Worcestershire Under Arms: An English County During the Civil Wars

A new history of the English Civil War in Worcestershire provides an authentic inside view of the impact of the conflict on an English county, including how the armies were raised, maintained, and equipped, and how major events affected the county.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

A groundbreaking new history of the English Civil War in Worcestershire delves into the experiences of local men who enlisted in the Royalist and Parliamentarian armies. The author provides a captivating account of the recruitment, maintenance, and equipping of these armies, as well as documenting how significant events in the Civil War across England impacted the county. Additionally, extensive and revealing excerpts from contemporary documents are included, offering an authentic inside perspective on the impact of the conflict on an English county. This evidence reflects the broader Civil War experience of the country.

The recruitment of soldiers in Worcestershire during the Civil War was a complex process that involved a variety of factors. The county was located in the Midlands, which was a region heavily affected by the conflict. Worcestershire was also home to a number of influential noble families, including the Dudley and Beauchamp families, who were known for their support of the Royalists.

One of the main methods used to recruit soldiers in Worcestershire was through the local militia. The militia was a voluntary organization that was responsible for the defense of the county in times of war. Many men in Worcestershire were members of the militia, and they were often called upon to serve in the Royalist army.

Another method used to recruit soldiers was through the recruitment of regiments. Regiments were large units of soldiers that were typically organized by a noble or other influential individual. The regiments were often recruited from a specific region or county, and they were often composed of men who had a common background or occupation.

The recruitment of soldiers in Worcestershire was not without its challenges. One of the main challenges was the lack of resources. Worcestershire was a relatively poor county, and it was difficult for the Royalists to provide their soldiers with adequate equipment and supplies. This led to a number of desertions and shortages of soldiers in the Royalist army.

Despite these challenges, the Royalists were able to maintain a presence in Worcestershire throughout the Civil War. The county was home to a number of important battles, including the Battle of Worcester in 1651 and the Battle of Edgehill in 1642. These battles were significant victories for the Royalists, and they helped to maintain their hold on the county.

In addition to the recruitment of soldiers, the Royalists also relied on the support of local communities. The Royalists were often able to secure the support of local landowners and merchants, who were willing to provide them with food, shelter, and other supplies. This support was crucial in allowing the Royalists to maintain their presence in Worcestershire.

The Parliamentarians, on the other hand, faced a different set of challenges in Worcestershire. The Parliamentarians were supported by a number of influential noble families, including the Spencer and Cavendish families. However, the Parliamentarians were also faced with opposition from a number of local communities, who were loyal to the Royalists.

One of the main methods used by the Parliamentarians to recruit soldiers in Worcestershire was through the recruitment of regiments. The Parliamentarians were able to recruit a number of regiments from other parts of England, which helped to strengthen their presence in Worcestershire.

The Parliamentarians also relied on the support of local communities. The Parliamentarians were often able to secure the support of local landowners and merchants, who were willing to provide them with food, shelter, and other supplies. This support was crucial in allowing the Parliamentarians to maintain their presence in Worcestershire.

The Civil War in Worcestershire was a complex and multifaceted conflict that had a significant impact on the county. The recruitment of soldiers in Worcestershire was a complex process that involved a variety of methods, including the local militia, recruitment of regiments, and the support of local communities. The Royalists were able to maintain a presence in Worcestershire throughout the Civil War, thanks to the support of local communities and the recruitment of soldiers from other parts of England. The Parliamentarians, on the other hand, faced a different set of challenges, but were able to recruit a number of regiments from other parts of England and secure the support of local communities. The Civil War in Worcestershire was a significant event in English history, and it has left a lasting legacy.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399014380