The Second Battle of Newbury

Date: 27th October 1644 Location: Newbury, Berkshire Parliamentarian Commander: Edward Montague, Earl of Manchester Royalist Commander: Charles I, King of England Victor: Inconclusive

Charles then deployed defensively to the North of Newbury, hoping that the parliamentarians would not engage their strong position, allowing Prince Rupert to rejoin them.

Manchester replied to this by deploying along Clay Hill ridge, to the North-East. He then sent out patrols to gauge the royalists' strength (Oct 25).

Not much information was gleaned, although it was obvious that the royalists were well dug in. Some artillery exchanges occured whilst the commanders discussed the position.

It was decided that Waller would take his army, which comprised some two thirds of the total strength, on a night out-flanking manoeuvre, a good 15 miles in length. Manchester would then attack simultaneously, catching the royalists from both sides.

This was very risky, since it divided their force critically, and was difficult to co-ordinate but could prove decisive if it caught the royalists unaware. Despite the risks, Waller set out on Oct 26th.

Waller suprised a royalist outpost early on the 27th, and defeated it after a fight. The royalists now were aware that their rear was threatened, but appeared not to consider this a serious threat, since nothing was done to reinforce the West.

Manchester attacked fairly early in the day, but was repulsed easily by a swift counter-attack.

It wasn't until the afternoon that Waller deployed to the West of the royalist positions.

Waller's attack took Prince Maurice by suprise, but favourable terrain allowed the royalists to beat back the initial assault. Waller attacked again, and this time pushed forward into the village of Speen.

Sir William Balfour routed the royalist cavalry in the South, and a counter-attack by The Earl of Cleveland was repulsed. Further advance was hindered by fire from Donnington castle, which was above them to the north.

Oliver Cromwell, however, was beaten back on the Northern flank, hindering the progress of the infantry.

Manchester then attacked in the East, with some success initially. However, a counter-attack was organised and it drove Manchester's smaller force back.

Night had fallen by now, and the fighting died down. Both sides were unhappy with the events of the day, with the royalists between two forces, and the parliamentarians having suffered heavy losses.

Charles decided that his position was untenable, and organised the withdrawal of his army by moonlight towards Oxford. Waller and Cromwell were keen to pursue Charles in the morning, but Manchester decided that the army was not up to it, and Charles was allowed to continue unmolested.