Gloucester Protected

Massie used a ring of outposts to protect the city from immediate attack. He set about seizing and garrisoning key places to ensure that any enemy advance on Gloucester might be seen early, and delayed if possible.

The establishment of external guards and garrisons took place early in the war. Tewkesbury, Soudley Castle, Berkeley Castle and the Vineyard at Over were all turned into outposts for the Gloucester garrison. They underwent a chequered history often changing hands several times during the war. Throughout the period of his command at Gloucester Massie tried to extend the boundaries of his zone of control, to give the city maximum protection. Only during the summer of 1643 was he forced to bring in his garrisons to defend the heart.