The Battle of Adwalton Moor
by Ellen Castelow
In the early stages of the 17th century, amidst the struggle for power between king and Parliament known as the English Civil War, the Earl of Newcastle marched 10,000 Royalist troops on the Parliamentarian stronghold of Bradford.
In defence of the town, Lord Fairfax advanced with 3,500 men and the two armies met on Adwalton Moor. The overwhelming number of Royalist (Cavalier) pikemen eventually forced the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) back and when their lines broke, the Royalist cavalry completed the victory.
The victory ensured Royalist control over most of northern England for the rest of that year.
Click here for a battlefield map.
Key Facts:
Date: 30 June, 1643
War: English Civil War
Location: Adwalton, near Leeds, West Yorkshire
Belligerents: Royalists and Parliamentarians
Victors: Royalists
Numbers: Royalists around 10,000, Parliamentarians around 4,000.
Casualties: Royalists negligible, Parliamentarians around 400.
Commanders: Earl of Newcastle (Royalists), Sir Thomas Fairfax (Parliamentarians)
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 |
