BattlefieldsNaval Battle in the Downs (Second Civil War)
English Civil War

Naval Battle in the Downs (Second Civil War)

1648
Kent, England
Also known as: Warwick vs Royalist fleet 1648 · Battle of the Downs 1648
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Indecisive
VS
Victor
Indecisive
Outcome
Parliamentary and Royalist naval forces manoeuvred off Kent; Royalist ships eventually sailed for Holland
The Battle

History & Significance

During the Second Civil War, much of the Parliamentary navy mutinied and joined the Royalist cause under the Duke of York. Parliamentary Admiral Warwick confronted the Royalist fleet in the Downs (the anchorage off Kent). The rival fleets manoeuvred but a decisive action was avoided; the Royalist fleet eventually sailed for Holland, ending the naval threat.

Forces Involved

Naval: c.30–40 ships per side, indecisive outcome

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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