After the Siege

After the Siege the king's army moved slowly towards London, trying to force Essex to a battle. This happened at Newbury in September, about three weeks after the siege ended.

The first Battle of Newbury was a disaster for the king's army. He probably expected to win this battle in the open field, but it was not an easy victory. Charles lost many cavalry, including some of the cream of his aristocracy. He withdrew to Newbury over night, and Essex was able to bypass him and move onto London and safety. Charles followed, but at Turnham Green outside the capital he was unwilling to face a force twice his size, because London had risen against him. This was as close to London as the king would ever come again as a free monarch.