Events leading up to 'The Battle of Worcester'

23rd June 1650 - Prince Charles landed in Scotland from exile in France

3rd September 1650 - Battle of Dunbar; Scots army defeated by Parliament, Edinburgh held by the English, Charles crowned King Charles II of Scotland at Scone

1st August 1651 - Charles crossed the English border at the head of a Scottish army

 

Charles' plan

To advance on London. He marched the Scots southwards down the western side of the Pennines, (click here to see the routes) skirting the border with Wales from where he hoped to gain more support, it is estimated that, on arrival in Worcester, Charles' army was about 16,000 strong of whom the vast majority were Scots.

Cromwell's plan

Also marched south from Scotland but chose the route on the east side of the Pennines, continually monitoring the Scots' progress, with the intention of blocking any move the Scots might make eastwards towards London. This army is thought to have numbered 30,000 men

August 22nd 1651 - Charles and his army arrived in Worcester and began to fortify the city against the expected attack.

August 27th 1651 - Cromwell's army arrived at Evesham to the east of the city

 

Royalist defenses

• Fort Royal - an earthwork built outside the walls to the east where the main attack was anticipated commanded by Major General Forbes.

• Forces at Pitchcroft to the north of the city under Leslie

• Dalziel as backup near St Johns on the west of the River Severn.

• Piscotty at Temesmouth.

• The main fighting force was inside the city.

Cromwell's battle plan

• to cut off all possible routes between Worcester and London

• to attack the city from both sides of the River Severn.

• to build a bridge of boats for his main force to cross the rivers Severn and Teme

  September 3rd 1651 - Cromwell timed his attack on Worcester to coincide with the first anniversary of his victory at Dunbar