1642-1646: Why did the Royalists Lose?

This section of the course is a common exam question, for example June 2011 "The main reason for the defeat of the Royalist cause in the First Civil War was the leadership of Charles I." In these notes you will find key themes that would help you answer the 45 marker. 

Administration 

Oxford was the main Royalist stronghold, but it was limited in the range of its authority. Charles' diluted the power that was held in Oxford by opening another Royalist stronghold in Bristol, removing capable men like Hyde. 

Scotland 

Solemn League and Covenant September 1643 - Parliament had an advantage of the Royalists. Parliament had paid £30,000 a month for the Scots' army. At Montrose there were several defeats. This makes it crystal clear that the Covenanters caused masses of trouble for the Royalists. 

Division 

Henrietta Maria (Charles' French wife) and Hyde put forward different ideas. The Queen wanted to the war to continue - this subsequently affected Charles' honour. Hyde, on the other hand, wanted a settlement with Parliament. This and a combination of Charles' lack of leadership and ability lead to weak and incoherent policy. 

Indecisiveness

Charles failed to recognise that he needed to take direct advantages over the Parliamentarians on the battlefield. This was due to his indecisiveness with the gentry and lack of creative resources

Generals 

Charles had roped in "influential men" to gather support but instead, they divided opinion among the Royalist army. Some of Charles' soldiers were not trained properly, especially compared to the power of the New Model Army. The presence of the Princes of the Rhineland caused division 

Charles as Military Leader

Charles had appointed himself as Commander in Chief. He ignored advice from lower ranks and couldn't unite supporters. 

Charles' agreement with Catholics 

September 1643 - Charles signs an agreement with the Irish Catholics. This caused the fear that Charles would use Catholic soldiers against the Parliamentarians. Charles made this mistake again with another peace treaty in 1645. 

Others 

• June, 1645 - Crushing Royalist defeat at the Battle of Naseby. Effectively ends any real resistance. 
• May, 1646 - Charles surrenders at the Battle of Newark to the Scots, who then sell him to Parliament. 
• June, 1646 - Siege of Oxford ends as Oxford fails (which had been a Royalist stronghold) 

"Charles was a poor war leader and was unable to provide strong leadership was the war turned in Parliament's favour." - Cust