A PARTICULAR RELATION of the Action before Cyrencester (or Cycester) in Gloucester shire.  
Taken in on Candlemas day 1642.  
by part of His majesty's Army under the Conduct of HIS highness PRINCE Rupert, PRINCE PALATINE OF the RHINE, Duke of BAVARIA, &c. and general of His majesty's cavalry in this present expedition.  
Written by an eyewitness.  
Printed in the year, 1642.   

AN account OF THE ACTION BEFORE Cyrencester or Cicester in Glocestershire.  
REBELLION, how ever it comes off, yet it ever begins with Conquest. That, I mean, of the rebels over their own consciences. The design will never advance kindly, till That beforehand be subdued to so stupid and tame a temper, as to boggle or take check at the horror of no scruples; but to accept of whatever desperate or wild scruples. The Scripture calls it Witchcraft: for with such murmurs and whispers as witches use, (murmurs against the present government, and whispers of unreasonable and inconsistent hopes in the projected Reformation) it becharms and besots their understanding. And that so universally and so deeply, as seldom can any other reason undeceive them, but the affliction of another conquest. The experience of Cyrencester, hath proved this observation true: who blinded and confident in the beginning of the battle saw not its own error, till its own flames showed it.  
So God disposed it, that on Saturday January 21. 1642. Prince RUPERT'S highness, with a fair part of His majesty's Army, began His march from Oxford. Of Horse he led along five Regiments, besides his own troop of Life-guards: the rest being Footmen and Dragooners. four small Drakes or field-pieces were drawn along, for securing of the March. The design was, to relieve colonel Hastings, besieged at his own house at Ashby de la Zouch in Leicestershire. For this purpose, the March was directed thorough Northamptonshire: but hearing by the way, how the valiant colonel had made the Lord Gray to forsake the siege: the Prince then altogether diverted His thoughts and March, towards Cyrencester. His Majesty was then sent unto for more Forces, and some pieces of Battery; and till those could be brought up, His highness by easy marches, passed through Warwick shire, into Glocestershire upon Monday, January 30. passing along by Sudlye Castle belonging to the Lord Chandois. This being the Saturday night before, possessed by some part of the rebels of Cyrencester; the Prince well knowing the fortune of that Castle to depend upon that town, resolved to pursue His first purpose, and to leave the Castle to come in afterwards. Therefore on Monday morning, having only sent His own Regiment with Lieutenant colonel O Neale, and a strong party of Dragooners to keep watch on the Cyrencester side; at night when the gross of the Army was Marched up, the Parties were all drawn off, and altogether for that night inquartered in the open fields by Halling, some two miles from the Castle.  
Upon Thursday morning February the second, came in more Dragooners, with another Regiment of Horse, under colonel Slater: as also two demi-canons for battery, shooting 18. pound bullet, and a Mortar-piece to shoot Granadoes; All these at the Rendezvous short of Cyrencester, were presented unto the Prince, by colonel Henry Wentworth: and the men in the following fight, divided among the other Regiments. Hereupon, His highness riding before to take view of the nearer part of the Town, left Lieutenant colonel Lunsford with his Dragooners, to attack it on that North quarter. His Seconds was my Lord of Carnarvans Regiment of Horse and within 150. paces of the Spittle-gate, did monsieur la Roche plant his Mortar-piece.  
The Prince (after some shots of Cannon made at Him) now returning to His troops, and Prayers now ended through all the Regiments, led on beyond the town, arranging His Battaglions in the Barton-field at the West end of Cyrencester. upon which, before we fall on, 'tis necessary to describe the Posts and Works in sight, that were to be first fallen upon.  
