Description:Graphic map showing the assumed layout of the opposing forces at the Battle of Hopton Heath, fought between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians on March 19, 1643.
Hopton Heath was only pitched battle of the 17th century civil wars to be fought in Staffordshire - other military action was confined to sieges (such as at Lichfield) or smaller-scale skirmishes. A Parliamentarian force advancing on Stafford was confronted by Royalist troops who were occupying the town. The fighting was marked by repeated Royalist cavalry charges and the death of their commander, the Earl of Northampton. However, the Parliamentarians withdrew from the field at the end of the fighting, abandoning their artillery which was subsequently captured by the Royalists. Both sides claimed victory, but it is largely considered indecisive by modern historians. However, the Parliamentarian aim of capturing Stafford was thwarted - although the town would later fall to them due to treachery.
Based on an original map by John Sutton and created by Ben E. Cunliffe for an exhibition at Staffordshire Record Office in 2013.