Battle of Ripple Field facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Ripple Field
Part of the First English Civil War
Ripple Cross and Stocks
Date 13 April 1643 Location Ripple in Worcestershire, England Result Royalist victory
Belligerents
Royalists	Parliamentarians
Commanders and leaders
Prince Maurice	Sir William Waller
Strength
2,000	2,000
Casualties and losses
Light	c. 50 cavalry Unknown infantry.

The Battle of Ripple Field was a small but important fight during the First English Civil War. It happened on April 13, 1643, near a village called Ripple in Worcestershire, England. In this battle, the Royalist army, led by Prince Maurice, defeated the Parliamentarian forces, led by Sir William Waller. This victory was a boost for the Royalists early in the war.

What Was the English Civil War?

The English Civil War was a huge conflict in England between 1642 and 1651. It was fought between two main groups:

• The Royalists: These were supporters of King Charles I. They were also called Cavaliers.
• The Parliamentarians: These were supporters of the Parliament. They were also known as Roundheads.

The war was about who should have more power: the King or the Parliament. It was a very difficult time for England.

Why Was Ripple Field Important?

The Battle of Ripple Field was part of the bigger struggle. It showed how the Royalist cavalry (soldiers on horseback) were very strong. It also helped the Royalists control more areas in the west of England.

Before the Battle

Before the battle, the Parliamentarian commander, Sir William Waller, was trying to stop the Royalist army. He marched his troops north from Tewkesbury. Waller wanted to trap Prince Maurice's Royalist cavalry on the west side of the River Severn.

However, Prince Maurice was clever. He managed to cross the River Severn at a place called Upton-Upon-Severn. After crossing, he quickly moved south through Ryall. His goal was to meet Waller's soldiers, who had set up their defenses in Ripple Field.

How the Battle Unfolded

The battle began with a charge from Waller's Parliamentarian cavalry. But the Royalists were ready and easily pushed them back.

The Parliamentarian soldiers then tried to retreat into the narrow lanes of Ripple village. But the Royalists followed them closely. The Parliamentarian forces were quickly surrounded and completely defeated.

The "London Lobsters"

During the retreat, a special Parliamentarian regiment called "Haselrigge's Lobsters" fought bravely. They were one of the few regiments in the war that wore full armor, like a lobster's shell. They lost about 70% of their men trying to protect the retreating Parliamentarian army. These brave soldiers were trying to get back to Tewkesbury.

In the end, some Parliamentarian reinforcements arrived. They managed to stop the Royalists at Mythe Hill, just north of Tewkesbury. This prevented the Royalists from chasing the defeated Parliamentarians further.