Siege of Bristol (1645) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Bristol
Part of English Civil War
Date 23 August – 10 September 1645 Location Bristol Result Parliamentary victory
Belligerents
Royalists	Parliamentarians
Commanders and leaders
Prince Rupert	Lord Fairfax

The Second Siege of Bristol was an important event during the First English Civil War. It happened from August 23 to September 10, 1645. During this time, the city of Bristol was under attack.

The Royalist commander, Prince Rupert, had taken Bristol from the Parliamentarians in 1643. But in 1645, the Parliamentarian army, called the New Model Army, attacked the city. Their leader was Lord Fairfax. In the end, Prince Rupert surrendered Bristol to Lord Fairfax.

Why Bristol Was Attacked

Before attacking Bristol, Lord Fairfax and the New Model Army had won a battle at Bridgwater. After that, they focused on clearing out groups called the Dorsetshire Clubmen. These were local people who wanted to protect their homes from both armies. The Parliamentarians also attacked Sherborne Castle. Once these tasks were done, the army decided to lay siege to Bristol.

The Siege of Bristol Begins

On August 23, 1645, the New Model Army surrounded Bristol. This meant they cut off the city from outside help. They planned to attack the city's defenses.

Prince Rupert knew that his small force could not hold the city for much longer. The defensive walls around Bristol were very long. He did not have enough soldiers to defend them all.

The Final Attack and Surrender

On the night of September 9, 1645, Lord Fairfax's army launched a big attack on Bristol. Prince Rupert saw that there was no hope of winning. On September 10, he agreed to surrender Bristol.

Prince Rupert and his soldiers were allowed to leave Bristol safely. They were taken to Oxford. As he rode, Prince Rupert talked with the Parliamentarian officers. They discussed what might happen next for England.

What Happened After the Siege

King Charles, who was the leader of the Royalists, was shocked by the loss of Bristol. He was very upset and removed Prince Rupert from all his jobs. The King also ordered Prince Rupert to leave England.

Losing Bristol was a huge blow for the Royalists. It meant that Chester was the only major port they still controlled. This port was important for connecting the English Royalists with their allies in Ireland.