BattlefieldsBattle of Preston
English Civil War

Battle of Preston

1648
Lancashire, England
Also known as: Battle of Preston 1648
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Lancashire, England
Status
Registered · EHB33
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scottish Engagers (Hamilton)
Forces
c.20,000 Scottish-Royalist Engager army (Hamilton)
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians (Cromwell)
Forces
c.8,600 Parliamentarians (Cromwell)
Outcome
Decisive Parliamentary victory; Hamilton captured
The Battle

History & Significance

The decisive battle of the Second Civil War. Hamilton's huge Scottish army was crushed over three days of fighting. Cromwell called it "an absolute victory". Led directly to the trial and execution of Charles I.

Casualties & Losses

c.2,000 Scots killed; 9,000 captured

Registered Historic Battlefield

This battlefield is listed on the Register of Historic Battlefields — a national designation identifying Britain's most significant battle sites for protection and further research. Reference: EHB33.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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