Published in the broadsheet " ARGUS PANOPTES

"A brief but balanced account concerning the Branham fight (3/3/1644)" " Following an overheard conversation by a French merchant (Monsr.Junot) and further discussion with the aforesaid individual it appears that Lord Newcastle's reported speech to his troops glosses over certain facts that when known give a very different slant on what actually happened at Branham on 3rd. March. While sheltering in the Golden Lion tavern at Branham, Monsr. Junot (aged 38 from Calais) had a good view of the action on the Parliamentarian left flank and left centre.He reports that he personally saw 4 Royalist regiments of Horse and 5 regiments of foot routed with heavy losses and in the process taking at least 3 other foot regiments with them. Monsr. Junot also reports seeing a high ranking officer (Newcastle?) being carried from the field on a litter. Monsr. Junot is of the firm opinion that it was only advent of nightfall that prevented the total destruction of the remaining Royalist troops by the Parliamentary troops (who had only suffered light losses). Monsr. Junot made one final point about the outcome of the fight which was that it was the Royalist army that withdrew, under the cover of night, to Weatherby and subsequently to the safety of York's wall, while Parliament remained at Branham at least until it became obvious that the Royalists would not be coming back for more. Good reader we here at the "Argus" strive to provide the truth about this calamitous civil war and hope this account from a "neutral" source has helped you all to make your own mind up who "won" the Battle of Branham.