Battle of Cropredy Bridge - 29 June 1644

Just three days before the disaster of Marston Moor for the Royalists, King Charles himself directed a rebuff to a prowling Parliamentary army under William Waller at Cropredy Bridge, near Banbury.
Waller had been observing the King's movements for some time when he spotted an opportunity to strike over the River Cherwell near the present day Oxford Canal as it passes through the village of Cropredy. The King had allowed a gaping hole to develop between his lead / centre elements which were near Hays Bridge and his rear which was more than a mile behind. Seeing his chance to bite off a whole chunk of the King's rear end, Waller pounced.
Waller sent Lieutenant General Middleton's cavalry (including Battlefield Biker favourite, Haselrige's "lobsters") to make contact with the King's rear. This was a raging success, but as so often happened with successful cavalry charges of the time, the pursuit went too far. The Royalist rear guard commander, the Earl of Cleveland, took the opportunity to wade into the Parliamentary foot and guns which had been left behind by Middleton at Cropredy Bridge. Middleton*s cavalry realised what had happened and returned to scatter Cleveland's cavalry, but not until after they captured the Roundhead guns and their commander Colonel Wemyss. Cleveland did not get all of his own way in Middleton's absence as the Roundhead infantry stood their ground, crucially keeping Cropredy Bridge.
In the meantime, Waller with cavalry crossed the Slat Mill ford and attacked uphill near Williamscott and was promptly sent packing by the Earl of Northampton's cavalry. Waller decided that discretion was the better part of valour and retired to Bourton Hill to over-watch continuing skirmishes around the bridge. Finally, the result was Parliamentary forces staring down the King's forces from Cropredy Bridge for the better part of two days. The King stole away when he learned of reenforcements coming to Waller.
Although a tactical stalemate, the King kept most of his Oxford army to fight another day and Waller's opportunity to hurt Charles significantly was lost as Waller's army disintegrated with mutiny and desertion soon thereafter.

Rides, Routes and Waypoints

40-50 miles, depending on the options chosen. Take the A423 north out of Banbury to Southam. From Southam, take the A425 to Daventry. From Daventry, take the A361 southwest to Banbury. North of Banbury, at Williamscott, turn right onto the lane that leads to Cropredy village. As you enter Cropredy, you will see the bridge and the interpretive sign. Explore the farm lanes north and south of Cropredy to get the feel for the surrounding ground. The hill near Great Bourton is where Waller viewed the Royalists* movement. You will find Hays Bridge north of Wardington on the A361.
Use Ordnance Survey Landranger 151. The battlefield is centred on SP 477460. If using a road map, the battlefield is located east and northeast of Cropredy Bridge.