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Following the execution of Charles I the newly crowned Charles
II aimed to regain the throne. Leaving Scotland in 1651 with an
army of 15000 Charles reached Worcester on the 22nd of August. Expecting
re-enforcement's which had not come the soldiers were now disheartened,
illequipped and hungry after the march. Charles took possession
of Worcester, establishing his headquarters at the Commandery, and
set about strengthening the City's defences.
On the 27th of August Cromwell arrived at Evesham with 30000 men
of the New Model Army. Sending Lambert on to Upton to seize the
bridge and allow Fleetwood to cross the Severn with half of the
troops, Cromwell established the remaining forces on high ground
to the east and south of the City. To establish a link between these
two halves Cromwell had a bridge of boats built, completed on the
2nd of September.
On the 3rd of September battle commenced at around noon. Lambert
attacked and after initial success was unable to cross the river.
Meanwhile Cromwell had crossed his forces and attacked. Charles'
army broke and fled allowing Lambert to cross the river. Charles
and his commander Hamilton now decided on an all out attack up Red
Hill. Initially successful the attack needed the backing of the
cavalry commanded by Leslie, however when ordered to attack Leslie
did not move. The Royalists quickly faltered and the army were soon
retreating in panic. At the Sidbury Gate outside the Commandery
a massive slaughter took place.
By the end of the day 3000 Scots were dead, 10000 prisoners, Charles
was a fugitive and Hamilton lay dying in the Commandery. Cromwell
was to call this final battle of the war a "crowning mercy"
and estimated he
lost not 250 men.
"Say you have been at Worcester, where England's sorrows
began, and where they are happily ended."
Hugh Peter 1651.
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The Soldier