'Tis a Town of many streets; and 2000 Communicants: and (as seems) by that party, esteemed the very key of Glocestershire on that quarter● so that much of their Rest being set upon it, they had used all industry for the fortifying it: which also (for a Village) was very strong in its natural situation. 'tis more than half encompassed with water, a great part with a high wall; the rest by strong works secured. The Gardens and backsides, be divided by many low dry stone walls, as good as breastworks; and one so serving for retreats unto the other, that had the defendants courage to maintain a second, after they were put to retreat out of the first, we must have disputed every wall and garden with them. The streets were barricadoed up with chains, harrows, and wagons of bavins or Risebushes. Each end of the high street leading through the town, was secured against Horse with strong slaught-booms, which our men call turnpikes. Two cavaliers or Batteries they had, one at the South-west corner, on Mr Pool's garden mount, and on it two iron Sakers to command the field, the Prince drew up in, and to scour the entrance into the town. An other in George's backside at the southeast corner, upon Crekelade way, and on it an Iron Minion piece. In Sir William Master's garden a brass Saker, opposed against our mortar, and L. colonel Lunsford's quarter. In the Market place, an Iron Saker. and these five were all their Ordnance. The Sakers shot six pound ball, and the Minion four. The chief Commanders, were Mr John Fettiplace a Country Gentleman, colonel and Governor; and Car a Scotchman lieutenant-colonel; the man they most relied upon; and who assured them the day before, He would keep the town against 20000 men. Captain Buck (a busy Mercer of Hampton-rode) had a coward's wit with him: and that morning shifted himself out of the town; under pretence to fetch in more forces. The town (as appears by the Slain and Prisoners) had some 2000 men in it. namely of townsmen, Train-bands, and Blew-Coats of my Lord Stamfords Regiment: half of which Regiment were gone to Sudlye Castle before, with most of their Horse and Dragooners.  
The chief Posts or Works (in sight) our men were to give on upon; were Mr Pool's mount, with the high garden wall, reaching from the Lane to the Mount Southward. Then on the other side the Lane, was Giffard's house (the Barton house) and a square high Garden wall lined with musketeers, with other works.  
Lastly, on the left hand of this by Gloucester street end, over a void ground, some six or eight score between, were two water Milles, with great & many works & walls among. By this runs the River and other Waters. There stood a Colours. On t'other side the town and River, my Lord of Carnarvan & L. colonel Lunsford, had the Spittle-gate to attack, defended by high walls and works, and houses, whose Eaves were lined with Musquetiers, and the brass Saker to play upon them. On George's mount, was Captain Seimor, with his company. Thus was Cyrencester fortified: now see how (Maugre all this) by God's blessing, it was taken.  
The Prince in the Barton-field aforesaid, drawing up His Battaglions, commended the Right side or wing, to my Lord Wentworth, Sergeant Major general of the Dragooners. The Left wing the Prince himself took, committing the battle or Middle-ward to Lieutenant general Wilmot. under my Lord Wentworth, were his own Dragooners, my Lord of Northampton's, Sir Edmund Duncombs, and lieutenant-colonel Druryes. These were seconded by Sir Thomas Byron, with the Prince of Wales His Horse Regiment. In the Left wing was colonel Vsser with his own, and some 400. of those commanded men, that morning brought in by colonel Henry Wentworth. He was seconded by Prince Rupert's own Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant colonel O neal; and the fair and strong Troop of His highness' Life-guards, commanded by Sir Richard Crane. In the battle was colonel Lewis Kirke, with five hundred commanded men: being seconded by His highness' Prince Maurice Regiment. The Reserve, was committed to Sir John Byron: who with his Horse Regiment was to guard the rear, and to send out scouts & Patroles, that none in time or fight might fall upon us.  
The Word was Queen Mary: which given, the order of the assault was thus. First were thirty Musquetiers drawn out of colonel Kirks men, for a forlorn hope: led by Lieutenant St John's, who performed his part bravely. These were commanded by lieutenant general Wilmot, who Marched along by them, to direct them where and how to fall on. Being almost at the first hedge and Close, before and betwixt Giffard's and pools garden walls, the Lieutenant general sent a Minister back to the Prince to advance the Cannon, for (Says he) we are already almost in the hedge. At that hedge and the low wall beyond it, was the skirmish began: St John's giving fair fire, to beat the enemies out of it. There was he shot in the leg with a Slug bullet, and not able to advance farther, bade his men go on courageously. To second these thirty, colonel Kirke by and by sent Captain Min and sixty Musquetiers more; with a Lieutenant and Sergeant. After this, the whole Regiment came down the hill, to attack their designed Post: which was Gifford's Barton house and Garden wall. This battle was led by Lieutenant general Wilmot: who (by all men's confession) behaved himself so gallantly; with such judgement commanding, & by so much valour leading thorough the thickest of the danger; that the victory is much beholding to him. Now the rest of kirks Regiment, under Lieutenant colonel Layton, sergeant Major Windehank, Captain Wivell, Captain Gerard, Captain Radcliffe, and others, coming forwards, after some hot volleys beat the enemy from the hedge, to the garden wall aforesaid. Upon which our men running under the wall, and some setting their backs close to it, flung stones over their heads into it. By this time were colonel Vsser and my Lord Wentworth come in to this work from their several Posts (as in their order we shall see) so that the enemy beaten out of the house, Works, and Wall, retired, with more haste than order, thorough Cicely hill to their first turnpike; ours pursuing the retreat upon them, in blood and execution. In this service, Lieutenant colonel Layton, sergeant Major Windebank, Captain Radcliff, and Captain Gerard, were taken good notice of: both before the enemy's retreat, and after it. Lieutenant colonel Laytons' horse, was shot thorough the neck, and Major Windebanks horse killed under him within the town. Captain gerared brought up a stand of Pikes: and Captain Radcliff, the rear, with good courage. Other Captains won their due honours, though I have no particular, but only general relations of them.  
