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Bradford During the English Civil War
The people of the mainly pro-Parliament Bradford suffered a great deal during the English Civil War. They spent much of the War either being attacked by the Royalists, living in fear of being attacked, or feeling compelled to leave the town, fearing heavy fighting. Royalists were keen to suppress any sign of rebellion, and it was common knowledge that Bradford, with many inhabitants having Puritan leanings, would be more likely to follow the Parliamentary cause than that of King Charles I. The popularity of the Royalists cause was not helped by how they treated the population of Bradford during the English Civil War. Many civilians left Bradford in 1642 fearing a backlash from Royalist troops. Luckily, for the then town of Bradford, the Royalist troops were required elsewhere in Yorkshire, and so a full scale bloody assault was averted. First Attack on Bradford The people that remained in Bradford soon fortified the town, fearing that the Royalists troops would be back. This news, however, soon got back to the Royalists, who sent troops back to Bradford. The people of Bradford were ill equipped to fight the Royalist army, and even boys were used to defend the town. Bradford also called on men from surrounding areas to come to the town's aid. Not only were the Royalists better equipped, even having cannon, the fighting men of Bradford were outnumbered by more than two to one. On October 23rd, 1642, an attack began, but a combination of snowfall, strong winds, and the combative nature of the defenders of the town left the Royalists with little stomach to persist with the assault. Sieges of Bradford In July, 1643 the second siege of Bradford began, but because of the success of the Royalists at the battle of Adwalton Moor a few miles from Bradford, the portents were poor for Bradford this time. The Royalists seized the town fairly easily, and took whatever they found to be of value. Royalists Defeated In March of 1644, the tide had turned in favour of the Parliamentary forces, who took Bradford from the Royalists. Despite a fierce attack to try and regain the town, the Royalists finally had to admit defeat. Royalists were still strong in other areas of Yorkshire, but Bradford was finally at peace. Copyright © Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com. ENGLISH CIVIL WAR BOOKS available from booksmusicfilmstv.com - in association with Amazon.co.uk |
