Stockton Heath & Warrington during British Civil Wars

Stockton Heath & Warrington during the British Civil Wars

Paul Wright the Chair of the Battle of Winwick Society and North West Regional Chair for the Battlefields Trust. Stockton Heath found itself at the front line of the fighting in all three conflicts that occurred within England during 1642 to 1651.

Warrington was an important place in the 17th Century as it was the first point from the Irish Sea where a bridge provided a connection to Cheshire. It was also situated on a key Anglo-Scottish road (Stockton Heath was also located on that road). During the first Civil war a battle was fought at Stockton Heath on 5th April 1643 between the Parliamentarian Forces of Sir William Brereton and the Royalist Forces of Lord Derby.

On 19th August 1648, during the Second Civil War, Stockton Heath witnessed the Cavalry from the Scottish army pass through on their way south after defeats at Preston and Winwick. On the same day foot soldiers surrendered to an army commanded by Oliver Cromwell at Warrington.

Finally during the Anglo-Scottish War of 1650-52 (Sometimes called the third Civil War) a significant action was fought on the Cheshire side of the Warrington Bridge. On 13th August 1651 an Invading Scottish Army led by Charles II clashed with the fledgling English Republic.

Paul’s talk will explain these actions and the events that led up to them and demonstrate how important the local area was during these conflicts.

Visit the Battle of Winwick Society gazebo on the Festival Field Saturday and Sunday.

Or visit the website here for more information: https://www.battle-of-winwick-1648.uk/membership-page