Was Somerset Royalist in the English Civil War?
The English Civil War, fought between 1642 and 1651, was a pivotal moment in English history, with far-reaching consequences for the country’s politics, society, and economy. One of the key questions surrounding this conflict is the role of the county of Somerset, particularly whether it was a predominantly Royalist or Parliamentarian stronghold. In this article, we will delve into the history of Somerset during the English Civil War and examine the evidence to determine whether Somerset was indeed a Royalist county.
Early Years of the Civil War
The English Civil War began in 1642, sparked by tensions between King Charles I and Parliament over issues such as taxation, the role of the monarchy, and the Church of England. As the conflict escalated, various counties across England declared their allegiance to either the Royalist cause or the Parliamentarian cause. Somerset, located in the southwest of England, was a strategically important county, with a rich history and a complex social structure.
Initial Royalist Support
Initially, Somerset seemed to favor the Royalist cause, with many of its leading families and gentry swearing allegiance to King Charles I. The Earl of Bedford, a prominent local nobleman, was a strong supporter of the Royalist cause, and his influence helped to sway public opinion in favor of the King. Additionally, many of Somerset’s clergy, including the Bishop of Bath and Wells, were Royalist sympathizers, which further solidified support for the King.
Parliamentarian Counter-Narrative
However, not all of Somerset was united in its support for the Royalist cause. Parliamentarian elements, including puritanical groups and Independent congregations, began to organize and gather support. These groups saw the Royalist cause as a threat to their beliefs and values, and were determined to resist the King’s authority.
Turning Point: The Battle of Stratton
The turning point in Somerset’s allegiances came with the Battle of Stratton, fought on May 16, 1643. This battle, fought near the town of Stratton, saw a Parliamentarian force led by Colonel Edward Massie defeat a Royalist force led by Lord Goring. The victory was a significant blow to the Royalist cause, and many of Somerset’s leading families and gentry began to switch their allegiance to Parliament.
Royalist Resistance
Despite the defeat at Stratton, Royalist resistance in Somerset continued, with Colonel John Berkeley leading a guerrilla war against Parliamentarian forces. Berkeley’s Rebellion, as it came to be known, was a brutal and effective campaign that harassed and disrupted Parliamentarian communications and supply lines.
Parliamentarian Control
By 1644, Parliamentarian forces had gained control of Somerset, with General Fairfax‘s army occupying the county. The Parliamentarian regime established a Committee of Safety, which aimed to root out Royalist sympathizers and maintain control over the county.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Somerset initially seemed to favor the Royalist cause, the county’s allegiance shifted towards Parliament during the English Civil War. The Battle of Stratton was a turning point, and the subsequent Parliamentarian control of the county was maintained through a combination of military force and local support. Table 1 summarizes the key events and figures in Somerset’s role in the English Civil War.
Table 1: Key Events and Figures in Somerset’s Role in the English Civil War
| Event | Date | Figure/ Force | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earl of Bedford’s support for the Royalist cause | 1642 | Earl of Bedford | Initial Royalist support |
| Battle of Stratton | May 16, 1643 | Colonel Edward Massie vs. Lord Goring | Parliamentarian victory, turning point in Somerset’s allegiance |
| Berkeley’s Rebellion | 1643-1644 | Colonel John Berkeley | Royalist resistance, harassment of Parliamentarian forces |
| Parliamentarian control of Somerset | 1644 | General Fairfax’s army | Establishment of Committee of Safety, maintenance of control |
In summary, Somerset’s role in the English Civil War was complex and nuanced, with the county initially supporting the Royalist cause before shifting towards Parliamentarian allegiance. The Battle of Stratton was a pivotal moment, marking a turning point in the county’s allegiance. The subsequent Parliamentarian control of Somerset was maintained through a combination of military force and local support.
