ECW Campaign: March 1644

English Civil War: March 1644

Lyme Regis sent messages of support to Parliament, assuring it that the town would remain steadfastly loyal to the cause of liberty, righteousness and Godliness.

Parliamentary supporters in York indicated to Fairfax at Hull that the citizens of the city were tiring of the despotic and Papish rule of the King's governor and were desperate to help his army liberate the city.

Manchester moved to Lincoln to trap King Charles' Royal Army by the North Sea.  The King decided that delay was to die, since Fairfax would join Manchester and then destroy him.  He therefore attacked and at the Battle of Wrawby-Brigg, defeated Manchester, captured Cromwell, and cut his way out and marched to the relief of York.  Fairfax's much smaller army then withdrew to Leeds, whilst Manchester retired on Lincoln to regroup.

Prince Maurice moved to Swansea, taking Cardiff & Bridgend en route.

Bedford concentrated on training his troops, as did Prince Rupert opposing him.

In the North, Brereton moved south from Preston, taking Liverpool and besieging Chester.  Leslie took Naworth in the Borders then began to besiege Carlisle.  Leven and Baillie massed in the Cheviots.  The Marquis of Newcastle remained in the city of that name, training his Foot.

Browne continued making progress in the siege of Oxford.

 The North:

The Royalists:
Marquis of Newcastle in Newcastle with 8000 Foot, 3750 Horse
2000 Foot in Carlisle
King Charles in York with 9000 Foot, 4500 Horse

The Covenanters:
Leven in the Cheviots with 9000 Foot, 1500 Horse
Leslie besieging Carlisle 8000 Foot, 750 Horse
1000 Foot in Berwick

The Parliamentarians:
Fairfax in Leeds with 3000 Foot, 1500 Horse
1000 Foot in Preston

The Midlands:

 The Royalists:
750 Horse in Chester
Vasey in Shrewsbury with 1000 Foot, 1500 Horse

The Parliamentarians:
Manchester in Lincoln with 10000 Foot, 3000 Horse
Brereton besieging Chester with 2000 Foot, 3000 Horse
Laughlarne in Pembroke with 1000 Foot

The South:

 The Royalists:
Prince Rupert in Wells with 5000 Foot, 3000 Horse
1000 Foot in Gloucester
1000 Foot in Oxford

The Parliamentarians:
Waller in Bristol with 2000 Foot, 2250 Horse
Bedford in Exeter with 5000 Foot, 1500 Horse
Browne besieging Oxford with 3000 Foot, 2250 Horse
Essex in London with 7000 Foot, 750 Horse

Game Notes:
A crucial month.  Manchester could have defeated the King and then kept him trapped until he united with Fairfax and destroyed him, to the ruin of the Royalist cause.  Parliament would have had to take no risks from that point, just slowly apply its power.  However, the King now has liberty of movement to turn against Manchester, or Fairfax, or the Covenanters with the likelihood of success.  Brereton's bold advance into Cheshire is likely to discomfit the Royalists, who will have to find some reinforcements for that quarter.