BattlefieldsSiege of Colchester Town (preliminary actions)
English Civil War

Siege of Colchester Town (preliminary actions)

1648
Essex, England
Also known as: Colchester approaches 1648
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Essex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Parliamentarians
VS
Victor
Royalists (initial entry)
Outcome
Royalist cavalry under Norwich entered Colchester after Maidstone; garrison fortified the town
The Battle

History & Significance

After the Parliamentary victory at Maidstone, the Royalist survivors under the Earl of Norwich rode to Colchester and the townspeople opened the gates. Fairfax pursued and the famous eleven-week siege began. The preliminary decision to enter Colchester determined the entire Second Civil War in southern England.

Forces Involved

Royalist force entering town: c.4,000

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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