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Introduction to the Civil War in Worcestershire

It is difficult now to think, as we look around the peaceful countryside of modern Worcestershire, that 350 years ago the fate of England was being fought out in the fields, lanes and streets of the county. Few places, village or town, were spared some involvement, although little evidence now survives.

The English Civil War lasted nine years, divided into three main episodes: 1642-6, 1648 and 1650-1. There is a tendency to view this period in a colourful and romantic light, but for the people involved it was no less horrific than civil wars of more modern times.

Recent estimates put the national death toll at around 185,000 men and women but the local casualty figure is more difficult to estimate. Although there were few major battles (the most notable being the Battle of Ripple in 1643, Evesham in 1645 and the Battle of Worcester in 1651) there was a frequent record of skirmishes across the county.

No less traumatic was the grinding effect of repeated plundering and the disruption caused by the relentless progress of hungry armies of both sides as they roamed across the countryside heading for Oxford, Chester, Hereford or wherever the focus of action happened to be at that time. Or, indeed, the relentless demands for money that sucked vast amounts out of the local economy, or the conscription of local working men into the armies. Up to one quarter of the male population may have been brought into the struggle. The frustration at the collapse of law and order lead, in 1645, to the rise of the Clubman Movement in the county.

Related Pages

• Further information on the Battle of Worcester
• Contemporary account of the Battle of Worcester
• Extracts from Fladbury parish accounts illustrating the effects of war on everyday life
• The Clubmen Movement in Worcestershire
• The Woodbury Declaration of the Clubmen
• Places to Visit
• Archaeology of the English Civil War

Other English Civil War Web Sites

The

English Civil War Society is a society providing re-enactments of battles and 'living histories' of the period 1640-1660. Offers a limited query service.

The Fairfax Battalia (a part of ECWS) is widely regarded as producing some of the finest quality re-enactments of the period, with a focus on authenticity and educational content. One of its constituent regiments is Devereux's.

The Sealed Knot is the largest re-enactment society of this period. Its web site also has a limited query service.

Naseby is a type site for demonstrating how archaeology can add to the interpretation of a battlefield.

English Civil War Battles provides summary information and maps about key battles.

Essex Men at the Battle of Worcester by David Appleby has useful information on the human aspects of the campaign.

A 1642 Living History village has been reconstructed at Gosport, Hants. There are regular events that try to give a flavour of daily life around the time of the Civil War.

For an earlier period, visit the Tudor Group website.

The Jamestown Rediscovery site has many illustrations of 17th century finds from the Virginia colony.

The Monarch's Way Web site provides details of the walk following the route of the escape of Charles II from the Battle of Worcester.

HistoryAct A guide to how to identify good quality English Civil War re-enactment