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What happened at the Battle of Edgehill in 1642?

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Painting of the Battle of Naseby shows cavalry and infantry clashing, with soldiers on horseback leading a charge and fallen fighters on the ground amid the chaos of battle. — English Civil Wars *Battle of Naseby*, by an unknown artist. The victory of the Parliamentarian New Model Army, under Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, over the Royalist army, commanded by Prince Rupert, at the Battle of Naseby (June 14, 1645) marked the decisive turning point in the English Civil War.

The Battle of Edgehill, fought on October 23, 1642, was the first major engagement of the English Civil Wars. The conflict occurred when parliamentary forces, led by the Earl of Essex, intercepted Charles I as he marched toward London.21

Action began in the afternoon following hours of preparation by largely inexperienced troops. Prince Rupert led a successful Royalist cavalry charge, but his extended pursuit allowed the parliamentary infantry to push back the Royalist lines. The battle ended in a stalemate as darkness fell, with approximately 3,000 casualties among the 26,000 soldiers involved.2

Neither side could resume fighting the following day. Although Charles I eventually continued his march, the delay at Edgehill provided Essex enough time to reach London and organize a defense. This strategic setback prevented the King from quickly ending the rebellion, ultimately forcing him to establish his capital at Oxford.2