Timeline: Timeline of events 1640 - 1660

Jan 4, 1642

Charles I attempts to arrest the Five Members

Angered by parliament's refusal to arrest for treason the most prominent MPs opposing him, King Charles takes matters into his own hands. Arriving at Westminster with a body of men, he orders John Pym, John Hampden, Denzil Holles, Sir Arthur Hesilrig, William Strode, and peer Lord Mandeville to be taken in. Forewarned of the king's approach the men flee into the city, prompting the speaker to remark to a bewildered Charles that "the birds have flown".

Aug 22, 1642

Charles I raises standard

Charles I's raising of his standard at Nottingham Castle is considered generally considered to mark the outbreak of the English Civil War. The king rode to the town at the heard of 2000 cavalry, supported by a smaller number of Yorkshire infantry. It was an inauspicious beginning: the flag blew down in poor weather that night and had to be replaced. Photo: © Copyright John Sutton (CC BY SA-2.0)

Sep 23, 1642

Battle of Powick Bridge

The first major skirmish, and the emergence of Prince Rupert as the leading royalist cavalry commander. The routing of parliament's horse near Worcester under Nathaniel Fiennes was a major propaganda victory for the king, even though few were actually killed. 'Where England's sorrows began' - Hugh Peters

Oct 23, 1642

Battle of Edgehill

The first major pitched battle of the English Civil War, in Warwickshire. An army of 15,000 under the Earl of Essex faced a royalist force of comparable size, nominally under the command of the king himself. A narrow Royalist victory, though largely inconclusive. More about the battle

Nov 13, 1642

Royalists' march on London halted at Turnham Green

The King's early chance to win the war. If Charles had taken the capital then they conflict may have been over by the end of the year. 24,000 men under Philip Skippon engaged the king's men in a stand-off at Turnham Green in south-west London, eventually forcing the king to withdraw. Read more about the battle

Jan 19, 1643

Battle of Braddock Down

Jun 30, 1643

Battle of Adwalton Moor

Jul 13, 1643

Battle of Roundway Down

A huge success for the royalists. Lord Hopton, Lord Wilmot and Prince Maurice defeated the forces of Sir Arthur Hesilrig and Sir William Waller on the down near to Devizes. 600 of parliament's men died, with many of the horse killed after being forced to gallop over an unseen 300 feet precipice. Read more about the battle

Sep 20, 1643