BattlefieldsSiege of Banbury Castle
English Civil War

Siege of Banbury Castle

1644–1646
Oxfordshire, England
Also known as: Banbury Castle Civil War Siege 1644-1646
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Oxfordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists (Colonel William Compton)
Forces
Royalist garrison c.150–250
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians
Forces
Parliamentarians c.3,000–4,500
Outcome
Banbury Castle held out for two years; surrendered only on news of Oxford's fall
The Battle

History & Significance

Banbury Castle in Oxfordshire/Northamptonshire border country conducted one of the longest and most determined defences of the Civil War. Colonel William Compton — younger brother of the Earl of Northampton — held it against all Parliamentary attempts for two full years. The town was devastated by the prolonged siege. Banbury only surrendered when news arrived that Oxford — the Royalist capital — had itself fallen, making further resistance pointless. After surrender, the castle was demolished.

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