June 14, 1645 · Midlands Theater
June 14, 1645
The New Model Army met the King's main field army on the ridge near Naseby in Northamptonshire. Rupert's cavalry swept the Parliamentary left off the field — and then repeated his old mistake, galloping off in pursuit. Meanwhile Cromwell's cavalry on the right routed the Royalist horse and, as at Marston Moor, wheeled to strike the Royalist infantry in flank and rear. The Royalist foot, outnumbered and now caught from three sides, was destroyed. Charles nearly led a charge to rescue them before being restrained by attendants. The King's personal cabinet was captured, revealing his secret negotiations with foreign Catholic powers — a propaganda catastrophe.
Commanders