Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle belonged to Lord Chandos, a royalist who had attempted to recruit for the king in Cirencester, only to have his coach overturned by the citizens. Taking it would not only provide an outpost north of Gloucester, but also deprive the king's allies of a useful base.

Sudeley Castle, with its royal connections, would have been a prime target for the puritans in Gloucester even without its military significance. Lord Chandos left a small group of soldiers under the command of Captain Bridges. The strength of the castle's defences suggested that such a force could hold out for a reasonable time.

On January 29^th 1643, Massie arrived with a small force and after a short barrage by his artillery demanded the castle's surrender. Bridges asked for the night to decide, and was granted it. In the morning Massie's troops managed to approach close to the castle and the occupants surrendered with leave to return to their homes.