Colonel Vsser by the Prince commanded to second colonel Kirk, had 400. commanded men with him, besides those of his own Regiment. He drawing his Pikes into a body, in the middle; flanked them on both hands with the two divisions of Musquetiers of his own Regiment. The commanded Musquetiers, he in several divisions sent down for the seconding of those that were already skirmishing in the hedges. After which, with his Body of Pikes, and the two divisions of his own Regiment, he fell on both sides of Giffard's house; which (indeed) his order was to fire. The Pikes marching forwards to the lane, by turning aside a waggon of risebushes, cleared the avenue, and so entered; But the colonel perceiving the garden wall (within which the enemy's musketeers stood) too high to be entered on the foreside, found a way to get into it on the back side. There were the enemies still shooting at colonel Kirks men, both from the Works and windows: but diverse of them, now running, some fourteen were hereabouts killed. He thus gotten to the house, with a Fire-pike in his hand, both troubled their shooting from the windows; and by and by see fire to the house, and some Stacks and Ricks by it. So did the soldiers to other stacks: which made the place too hot and smoky for the enemy. This done, he thinking by turning back thorough the garden and lane to get into the town; was hindered by the river: so that facing about to the Right, he there fell into the rear of his own Right-hand Division. This, (since Major Hutchinson was shot) was led by Captain Morrison, Captain Vavasor, and Sir William Neale, skout-master general: who being a Voluntier, behaved himself with his sword right manfully.  
By this time, colonel Kirks, my Ld Wentworth's, with Morrisons and Vavasors men, being seized upon the turnpike that openeth into the town: He seeing no need of help there, Marched with his own Division up to the Bridge beyond the turnpike: where leaving a guard, he turned on the left hand thorough lanes, to come at the enemy now gathering to a head at another Work. But they flying, left him their forsaken Colours. Turning thence back to advertise the Prince, he met his L. colonel Washington: who then coming from his sick bed, would yet needs be one in the action: and so with a Body of musketeers, advanced into the town.  
All this while, was my Ld Wentworth and his. Wing, in as hot skirmish. His Post, by order from the Prince, was to have fallen to the Southward, on the right hand of Pooles-mount: being, indeed, the easiest entrance into the town. But misled by their guide, they fell into the Close to the left hand of the mount: where they were both flanked from the Battery, and faced with shot from the high wall before them. This wall the Officers finding impossible to force, drew to the left hand into the lane with colonel Kirk's men: and entered the turnpike together with them. For now the enemy being beaten from the side-work that guarded it, captain Alford, Lieutenant Wharton, with some others of Sir Ed: Duncombs Regiment, broke over the walls on both sides, and entered among the foremost.  
But here find I some difference, who should first break open this turnpike. Some say, a sergeant of colonel Duncombs broke off the horse-lock: others, that a soldier of colonel Vssers, filled it with powder, and blew it open. But, doubtless, many valiantmen at once assisting, may equally share the glory of it. Some difference there also is, who first entered the turnpike. But surely, the way being broad, so many might enter it in rank at once; that many may be said to have first entered it. But being opened, lieutenant colonel Russell riding foremost, cried, the town is ours, follow, follow. sergeant Major Compton, likewise, on foot led on bravely: both which Earls sons by their forwardness and gallant courages; gained a great access of honour in the eyes of the Prince, and the whole Army.  
The footmen thus engaged, the Horse Regiments kept their Stations at the town's end: the Prince's Life-guards being by him drawn up to the very lane, and within it. Even under the command of pools Battery: which with two pieces incessantly played upon them. The Prince in his own Person did like himself: being still in the fire, and hottest volleys both of small and great shot. still riding up and down to give commands and encouragements. Now to the Ordinance, to direct them: then to the Foot; even to the very head of the foremost. oft-times ready to alight, and lead up the Foot: yea his valiant self first brought up those, that first entered the turnpike: His presence infused spirit into the soldiers. O, there's the Prince (were some heard say) courage, let's onbravely. So heartily did the Army confide in him; and so gladly do they all ascribe the glory of the day to him. My Ld Digby, was near the Prince, most of that day.  
