The Battle of Adwalton Moor

The Battle of Adwalton Moor took place in June 1643 near Leeds, Yorkshire, during the English Civil War…

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

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