The second battle of Newbury was an indecisive battle fought between the Royalists led by Charles I and Parliamentarians led by the Earl of Essex during the English Civil War.
Charles positioned his army at the northern extreme of the field, his main tactic being to hold off the Parliamentarians until reinforcements under Prince Rupert could reach the field.
The Parliamentarians knew that if they were to be victorious they had to have a good plan. On the night of 26th October 1644 a force of Parliamentarian roundheads led by Edward Montague positioned themselves on the North Eastern ridge. Meanwhile a Parliamentarian force led by William Waller positioned themselves on the outside flank of the Royalists.
As day broke Montague’s force launched a diversionary attack on Shaw House before joining Waller and attacking the Royalists. Although Waller took a Royalist outpost he made no further gains. Meanwhile, the Montague’s attacks were held off.
The Royalists were unable to break the Parliamentarians and for the entire battle they were sandwiched between the two Parliamentarian forces. Although the Roundheads had lost many men they were not defeated and Charles was lucky that he was able to hold his position. By nightfall, both armies were exhausted and Charles decided to retreat to Oxford. Although Cromwell wanted to pursue the Royalists, he did not have the backing of his army commanders and the Royalists were able to flee the battle scene safely.
