BattlefieldsBattle of Hopton Heath
English Civil War

Battle of Hopton Heath

1643
Staffordshire, England
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Staffordshire, England
Status
Registered · EHB22b
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Parliamentarian
Forces
c.1,500 Parliamentarians; Earl of Northampton killed
VS
Victor
Royalists (tactical draw / Northampton)
Forces
c.1,200 Royalists
Outcome
Royalist tactical victory but Earl of Northampton killed
The Battle

History & Significance

A fierce battle on Hopton Heath near Stafford. The Royalist cavalry charged Parliament's cannon and took them, but the Earl of Northampton was killed when he refused to surrender and was surrounded on foot. Parliament refused to return his body without the cannon. The Royalists refused and kept the body — it was eventually ransomed.

Casualties & Losses

Northampton killed; heavy losses both sides

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: EHB22b.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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