BattlefieldsNaval Battle of the Downs 1648 — Second Civil War
English Civil War

Naval Battle of the Downs 1648 — Second Civil War

1648
Kent, England
Also known as: Downs sea battle 1648 · Parliament recovers revolted fleet
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Revolted Royalist fleet (Prince of Wales)
Forces
Revolted fleet c.12–15 ships
VS
Victor
Parliament (Warwick)
Forces
Parliament c.15–20 ships
Outcome
Royalist fleet driven to Dutch waters; Deal, Walmer and Sandown support base lost
The Battle

History & Significance

In August 1648 a significant part of the parliamentary fleet revolted and joined the Royalist cause under the Prince of Wales and Prince Rupert in the Downs anchorage. The Earl of Warwick commanding the loyal Parliament fleet confronted them in the narrow sea off the Deal coast. After manoeuvring and a sharp engagement the Royalist fleet withdrew to Dutch waters where it remained under Prince Rupert as a commerce raider. The parliamentary recovery of control of the Downs removed the last serious Royalist naval threat in home waters.

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