Description:Many of the battle accounts featured in the Sutherland Papers are written from the Royalist perspective, supporting the King. They include accounts of the Battle of Edgehill, the opening battle of the Civil War, and a long account of the Battle of Hopton Heath. The accounts provide a fascinating insight into the scale and tactics of the military campaigns of the Civil War.
Earl Derby’s Attack on Manchester
This extract is taken from the Earl Of Derby's account of a military attack on Manchester. Derby's account tells us about battle tactics and the number of troops killed in the attack.
"Thursday – About Ten of ye Clocke this day theere went forth of the Towne 100 muskitteers 50 pikes and 50 holbeards to releave a house neare the Towne which my Lords forces had taken whoe where sett uppon by a Troope of horse and some 100 musketts fires and after an hours fight the forced most of the house in to the river were drownd one Captaine Snell and 2 more whoe were found on satturday morninge …..wee lost 5 men and had 8 more mortallie wounded on my lords side besides them that were drowned were slaine 13 men and 2 horsemen well affooted taken prisoner."
Follow the link below to read a full transcription of the Earl of Derby's account.