BattlefieldsCapture of Wakefield (1643 AD)
English Civil War

Capture of Wakefield (1643 AD)

1643
West Riding, England
Also known as: Wakefield raid 1643 · Fairfax storm of Wakefield
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
West Riding, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists (Goring)
Forces
Royalists c.500–800. Dawn assault capturing garrisoned town.
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians (Thomas Fairfax)
Forces
Parliamentarians c.1,200–1,500
Outcome
Wakefield taken by storm; Goring captured; 1,500 prisoners
The Battle

History & Significance

Thomas Fairfax led a surprise assault on Royalist-held Wakefield, attacking at dawn on a Sunday morning when the garrison was less alert. The town was taken by storm; General George Goring, one of the ablest Royalist cavalry commanders, was captured. The raid was Parliament's most successful action in Yorkshire up to that point, demonstrating Fairfax's bold offensive spirit.

Casualties & Losses

c.200 Royalists killed, 1,500 captured including Goring

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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