BattlefieldsCropredy Bridge 1644
English Civil War

Cropredy Bridge 1644

1644
Oxfordshire, England
Also known as: Battle of Cropredy Bridge · Cropredy Oxfordshire 1644
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Oxfordshire, England
Status
Registered · Historic England Battlefield Register
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Parliamentarians (Sir William Waller)
VS
Victor
Royalists (Charles I)
Outcome
Waller\'s army routed; artillery captured; last major Royalist field victory in the south
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of Cropredy Bridge on 29 June 1644 was Charles I\'s last significant battlefield victory. Parliamentary forces under Waller attempted to cross the Cherwell at Cropredy but their strung-out column was attacked from both flanks. Waller lost his artillery and suffered heavy casualties. Though not a decisive strategic victory, Cropredy temporarily restored Royalist confidence and allowed Charles to march west to relieve Exeter. Waller\'s army effectively dissolved after the battle, never recovering its cohesion.

Casualties & Losses

Parliamentary: significant losses including all artillery; Royalist losses relatively light

Forces Involved

Royalist: Charles I with c.5,000 foot and 5,000 horse. Parliamentary: Sir William Waller c.9,000

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: Historic England Battlefield Register.

Questions & Answers

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