The cathedral close at Lichfield was a formidable defensive position whose three islands in Minster Pool made it a natural fortress. In March 1643, Parliamentary forces under Lord Brooke — killed by a Royalist sharpshooter on the feast day of St Chad, patron saint of the diocese — besieged and eventually took the close. Prince Rupert retook it weeks later after a fierce siege and mining operation. The close changed hands three times during the war. Lord Brooke\'s death on St Chad\'s Day was seen by Royalists as a providential judgement.
Lord Brooke killed; significant losses in both sieges
Parliamentary: Lord Brooke then Sir John Gell. Royalist: cathedral garrison then Prince Rupert\'s relief force
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