The Battle For Powick Bridge - 23rd September 1642

Although a relatively minor battle in the grand scheme of things. The battle for Powick bridge is important, as it represents the first engagement of the civil war. It also represents the first battle fought in Worcester. As a turn of coincidence, in 1651 th,e very last bloodshed was also fought in Worcester in the form of the Battle of Worcester.

The battle at Powick Bridge took place on the 23rd September 1642, four weeks after Charles I had risen the royal standard above Nottingham Castle, declaring his intentions for war against the Parliamentarians. Upon realising that his army was not capable enough for major combat, he headed west to Wales and Cheshire to gather strength. The Earl of Essex commanded parliaments army, they headed to Northampton on the 9th of September and upon realising that the King had left Nottingham, headed for the faithful city 10 days later. Meanwhile, on the 12th of September Lord Byron (a Royalist) gathered a hundred men in Oxford and carrying treasure pillaged from the Universities, headed for Worcester. On the 14th he met Prince Rupert there who had a 1000 horse army. They quickly realised that Worcester was vulnerable and Byron decided to head north with a convoy and the treasure to Chester to rendezvous with the Kings army. Behind was left Prince Rupert's cavalry.

Essex's advance guard of 1000 horses arrived, in Worcester on the 23rd, commanded by Nathaniel Fiennes. As they approached Powick Bridge and attempted to cross the Teme, they were attacked by the Royalist cavalry. Rupert was injured but survived, making him an infamous foe. Nevertheless, the Royalist forces were triumphant and parliaments forces fled leaving 150 dead.

The Earl of Essex arrived the following day with the major part of his army. The mayor of Worcester was arrested and the Cathedral looted. It didn't matter for the royalists though, as they had protected the Kings treasure convoy.