Battle of Edgehill

The Battle of Edgehill (or Edge Hill) was the first pitched battle of the First English Civil War. It was fought near Edge Hill and Kineton in southern Warwickshire on Sunday, 23 October 1642 between:

• elements of the Royalist army, under the command of King Charles I and Prince Rupert
• Parliamentarians under the command of the Earl of Sussex

Result

Both armies were made up mostly of inexperienced and ill-equipped troops and neither army was able to gain a decisive advantage.

After the battle, King Charles resumed his march on London, but was not strong enough to overcome the defending militia before Essex’s army could reinforce them. The inconclusive result of the Battle of Edgehill prevented either faction gaining a quick victory in the war, which eventually lasted four years.

• Introduction – Part V
• Preface from 1906 Edition
• Robert Bertie, 1st Earl of Lindsey
• Saturday 4 October 1642

• Wikipedia article on the Battle of Edgehill

• Wikipedia for background.