The Battle of Langport

In the 17th century struggle for power between King and Parliament known as the English Civil War, a Royalist army…

In 1645 during the latter stages of the First English Civil War, a Royalist (Cavalier) army under the command of General George Goring was attempting a tactical withdrawal from Langport to the safety of Bridgwater.

Following their victory at Naseby, the Parliamentarian (Roundhead) New Model Army was rapidly approaching from the east, when Goring took up his position on high ground just outside Langport, controlling the major road across the valley. Goring had split his forces, sending most of his artillery ahead towards Bridgwater.

Although he held a strong position, Goring’s forces were both outnumbered and outgunned, and any resistance soon crumbled.

Their defeat at Langport all but destroyed Royalist morale in the West Country, with Bridgwater falling soon after.

Click here for a battlefield map.

Key Facts:

Date: 10th July, 1645

War: English Civil War

Location: Langport, near Yeovil, Somerset

Belligerents: Royalists and Parliamentarians

Victors: Parliamentarians

Numbers: Royalists around 7,000, Parliamentarians around 10,000

Casualties: Royalists around 500, Parliamentarians unknown

Commanders: George, Lord Goring (Royalists – pictured below), Sir Thomas Fairfax (Parliamentarians – pictured at the top of this article)

Location:

The Battle of Adwalton Moor

More Battles in the English Civil War:

Battle of Edgehill 23 October, 1642
Battle of Braddock Down 19 January, 1643
Battle of Hopton Heath 19 March, 1643
Battle of Stratton 16 May, 1643
Battle of Chalgrove Field 18 June, 1643
Battle of Adwalton Moor 30 June, 1643
Battle of Lansdowne 5 July, 1643
Battle of Roundway Down 13 July, 1643
Battle of Winceby 11 October, 1643
Battle of Nantwich 25 January, 1644
Battle of Cheriton 29 March, 1644
Battle of Cropredy Bridge 29 June, 1644
Battle of Marston Moor 2 July, 1644
Battle of Naseby 14 June, 1645
Battle of Langport 10 July 1645
Battle of Rowton Heath 24 September, 1645
Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold 21 March, 1646

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