BattlefieldsAction at Holyhead
English Civil War

Action at Holyhead

1646
Anglesey, Wales
Also known as: Civil War — Parliamentary control of Anglesey approaches
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Anglesey, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists
Forces
Royalist c.400–800.
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians
Forces
Parliamentary c.800–1,500
Outcome
Parliamentary control of sea approaches to Anglesey established
The Battle

History & Significance

Holyhead — the principal ferry port to Ireland — was strategically important for both sides. Royalist Ireland could supply reinforcements through Holyhead; Parliament needed to cut this supply route. After the fall of Chester, Parliamentary naval operations in the Irish Sea made the Anglesey/Holyhead crossing increasingly dangerous for Royalist supply runs. Parliamentary control of Holyhead helped isolate the remaining Welsh Royalist garrisons.

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