Battle of Cavan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Cavan
Part of Williamite War in Ireland
Date 11 February 1690 Location Cavan, County Cavan, Ireland Result Williamite victory
Belligerents
Williamites	Jacobites
Commanders and leaders
William Wolseley	Duke of Berwick William Nugent
Strength
1,500	1,000
Casualties and losses
880	800

The Battle of Cavan was a fight in Cavan, Ireland on February 11, 1690. It was part of the Williamite War in Ireland. This battle was between the Williamite army and the Jacobite army. The Williamites won. They took over, looted, and burned the town of Cavan. Then, they went back to their base in Belturbet and Enniskillen.

Why the Battle Happened

Williamite Goals

Colonel William Wolseley led the Williamite troops. His commander, Marshal Schomberg, gave him a mission. Wolseley was told to watch Cavan closely. He also had to bother the Jacobite forces there. Cavan was a key base for the Jacobites. From there, they sent help to their troops in Ulster. At this time, Cavan was one of the few towns in Ulster still loyal to James II of Ireland.

Jacobite Reinforcements

The Duke of Berwick brought more Jacobite soldiers to Cavan. He joined the local Jacobite leader, Brigadier John Wauchope.

The Battle Begins

Wolseley's Plan

Wolseley left Belturbet with 1,200 foot soldiers and 300 cavalry. He hoped to surprise the Jacobites. He took a long way around to cross the River Annalee. This route went through Bellanacargy.

Jacobites Get Ready

However, a Jacobite outpost saw Wolseley's army. Word quickly reached Cavan about their approach. The Duke of Berwick decided to meet Wolseley outside the town. Cavan was not fortified and had no cannons. It would be hard to defend. Berwick wanted to protect the town's people. Wolseley did not know that Berwick had arrived. Berwick's arrival made the Jacobite army stronger. They now had about 1,000 soldiers.

First Attacks

Wolseley felt he had to attack. He worried that his soldiers might not follow orders if he tried to leave. His English soldiers had been promised land and money. They were eager to defeat the Jacobite rebellion. Wolseley ordered his men forward. His cavalry charged first. But the Jacobite cavalry pushed them back.

Williamite Counterattack

Then, Wolseley sent his foot soldiers forward. They faced heavy Jacobite gunfire. But they kept moving closer. When they were near enough, they fired a powerful volley. They had more soldiers, which helped them greatly. The Jacobite foot soldiers pulled back. They regrouped inside a nearby fort. They waited for help there.

After the Fight

Taking the Town

Wolseley's troops then rushed into Cavan town. They looted many things. The Enniskillen troops were known for being harsh. They led the way in taking goods from the town. Some Jacobite soldiers came out of the fort. They attacked the Williamite troops. But the Williamites fought them off. Many of the soldiers who were looting rejoined the fight. During this fighting, the Jacobites lost Brigadier William Nugent.

Casualties and Retreat

It is thought that the Jacobites lost about 550 soldiers. The Williamites had slightly more losses. After the battle, Wolseley burned the town. Then, he led his troops back to Belturbet.

Impact of the Battle

This defeat was a big problem for the Jacobites. It hurt their plans for the area. It also affected their leader in Ulster, General Patrick Sarsfield. The Duke of Berwick went back to Dublin. He reported his actions. He claimed rewards for putting down the rebellion. In his report, Berwick made the Jacobite army seem larger. He also said they had more losses than they did.

The Williamites had a good year after their victory at Cavan. This battle happened before the bigger Williamite victory. That was the Battle of the Boyne later that summer. The Battle of the Boyne led to the capture of Dublin. Cavan later fell completely to the Williamites.