BattlefieldsSiege of Cambridge Castle — Civil War 1643
English Civil War

Siege of Cambridge Castle — Civil War 1643

1643
Cambridgeshire, England
Also known as: Cambridge Castle 1643 Civil War · Eastern Association Cambridge
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Cambridgeshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalist sympathisers
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians
Outcome
Cambridge secured for Parliament; university forced to contribute plate to Parliament
The Battle

History & Significance

Cambridge was secured for Parliament early in the Civil War, with Oliver Cromwell instrumental in preventing the university\'s silver from being sent to Charles I. The castle was garrisoned by Parliamentary forces and served as a key base for the Eastern Association. The university, many of whose members were royalist in sympathy, was compelled to melt down its plate for Parliament. Cambridge\'s position at the hub of East Anglian roads made it the administrative heart of the Eastern Association throughout the war.

Forces Involved

Parliamentary: Cromwell\'s cavalry and local forces. Royalist sympathisers: university and local gentry

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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