The history
surrounding 'The Battle of Worcester'
The English Civil War

The English Civil war was a power contest between King and Parliament. The powers of the English king were first challenged in the 13th century when King John whose tomb is in Worcester Cathedral, was forced by the barons to sign the Magna Carta in 1215.

In 1642 war broke out when Parliament challenged the king's right to raise taxation without Parliamentary consent and claimed that Charles I had acted unconstitutionally during the 11 years between 1629 and 1640 when he had ruled without consulting Parliament at all.

Supporters of the king who thought that he alone should hold the supreme authority in the country are known as Royalists or Cavaliers. The forces of those who thought that Parliament should have the last word were known as the Parliamentarians or Roundheads, one of their most famous leaders was Oliver Cromwell.

London remained under Parliamentary control throughout the war. Fighting took place in many parts of the country as Charles tried to advance on the capital but he was never able to recapture the city. His forces suffered severe defeats at Marston Moor in 1644 and at Naseby in 1645. In 1649 Charles I was executed. The monarchy was abolished and Parliament controlled the country.

It is a surprising fact that, Powick Bridge, Worcester, featured in both the first skirmish of the conflict in 1642 and the final defeat of the Royalist hopes in 1651.

The battle of Worcester in 1651 was the attempt by the eldest son of Charles I to reclaim the throne and to re-establish the rule of the Crown in England.