BattlefieldsSiege of Bristol Castle 1643
English Civil War

Siege of Bristol Castle 1643

1643
Bristol, England
Also known as: Bristol 1643 · Royalist capture of Bristol 1643
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Bristol, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Parliamentary garrison under Nathaniel Fiennes
Forces
Parliamentary: Nathaniel Fiennes with c.1,500
VS
Victor
Prince Rupert (Royalist)
Forces
Royalist: Prince Rupert with c.14,000
Outcome
Bristol taken by storm at high cost; Fiennes court-martialled for surrendering too quickly
The Battle

History & Significance

Prince Rupert stormed Bristol in July 1643 in one of the largest Royalist victories of the Civil War. The assault cost heavy casualties on both sides. The fall of England second city gave the Royalists a major port and manufacturing centre. Fiennes was court-martialled, though later pardoned, for what many felt was premature surrender.

Casualties & Losses

c.500 Royalist assault casualties; Parliamentary garrison c.200

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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