Chewton Mendip 1643

Jun 4

Prince Maurice and the Marquess of Hertford brought their 1,000 foot and 1,500 horse to combine with Hopton's 3,000 foot, 500 horse and 300 dragoons. The forces met at Chard in Somerset.

This large Royalist army marched on Taunton which was quickly abandoned by Popham who led his men towards Bath pursued by Maurice.

There were a number of cavalry skirmishes south of Wells, and at Glastonbury. Popham's cavalry protecting the infantry but moving on before Maurice could lead a full-scale attack.

Jun 8

Waller enters Bath and sends a force to cover Popham's retreat.

Jun 10

Just south of Chewton Mendip, the Royalist cavalry of the Earl of Carnarvon scattered the Parliamentarian rearguard. Waller quickly chased after them only to find the main Royalist forces of Prince Maurice drawn up.

Maurice led a charge which scattered much of the Parliamentarian force, but a large body of them swung round and attacked the rear of the Royalists.

Prince Maurice received two sword wounds on his head and was knocked off his horse. He was taken prisoner for a while but Carnarvon rescued him after several cavalry charges.

After the fight, Waller retreated to Bath, and the Royalists to Wells.

Waller saw this as a victory as he had stopped the pursuit of Popham by the Royalist forces.