Battle of Chalgrove Field

Battle of Chalgrove Field
Part of the First English Civil War
Monument to John Hampden on the battlefield, erected in 1843
Date 18 June 1643 Location Chalgrove, Oxfordshire Result Royalist victory
Belligerents
Royalists	Parliamentarians
Commanders and leaders
Prince Rupert Lord Wentworth William Legge Sir Henry Lunsford[1]	Sir Philip Stapleton John Hampden † John Gunter † Colonel Dalbier
Strength
1,150 cavalry; 350 dragoons 500 infantry[2]	900 cavalry (200 engaged); 100 dragoons
Casualties and losses
20–45 (estimate)	Max 50, unknown prisoners

The Battle of Chalgrove Field took place on 18 June 1643, during the First English Civil War, near Chalgrove, Oxfordshire. It is now best remembered for the death of John Hampden, who was wounded in the shoulder during the battle and died six days later.

Hoping to capture a Parliamentarian convoy containing £21,000 in cash, during the night of 17 to 18 June Royalist cavalry from Oxford led by Prince Rupert raided positions around Chinnor. Although they failed to intercept the convoy, they seized supplies and prisoners and headed home pursued by cavalry under Hampden and Major John Gunter. Prince Rupert halted at Chalgrove and counterattacked, scattering his opponents before their main force arrived under Sir Philip Stapleton.

The ease with which the Royalists conducted their raid, along with the failure to capitalise on the capture of Reading in April caused serious criticism of the Earl of Essex, Parliamentarian commander. On the other hand, Royalist morale was significantly boosted and Chalgrove marked the start of a series of victories over the next six months.