In the first years of his reign King Charles I managed to offend a great many of his subjects, chiefly because he refused to accept that he was accountable to the people or their elected representatives, particularly in matters of religion, taxation and - linked to these, - foreign policy. His intransigence led to rebellion in Scotland, opposition in Parliament, and serious shortage of funds. In January 1642, unable to control his parliamentary enemies, Charles fled his capital. What followed was the most costly series of actions fought on British soil, from Dunbar to Lostwithiel. It makes this a rather difficult period to follow, but historian Dr Michael Jones will concentrate on the battles in the Midlands, where the King had considerable support. As we look at each battle, we will also consider the impact of the successes and failures in other areas and discuss the background of the conflict.

Both sides had good commanders and widespread support. Advantage swayed from one side to the other, until a new man - a Puritan country gentleman, member of parliament and brilliant cavalry commander Oliver Cromwell – inspired the Parliamentary forces, and Marston Moor (1644) saw the end of the war in the north. After three years of sieges and small actions, the battle of Naseby (1645) was decisive; mopping up operations continued but royalist forces crumbled and Charles handed himself over to the Scots. War would resume in 1648, with invasion from Scotland and rebellion in Ireland, but the King's cause was doomed. In 1649 he was tried and executed. His son, now Charles II, made one last attempt - but the victory of the New Model Army at Worcester in 1651 destroyed the Royalists final hopes.

Cromwell's dominant position was secured; he would rule as Lord Protector from 1653 until his death in 1658. In 1660 the Stuart monarch would be restored. The consequences of the events of these turbulent years, would affect British politics in many ways in the centuries to come.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Thursday): Meet at Holt Hotel, Steeple Aston 1800. Introductory background talk on 'The English Civil War". Dinner and overnight (3 nights).
Day 2: At Edgehill we study the first important battle of the War, as the King's forces endeavoured to march to London. A strategic victory for the King which he did not follow through. The battle of Chalgrove (June 1643), a typical skirmish of this period. The battle of Cropredy Bridge (June 1644), a Royalist success, marred by news of the overwhelming defeat at Marston Moor.
Day 3: The battle of Naseby (June 1645) – the decisive battle when the New Model Army defeated the Kings main field army. Lunch break. The last phase -The battle of Worcester (September 1651). Visit several areas where battle was joined, the Civil War visitor centre and Worcester Cathedral.
Day 4: Oxford, King Charles' capital until the siege of 1646. Places of interest including Christ Church, the castle and museum. Group lunch.