BattlefieldsSecond Bishops War — Battle of Newburn Ford 1640
English Civil War

Second Bishops War — Battle of Newburn Ford 1640

1640
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Newburn Ford 1640 · Battle of Newburn 1640
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England (Lord Conway)
Forces
English c.3,000 under Conway
VS
Victor
Covenanters (Scotland)
Forces
Scots c.20,000 under Leslie
Outcome
Scottish musketeers crossed the Tyne at Newburn Ford; English cavalry and infantry routed; Scots occupied Newcastle within days
The Battle

History & Significance

Newburn Ford on 28 August 1640 was the decisive action of the Second Bishops War. The Scottish army forced the Tyne ford under musketry fire, routing English cavalry under Lord Conway in what Clarendon called an inglorious defeat. Newcastle fell and the Scots occupied County Durham and Northumberland. The humiliation forced Charles I to call the Long Parliament, triggering the constitutional crisis that produced civil war.

Casualties & Losses

English c.300-400 killed or wounded; Scottish losses light

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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