Battle of Chalgrove - 18 June 1643

The Battle of Chalgrove is famous mainly because one of Parliament's main political figures, Colonel John Hampden, was wounded in the action and died days later. Hampden was one of the "Five Members" that the King had tried to arrest in Parliament, setting off the war.
The action itself was little more than a skirmish, but brings out the differences between the two armies at this stage of the war. Royalist cavalry commander Prince Rupert was establishing his reputation as a leader of great daring. Rupert was also using newer cavalry tactics that relied on the shock of rapid and decisive action with horse, whereas the Parliamentarians were still relying on firepower and tighter formations with their horse.
Rupert had surprised several Parliamentary encampments in the area overnight and early morning. As part of this action, the main body of Parliamentarians had been alerted to Rupert's presence in the area due to his flaming of the village of Chinnor. The Parliamentarians set to finding Rupert and cutting him off from the safety of Oxford. Rupert, realising that he was being trailed, sent his infantry to secure the bridge at Chislehampton and place his dragoons along the escape route, then turned to face the music with his cavalry. As the Roundheads aligned for battle, Rupert feigned a retreat which enticed the Parliamentarians into a chase. However, Rupert spun his forces around and leapt a hedge to take to the attack. The Parliamentary cavalry got off quite a few shots and Rupert's forces took a significant number of casualties. However, in the melee, Hampden was mortally wounded and the shock of the action drove the the Roundheads from the field.
Rupert's actions were characteristic of him and this time of the war for the Royalists. The Royalists had fought in skirmishes and at least one set piece battle at this point in the war and were coming off as the better force in several of the engagements. Rupert's cavalry were showing themselves to be of continental calibre in cavalry actions and this confidence was leading Rupert to push for an early and final assault on London to end the war. The young man did not get his wish, but maybe he should have.

Rides, Routes and Waypoints

30-35 miles, depending on the options chosen. Take the B480 southeast out of Oxford to Chalgrove. The battlefield is northeast of the town on an industrial / farm lane, next to the WWII era airfield. Continue along the B480 to Watlington. Take a right on the B4009 and go to Benson. Take a right on the A4074 and go to the Golden Balls roundabout. Take the right onto the B4015 to Chislehampton. There are several nice lanes around the battlefield to explore as well.
Use the Ordnance Survey Landranger 164. The battlefield is centred on SU 645975. If you are using a roadmap, Chalgrove is southeast of Oxford on the B480. There is a good biker friendly cafe on the A4074 at the Berinsfield roundabout called Fox's Diner.