BattlefieldsSiege of Drogheda
English Civil War

Siege of Drogheda

1649
County Louth, Ireland
Also known as: Storming of Drogheda · Massacre of Drogheda
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Siege
Location
County Louth, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists (Aston)
Forces
Royalist garrison c.2,500–3,000.
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians (Cromwell)
Forces
Parliamentarians c.8,000–10,000
Outcome
Town stormed; garrison massacred; Sir Arthur Aston beaten to death with his own wooden leg
The Battle

History & Significance

Cromwell's first major action in Ireland. He demanded surrender, was refused, and stormed the walls. The garrison, nearly 3,000 men, was killed to the last man. Clergy sheltering in St Peter's church were burned alive. The massacre remains the most controversial act of Cromwell's career and has shaped Irish historical memory for centuries.

Casualties & Losses

c.3,500 killed; civilians also killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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