faced starvation — cats, dogs and horses were eaten. On surrender, Fairfax had the Royalist commanders Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle shot in the castle bailey as 'traitors to their engagement.' The executions shocked contemporaries.
Several thousand total (military and civilian starvation); Lucas and Lisle executed
This battlefield is listed on the Register of Historic Battlefields — a national designation identifying Britain's most significant battle sites for protection and further research. Reference: EHB57.
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