The Battle of Upton was a military engagement fought on 28 August 1651 at Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire, during the Third English Civil War (part of the broader Wars of the Three Kingdoms). It was a surprise attack by a detachment of the New Model Army under the command of Colonel John Lambert against Royalist forces defending the River Severn crossing at Upton, approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Worcester.
Background
Following his return from Scotland, Oliver Cromwell took command of the Parliamentary forces arrayed against the Royalist army of Charles II, which was encamped in and around Worcester. Cromwell concentrated his forces at Evesham, blocking any Royalist advance on London. By 27 August 1651, his forces outnumbered the Royalists by nearly two to one. His plan was to cut off the Royalists from Wales and the west by occupying the west bank of the River Severn.
The Battle
On 28 August, Colonel John Lambert was ordered to march from Evesham to Upton-upon-Severn with a strong detachment of both cavalry and infantry. Upon arriving on the east bank of the Severn that evening, Lambert's men found the bridge broken down, with only a single plank left across the ruined arches. Lambert selected 18 of his best men to cross this plank at daybreak on 29 August. The men crossed in single file, straddling the plank, and reached the west bank safely.
Once across, the 18 soldiers were quickly discovered by the Royalists and forced to take refuge in the local church. The Royalists, under Major General Edward Massey, set fire to the church and attacked the defenders. Lambert, seeing his men in danger, ordered his dragoons to ford the river at a spot known as Fisher's Row. The dragoons crossed successfully and charged the rear of the Royalist forces attacking the church. After fierce fighting, Lambert sent additional troops across, and the outnumbered Royalists—approximately 300 men—were driven from their earthworks and retreated north along the Worcester Road. Major General Massey was severely wounded in the head and thigh.
Aftermath
The Battle of Upton enabled Parliamentary forces to approach Worcester from the west, cutting off the Royalists from Wales and the west. It was a crucial preliminary action that allowed Cromwell to complete the investment of Worcester. Later that day, Cromwell himself came to Upton to thank Lambert's men. The bridge was repaired, and by the next day a Parliamentary force of approximately 12,000 was encamped on the west bank of the Severn. The battle directly preceded the decisive Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651, which ended the Third English Civil War.
Note on terminology: The term "Battle of Upton" is distinct from "Upton's Attack" (or "Upton's Assault"), which refers to a separate action on 10 May 1864 during the American Civil War at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, led by Union Colonel Emory Upton.
