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the first major clash the English Civil War began.

It had resulted from the growing struggle between Parliament and monarchy. King Charles I had attempted to assert authority over Parliament which increasingly dictated policy.

This situation was not helped by the fact, Parliament was predominately puritans whereas there was a suspicion that Charles had Catholic sympathies.

Frustrated that Parliament continued to block Royal policy in 1641 Charles went to Parliament to arrest several members. However when he arrived those members were not be found.

Charles was forced out of London and had to set up base at Oxford. This was a major blow to his aspirations and the Parliamentarians under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell took charge of London and all the resources that represented.

So the country was divided and forced to take sides. Followers of the King, known as Royalists or Cavaliers were opposed by the followers of Cromwell known as Roundheads.

Edgehill itself is an elevated ridge a mile or so North West of Banbury. The Royalists led by Charles I were positioned above the Parliamentary troops led by Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex. Both sides had around 14,000 infantry and cavalry troops

PLAYERS, Arms & Armour (Blue Back) [1909]

The battle began with an exchange of cannon fire. The royalists: were largely ineffective because of their uphill position.

Next the Royalist Calvary, led by Prince Rupert, the King's nephew swept downhill towards the Parliamentarians and decimated a large section their ranks.

The ease of this victory somewhat went the Prince Rupert's head and the advantage was lost as he chase down the fleeing Parliamentarians and got involved in plundering the town rather finished the fight.

This allowed the Parliamentary troops to regroup and the initial advantage was lost.

Several hours of vicious fighting ensued before both sides had to stop as night fell.

	ON THIS DAY... Arms & Armour

Although in terms of casualties and depleted resources the battle was a draw, both sides actually suffering heavy losses, Essex withdrew from the battlefield the following day leaving the road to London clear for Charles I.

Charles I however did not capitalise on this advantage.

So ended the first engagement of a very bloody civil war.