In 1645 during the latter stages of the First English Civil War, a Royalist (Cavalier) army under the command of General George Goring was attempting a tactical withdrawal from Langport to the safety of Bridgwater.
Following their victory at Naseby, the Parliamentarian (Roundhead) New Model Army was rapidly approaching from the east, when Goring took up his position on high ground just outside Langport, controlling the major road across the valley. Goring had split his forces, sending most of his artillery ahead towards Bridgwater.
Although he held a strong position, Goring’s forces were both outnumbered and outgunned, and any resistance soon crumbled.
Their defeat at Langport all but destroyed Royalist morale in the West Country, with Bridgwater falling soon after.
Click here for a battlefield map.
Key Facts:
Date: 10th July, 1645
War: English Civil War
Location: Langport, near Yeovil, Somerset
Belligerents: Royalists and Parliamentarians
Victors: Parliamentarians
Numbers: Royalists around 7,000, Parliamentarians around 10,000
Casualties: Royalists around 500, Parliamentarians unknown
Commanders: George, Lord Goring (Royalists – pictured below), Sir Thomas Fairfax (Parliamentarians – pictured at the top of this article)
Location:
More Battles in the English Civil War:
| Battle of Edgehill | 23 October, 1642 |
| Battle of Braddock Down | 19 January, 1643 |
| Battle of Hopton Heath | 19 March, 1643 |
| Battle of Stratton | 16 May, 1643 |
| Battle of Chalgrove Field | 18 June, 1643 |
| Battle of Adwalton Moor | 30 June, 1643 |
| Battle of Lansdowne | 5 July, 1643 |
| Battle of Roundway Down | 13 July, 1643 |
| Battle of Winceby | 11 October, 1643 |
| Battle of Nantwich | 25 January, 1644 |
| Battle of Cheriton | 29 March, 1644 |
| Battle of Cropredy Bridge | 29 June, 1644 |
| Battle of Marston Moor | 2 July, 1644 |
| Battle of Naseby | 14 June, 1645 |
| Battle of Langport | 10 July 1645 |
| Battle of Rowton Heath | 24 September, 1645 |
| Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold | 21 March, 1646 |
