BattlefieldsSiege of Carlisle
English Civil War

Siege of Carlisle

1644–1645
Cumberland, England
Also known as: Investment of Carlisle 1644
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Cumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists (Musgrave)
Forces
Royalist garrison c.500-600.
VS
Victor
Scots Covenanters (Leven)
Forces
Scots Covenanters c.5,000-6,000
Outcome
Carlisle surrendered June 1645; garrison starved to eating rats and dogs
The Battle

History & Significance

The Scots' long siege of Carlisle was a necessary part of securing their lines of communication before Marston Moor. The garrison under Sir Thomas Musgrave held out for nearly nine months, enduring appalling conditions. Surrender came only when all food was exhausted; survivors were skeletons.

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