BattlefieldsColchester Siege Starvation Phase 1648
English Civil War

Colchester Siege Starvation Phase 1648

1648
England
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalist garrison
Forces
Royalist garrison under Lucas and Lisle approximately 4,000
VS
Victor
Parliamentary New Model Army
Forces
Parliamentary New Model Army under Fairfax approximately 14,000
Outcome
Royalist garrison surrendered August 1648 after 76 days; generals Lucas and Lisle were shot after surrender for violation of parole.
The Battle

History & Significance

As the Colchester siege of 1648 prolonged into July and August, the garrison and civilian population faced severe starvation. Fairfax refused to allow civilians to leave, and the town subsisted on horseflesh, dogs and candles before surrendering.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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