BattlefieldsBattle of Marston Moor (1644 AD)
English Civil War

Battle of Marston Moor (1644 AD)

1644
West Riding, England
Also known as: Marston Moor 1644 · Largest battle of the English Civil War
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
West Riding, England
Status
Registered · BOE16
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists (Prince Rupert / Marquess of Newcastle)
Forces
c.28,000 Parliament and Scots; largest battle of the war
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians and Scots (Manchester / Leslie / Fairfax / Cromwell)
Forces
c.17,500 Royalists (Rupert and Newcastle)
Outcome
Decisive Parliamentary victory; northern England lost to the King; Newcastle's Whitecoats died to a man
The Battle

History & Significance

The largest battle of the Civil War, fought on Marston Moor west of York. Rupert had marched to relieve York; instead of withdrawing, the combined Parliamentary-Scottish army attacked at 7pm. Cromwell's cavalry destroyed Rupert's horse on the left; Fairfax's cavalry on the right was driven from the field. Newcastle's Whitecoat regiment made its last stand in a ditch and was annihilated. Yorkshire and the north were permanently won for Parliament; Cromwell's reputation was established.

Casualties & Losses

c.4,000 Royalists killed, 1,500 captured; 300 Parliamentary

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: BOE16.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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