His highness having notice by Col. inns General-adjutant of the Foot, that the turnpike was won; presently commanded a For lost hope of five and twenty of his own Life-guards, to fall into the town, and by scouring the streets to make way for the Foot. But the time not suffering to draw them out orderly, about eight Gentlemen only of the former ranks, with Col. Scrimsour general Adjutant of the Horse, advancing foremost; pursued some of the enemies thorough the street and into by-lanes: Of them, the Earl of Cleveland (riding up to him) Pistold one: and another Gentleman then shot another, who in his reeling, cried dogs, dogs, dogs; till the mud stopped up both his mouth and charity. Immediately after this forlorn hope, Sir Richard Crane with the Earl of Denbigh, my Lord Taff, and His highness' whole Troop fell in; putting himself before the Foot forces: where killing many, and driving all before him, he advanced into the marketplace. There were some three hundred Foot discovered: and, at a corner, about forty or fifty Horse. These fled upon the spur: and the Foot getting into the houses, shot out at the windows. The marketplace thus cleared, and Sir Richard Crane advancing Eastward up dyer's street, the enemy's Cannonier (a Spaniard) came running out of the Kings-head, to have fired a piece of Ordinance laden with Case-shot, full upon the croopes of the Prince's troop. He was slain by a Gentleman that rode in betwixt the Spaniard and his piece, and pistoled him. The Life-guards then passing on to another Turnpike at dyer's streets end; spied a body of two or three hundred enemies, in a Green or walled Close on the left hand. But the wall not suffering ours to come at them, Sir Richard Crane, (an old soldier himself) suspecting his enemy might have so much wit and courage yet left, as (perhaps) some nearer way to chop into the marketplace, and so cut off his retreat: retired himself thither, and made that good, till the Foot came up. In the way he cut down diverse, that again appeared in the street: and the Foot coming in, the houses were searched; some killed; and the rest made prisoners. Colonel Fettiplace and Captain Warnford, were now taken by Captain Alford, in the Lady Iordans house; over which colonel Kirk (now coming in) set a guard; and that Captain to command it. Mr George a parliament man was taken otherwhere. And now was the Town wholly taken on that part.  
Hitherto that strong Post at the watermills on the left hand of Giffard's house, where the white and red Colours stood, was not attempted: but the enemy there seeing the Town taken another way, took down their Colours, and retreated inwards to a bridge and chain. These were pursued thither by Ser. Major Legg; where his Lieutenant Noland making a stand, was shot out at a window. The enemy now perceiving our Horse could not pass the chain, faced about and gave them a full volley: keeping their ground, till our Foot came up and beat them from it. Then was pain (a Clothier) killed, with a Colours in his hand. My Lord Dillon (who was to have seconded Major Legg) was by the Prince commanded, to march up and make good the marketplace: whither he came with his troop, whilst Sir Richard Crane was gone thence to the second turnpike.  
In the mean time, the enemy at the Spittle-gate, continued skirmishing with Leiut. colonel Lunsford, & my Lord Carnarvan; but hearing the town was taken; they slung down their arms and ran away in company of those whom Sir Richard Crane left in the walled Close: all, after his retreat, escaping by the Streets end behind him. These were light upon by my Lord Carnarvan: who whilst Leiut. colonel Lunsford forced the Spittle-gate; and Sir Charles Lucas with part of the Regiment fell in by the Turnpike: made down the high way without the Town to the Southward; and had the chase and execution of them. But his mercy brought them almost all in Prisoners. Perhaps too, Captain Seymor with his Company fled this way: who when Sir Richard Crane scoured up dyer's street by them; forsook their guard and Colours at George's Battery, before ever they saw an enemy.  
Now were the enemy all in fight; and ours in chase. Those that fled towards Crekelade, were by the Princes command pursued by Sir John Byron: whose men remembering Burford; killed above one hundred, and took as many Prisoners. Among the rest, two Ministers, one Mr Stanfeild armed back and breast, with Sword and pistols. The other Mr Gregory of Cyrencester; who lately assured his people, That he had begged that town of the Lord. At first entering the Town, both cannoneers and Musquetiers fled from pools battery, leaving their Colours standing: which the Prince sent to take down, and to make good the place. These, His highness' Prince Maurice pursued; and some first overtaken, were there killed: but it being enough to prostrate one's self to a lion, about three hundred of them falling on heaps before the Prince's feet; His mercifulness pleased itself in making them all Prisoners. Thus were all the Posts of the Town taken.  
