The Battle of Chippenham

Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June 2011

In the Summer of 1643 the country is in the midst of turmoil and Civil War. Parliament had risen up to oppose King Charles I over what they saw as his tryannical rule to impose unfair taxes and unpopular policies. The Royalist supporters of the King had risen up to defend his divine right to rule the country. Across the land men had to decide which side they would support and go to war over it. Families, towns and villages were divided, massive uncontrolled armies marched across the land plundering homes as they went. All over the country, Royalist and Roundhead factions attempted to seize control of local towns, cities, and territory on behalf of King or or Parliament.

Chippenham and much of Wiltshire have declared for Parliament, led by the example of their two Members of Parliament, Sir Edward Hungerford, and Sir Edward Baynton. The town was very 'Puritan' in its religious leanings, and was known for its violent anti-Catholicism. There was an economic motive for supporting Parliament also - Chippenham was a large cloth producing centre, and London was the main market. A lot of business would be lost if the Royalists took control.

The town and surrounding area formed part of a 'Parliament Corridor' connecting London with Bristol, the second wealthiest city in England at the time. To the north lay Royalist territory, in particular King Charles' war-time capital at Oxford. To the south and west are the forces of the King's General in the West, Sir Ralph Hopton.

In June 1643 Hopton's Royalist army advanced north, defeating the much larger Parliamentary forces first at Stratton and then on July 5th at Lansdown Hill on the outskirts of Bath. Here both sides, but particulalry the Royalists suffered heavy casualties.

Not having enough troops to hold the position and with the commander, Sir Ralph Hopton, blinded and seriously wounded when a gunpowder wagon blew up, the Royalist army under Prince Maurice decide to withdraw towards the King's forces at Oxford. In order to avoid the Parliamentarian fortified town of Malmesbury they choose a route towards the safe Royal town of Devizes and directly through Chippenham.

Meanwhile the Parliamentarian forces under Sir William Waller are able to gather reinforcements from Bath and set off in pursuit. Who will get to the important River Avon crossing point first.

All is set for the Battle of Chippenham......

On Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June 2011, The English Civil War Society will be re-enacting the events of July 1643 in a major skirmish in Monkton Park. A 17th century campsite including cannon, weapons, horses will bring alive life in the King's Army and the town.

Throughout the weekend will be regular displays of musket fire, pike drill - with 16ft long pikes - cavalry charges and cannons.

Meet the opposing generals, Sir Ralph Hopton and William Waller, once firm friends and now bitter enemies, and Sir Edward Hungerford MP, our local Parliamentarian leader.

Site open 11.00am - 5.00pm.

There will be major battles each day as 3.00pm as the armies meet and decide if the town will be Royalist or Roundhead.

Admittance to all events is FREE.

In conjunction Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre will be hosting an exhibition displaying the history of the Civil War in north Wiltshire. There will also be an associated lecture and educational workshops, see diary for further details of these.

For further details please contact Emma King, Events Manager, Chippenham Town Council, 01249 665970, eking@chippenham.gov.uk