James Leonard. The Battle of Yeovil, 1642

Bretwalda Books, 2014. — 34 p.The Somerset town of Yeovil is today a busy bustling and prosperous place. Back in 1642 it was smaller, but was still prosperous enough to attract the attentions of both Roundhead and Cavalier armies eager to raise money and men for their sides. It became a focus for a battle fought as part of the English Civil War between Royalist Cavaliers loyal to King Charles I and Parliamentarian Roundheads. The battle fought here was one of the very first clashes of the English Civil War, taking place just days after King Charles raised the Royal Standard and summoned all loyal Englishmen to his army. Both sides fielded forces that were relatively untrained and very inexperienced, but they were keen to get to grips with the enemy, so the battle was fought with a ferocity not seen in England for a century and a half. This book brings an exciting new look to the English Civil War. The course of the campaign is given, but the emphasis is on the Battle itself and the men who fought there. There are analyses of weapons, tactics and strategies, and a study of the commanders. The course of the battle is followed with explanation of how it relates to the ground today. The aftermath of the battle, its effects and importance to the progress of the war are then described.