During the English Civil War (1642-1651), Cornwall played a significant role in the conflict, aligning itself with the Royalist cause. The county was largely supportive of King Charles I and his attempt to maintain absolute power against Parliament.
Cornwall’s allegiance to the Royalists stemmed from various factors. Firstly, there was a strong sense of regional identity and loyalty to the monarchy among the Cornish population. Additionally, Cornwall had a long-standing tradition of being a royalist stronghold, with many influential families and landowners supporting the crown.
The Royalists in Cornwall, led by figures such as Sir Richard Grenville and Sir Ralph Hopton, raised armies and fought in several key battles. One notable battle was the Battle of Stratton in 1643, where the Royalists achieved a decisive victory over the Parliamentarians. This victory allowed the Royalists to gain control over much of Cornwall and secure vital resources, such as tin mines, which provided financial support for their cause.
However, the tide of the war eventually turned against the Royalists. The Parliamentarian forces, led by generals such as Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, launched campaigns to suppress Royalist strongholds across the country, including Cornwall. The Parliamentarians gradually gained the upper hand and pushed the Royalist forces back.
The final major conflict in Cornwall was the Battle of Lostwithiel in 1644. The Royalists, under the command of Charles I’s nephew, Prince Maurice, were surrounded and eventually forced to surrender to the Parliamentarians. This marked a significant turning point in the war and further weakened the Royalist cause.
After their defeat at Lostwithiel, Cornwall fell under Parliamentarian control. The victorious Parliamentarians implemented measures to suppress Royalist sympathizers, including confiscating their properties and imposing fines.
The English Civil War had a lasting impact on Cornwall. The region experienced significant social and economic upheaval, with many landowners and families suffering losses and disruptions to their way of life. Additionally, the war contributed to a shift in power dynamics within Cornwall, as Parliamentarian forces exerted greater control over the region.
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Based in Cornwall we’re the only full service destination management company for our region. Recommended partner of Visit Cornwall, the official tourism board, we work with tour operators, travel agents and individual group leaders offering it as part of complete packages that can include London, Southern England and the rest of the UK & Ireland.
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