Battle of Tipton Green facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Tipton Green |
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| Part of the First English Civil War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Royalists |
 Parliamentarians |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Viscount Wilmot | Earl of Denbigh | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| c. 2,500 | c. 1,750 | ||||||
The Battle of Tipton Green was a fight during the First English Civil War on 12 June 1644. It happened near Tipton Green, about one mile from Dudley Castle. This battle was between the Royalist army, who supported King Charles I, and the Parliamentarian army, who supported Parliament.
The Royalists came from Worcester to help Dudley Castle. The Parliamentarians were trying to capture the castle. The battle itself didn't have a clear winner, as both sides eventually left. However, the Royalists achieved their goal because they made the Parliamentarians stop trying to capture the castle.
Contents
Why Did the Battle of Tipton Green Happen?
The English Civil War Begins
In June 1644, the First English Civil War had been going on for almost two years. This war started because of big disagreements between King Charles I and Parliament. They argued about religion, money, and how the country should be run.
The King believed he had the right to rule without much input from Parliament. Parliament, however, wanted more power and control. These arguments eventually led to war. King Charles I raised his flag in Nottingham in 1642. This was his way of declaring war on Parliament.
Siege of Dudley Castle
In early June 1644, a Parliamentarian army arrived at Dudley Castle. This army had about 1,000 foot soldiers and 750 horsemen. They were led by the Earl of Denbigh. Their goal was to capture the castle, which was held by the Royalists.
King Charles I heard about the siege. He sent Viscount Wilmot to help. Wilmot had about 2,500 horsemen. His mission was to make the Parliamentarians stop attacking the castle.
Parliamentarians Prepare to Leave
When the Earl of Denbigh learned that Wilmot's Royalist forces were coming, he sent a small group to meet them. There was a short fight, but no clear winner. Wilmot then stopped for the night.
During the night, Denbigh decided to stop the siege of Dudley Castle. He began to move his army away. However, he had trouble moving his large cannons. Denbigh was very determined not to leave his cannons behind. He said he would rather lose ten lives than one cannon. By the time he finally moved the last cannon, it was morning. Wilmot's army was now very close.
What Happened During the Battle of Tipton Green?
Armies Face Off
Denbigh's army was still very close to Dudley Castle when Wilmot's forces caught up. Denbigh quickly set up his army at Tipton Green to face Wilmot. Wilmot's army also got help from soldiers who came out of Dudley Castle. With these extra musketeers, Wilmot moved forward to attack the Parliamentarians.
Fighting Begins
The Royalists managed to get some of their musketeers inside Tipton Green House. Another group of Royalists, about 300 horsemen and some musketeers, charged at the Parliamentarians. They attacked again, and this second charge made Denbigh's horsemen run away.
However, the Parliamentarians had kept enough soldiers ready. They quickly fought back, forcing the Royalists to stop their attack. A group of Parliamentarian foot soldiers, led by Colonel Simon Rugeley, then drove the Royalist musketeers out of Tipton Green House.
Both Sides Withdraw
After this fighting, neither side seemed eager to continue the battle. Both armies decided to leave the area. Wilmot's Royalist army went back to the King in Worcester. Denbigh's Parliamentarian army went to Walsall.
What Was the Result of the Battle?
Both commanders, Wilmot and Denbigh, said they had won the battle. However, the battle itself was "indecisive," meaning there was no clear winner on the battlefield.
But, if we look at the goal, the Royalists had a better reason to claim victory. They had successfully forced Denbigh to stop his siege of Dudley Castle. The battle is remembered today with a special sign on Malthouse Stables. This building stands on part of the land where the battle took place.
