Key facts and dates

The English Civil War, fought between King Charles I and Parliament, had two phases from 1642 to 1646 and 1648 to 1649. By the second phase, Parliamentarian victories became more common, largely due to their New Model Army.

Timeline of key events

• August 1642 – Charles I raises his army in Nottingham; Parliament assembles its forces in London.
• October 1642 – Battle of Edgehill with no clear result.
• 1643 – Series of battles, including Newbury, with no clear outcome.
• June and July 1645 – Parliament used the New Model Army to win important victories at Naseby and Langport.
• 1646 – Charles I flees to Scotland, where he is captured and handed over to Parliament.
• 1647 – Charles rejects Parliament's peace terms, including control of the army for 20 years and religious freedoms, and attempts an escape.

The two main phases of the Civil War

The English Civil War unfolded in two phases between 1642 and 1649. The first phase covered 1642-1646, and the second phase covered 1648-1649.

First phase (1642-1646)

This phase was characterised by the raising of armies and a series of battles without a clear victor initially.

Second phase (1648-1649)

By this time, Parliamentarians were starting to win, as their New Model Army was tough and disciplined.

Key events and battles in the first phase from 1642 to 1646

Beginning of the war (August 1642)

Charles I raised his army in Nottingham while Parliament assembled its forces in London.

Early battles with no clear outcomes

• Battle of Edgehill (October 1642) - The first major battle resulted in no clear victor.
• Series of battles (1643) - Including the Battle of Newbury, these continued to produce inconclusive results.

Parliamentarian victories (1645-1646)

• Battles of Naseby and Langport (June-July 1645) - Parliament used the New Model Army to win these important victories.
• Charles's flight (1646) - Charles I fled to Scotland, where he was captured and handed over to Parliament.

Role and impact of the New Model Army

The New Model Army was a key factor in Parliament's eventual victory in the Civil War. This professional army transformed the conflict and gave Parliament a decisive advantage.

Key features of the New Model Army

• Professional discipline - Soldiers were well-trained and disciplined, making them reliable in battle.
• Military effectiveness - The army was organised and equipped to modern standards for the time.

Impact on the war

Parliament used the New Model Army to win important victories at Naseby and Langport, which marked the turning point in the conflict.

Developments in the second phase from 1648 to 1649

Charles's rejection of peace terms (1647)

Charles rejected Parliament's peace deal, which would have given Parliament control of the army for 20 years and allowed freedom of worship.

Charles's attempted escape (1647)

Following his rejection of the peace terms, Charles attempted to escape from Parliamentary custody.