Attention turns to Gloucester

Bristol fell to a violent and bloody royalist assault on July 26^th 1643. Charles might have capitalised on capturing this second city of the kingdom, and marched to London. Instead, he turned his attention to Gloucester.

The loss of Bristol came as a massive blow to Parliament and to the city of Gloucester with its tiny garrison. Despite preparations against a royalist attack which went back to the spring, the city was still vulnerable.

Royalist troops began to arrive on August 6^th, when General Garrett appeared in Tredworth with a brigade of horse.

The main body of the army drew up over the next few days, and Charles arrived on August 10^th. A carefully worded summons required the city to surrender, giving two hours for the reply. The reply took time to compose, as the Mayor did not wish to break his oath to the crown. Nevertheless, a refusal was delivered, and the Siege of Gloucester began.