Our greater Firemen, 'twere injustice to forget: for the terror and fury of the Cannon, much eased the victory. On one side, the Granadoes were terrible: especially after they had fired one house. At t'other end, the Ordinance were thus disposed. One of the Demi▪ cannons, was bent against pools mount and Battery: and shooting thorough the Parapet; forced away the Defendants. The other great piece, at random ranged her bullets into the Town: killed one Cannonier in the marketplace, and made a terrible ruffling among the houses. Of the four lesser pieces, two were bent upon the first hedge: and two upon the corner of the wall. At first entering the town, the Prince hearing some enemies to be still in pools house, sent for one small piece, and two Petards to force the gate: but finding no opposition, either there or elsewhere; the Ordinance all marched into the marketplace.  
Thus have you here related, what was acted by all the parts of the King's Army, upon every part of the Town. And thus was the confident Cyrencester in an hour and halves fight, and with the loss of less than twenty men, on our side, fully taken in on all parts: (though diverse of them be since dead of poisoned bullets.) By the Monday after, but nine of ours had been buried in the Church and Churchyard: and some five or six elsewhere, which were all I heard of. Slain of theirs, those that think fewest, judge three hundred, others think more. The truth is, we could see but few men left at all in the Town▪ plainly they hid their dead and wounded men in their houses; whereof we heard many since buried in one night: but the most falling in the fields in chase, we could get no precise notice of their numbers. Prisoners we brought away about twelve hundred: which shows the Princes and the Cavaliers mercy, as the Captives themselves acknowledge. Of Colours taken, one Horse Cornet, two of Dragooners, and fourteen Foot ensigns. Of arms, abundance were drawn out of the waters: besides those taken in the houses. All their five pieces of Ordinance, we found standing in their places: Among the Prisoners were some 160. wounded: whom the Prince next day sent His Surgeon and Doctor, and chaplains to dress and visit. Since His highness coming thence, diverse concealed wounded men have crept abroad▪ of which some died.  
Three things would not be forgotten. One, how the dying men in the very fight cried out; that Sir Robert Cook, Mr Stevens, Mr George, and their Preachers, had undone them. Whereby you see, that when God by affliction gives understanding, the justness of that cause cannot satisfy the conscience of the dying. The second note is, concerning the means used by that side, for getting the poor Country people to serve under them in the town. Some of the Prisoners confessed (and others have made it good) how that the Gentlemen and Clothiers threatened them they should have no work. Others that they should be plundered. Others were violently fetched from their houses by Dragooners, and made get up behind them. Others were dragged from their Ploughs, and others coming into the town about business, were there detained, and threatened to be shot, if they offered to get out. This is the liberty of the Subject. And the third observation is concerning the subtlety used to make this poor people fight: which was by telling them, the King had none but a rabble of poor ragged fellows. But the Prisoners amazed to see such numbers of gallant Gentry to come upon them, their hearts sunk within them. And when they saw again how merciful these Gentry were in granting Quarter to them at the first begging: they acknowledged themselves twice conquered, both by Courage, and by courtesy.  
For Governor of the town, the Prince left his dear brother Prince Maurice His highness, with His Regiment of Horse: and under Him colonel Kirke, with one thousand Foot and Dragooners: who I believe, will not so cheaply part with it.  
Nor was Cyrencester only conquered by this Victory, but the Castles of Sudlye and Berckley, were upon the fame of it forsaken by the enemies. So were Tewksbury and the vieth. Malmsbury likewise, the next morning sent their submission, subscribed with their chief hands: and hath received Lieu: colonel Lunsford for Governor, with four hundred Foot: and Captain Cursons Troop of Horse. On the Monday after, the Country Gentlemen invited by the Prince's Letters to Cyrencester; in the name of the County assented to a Contribution of 4000● month: and to advance 3000l presently for raising 〈◊〉 Regiment for His majesty's service, and safeguard of 〈◊〉 County; with promise of doing more, when their Quarters should be enlarged by the coming in of more of the County.  
God be blessed for his Victory. He grant the example may take such impression among the deceived people, that our Jerusalem may see in the day of her visitation, the things that belong unto her Peace.  
FINIS.