BattlefieldsSiege of Oxford 1646
English Civil War

Siege of Oxford 1646

1646
Oxfordshire, England
Also known as: Oxford — Last Royalist Capital Falls
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Oxfordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians (Fairfax)
Outcome
Oxford surrendered 24 June 1646; Charles I already a prisoner; Civil War ended
The Battle

History & Significance

The surrender of Oxford on 24 June 1646 formally ended the First Civil War. Charles I had already surrendered himself to the Scottish army at Newark in May. Oxford — which had been the Royalist capital and headquarters since 1642 — surrendered on generous terms. The royalist field army no longer existed; the last Royalist city had fallen. The four-year struggle that had cost perhaps 200,000 lives was over — though the peace would prove temporary.

Forces Involved

Parliamentary: New Model Army with siege train. Royalist: substantial garrison with court, now dwindling in resources

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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