Sieges of the English Civil Wars

by John Barratt

Overview

"Sieges determined the course of the English Civil Wars, yet they receive scant attention. In contrast, the major set-piece battles are repeatedly analyzed and reassessed. As a result our understanding of the conflict, and of its outcome, is incomplete. John Barratt, in this lucid and perceptive account, makes the siege the focal point of his study. As well as looking at the theory and practice of siege warfare and fortification, he considers the often-devastating human impact. Using a selection of graphic examples, he shows how siege warfare could ruin the lives of the soldiers - and the civilians - caught up in it.He examines in detail a dozen sieges, using a combination of eyewitness accounts, other contemporary sources, archaeological surveys, and other modern research. His study provides a detailed and vivid reconstruction of these often neglected episodes of civil war history. "

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781781598504
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Limited
Publication date:	06/25/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

John Barratt is a leading authority on the Royalist Armies in the Civil War. Author of over a dozen books on the subject, including Cavaliers the first detailed study of the Royalist forces, and a nuber of campain histories. His latest books with Helion include Rabble of Gentility the story of the Northern Horse, and The Last Battle: The Stow on the Wold Campaign. He lectures regularly on historical subjects and lives in the Welsh Marches, an area rich in history!

Table of Contents

List of Plates and Maps vi

Introduction viii

1 The Military Background 1

2 The English Civil Wars and Siege Warfare 8

3 Garrisons 18

4 Taken by Storm: The Fall of Bristol 1643 and 1645 25

5 'Castle of the Rock': The Leaguer of Beeston Castle 1643-1645 45

6 Ports Under Siege: The Defence of Plymouth 1642-1646 60

7 Women Under Siege: Lathom House 1644-1645 78

8 The Die-Hards: Worcester and Pendennis 1646 96

9 Castles and Cannon: The Sieges of Goodrich and Denbigh 1646 112

10 Siege and Blockade: Newark 1643-1646 127

11 'No Quarter': Basing House 1645 and Drogheda 1649 144

12 Aftermath 167

Places to Visit 173

Chronology of Selected Sieges 174

Glossary 178

Notes 180

Bibliography 188

Index 191