Late May 1644. The Strategic position

Late May 1644 The strategic position The Kingdom is now divided like never before. It would appear the north is lost to the King. Byron’s army lies in Newcastle besieged by the Scots. Montrose seems powerless to defeat the Covenanters and is merely an irritant –but an effective one. Fairfax and Manchester’s armies control the Yorkshire area and it is likely that York will surrender within a few days. Their victory owed more to luck than design and their disagreements in strategy indirectly led to battlefield success. Hull may also surrender shortly if help is unlikely. The Marquess of Newcastle looks like a spent force and a time on the continent in exile may well beckon. In the south the major city of Bristol remains in Waller’s hands for Parliament. Brereton’s small force is probably on its way back to Bristol now. Essex and what remains of his army will be regrouping in London. But the King sits strongly in Oxford. Maurice’s south western army remains undefeated and is also in Oxford. Rupert, despite his thrilling march south, missed the battle by hours but commands a strong force of horse. The only question remains whether his marching to support the King is seen as being responsible for losing half the country. His presence with Newcastle in Yorkshire would surely have seen the Roundhead’s defeated Hopton is also in the south east with a significant army intact. Pausing for breath As the Kingdom heaves a heavy sign and grows weary with war, so too must this campaign take a pause. Apologies but I am now about to embark on a short holiday. I am travelling the Silk Route from Xian to Istanbul this summer. I leave the UK on 18 July, returning in time for my small wargames weekend (Bayfog- an ancient wargames competition) in late October. My Silk Road blog is www.silkroad2013.tumblr.com