Key events: English Civil War

In August 1643, the Solemn League and Covenant was drafted for an alliance with Scotland to protect Parliament from a reversal of their fortunes.

Although it would strengthen the Parliamentarian cause, it was debated furiously as Anglo-Scottish relations were very poor, and the English looked down upon Scots who found them equally patronising. Furthermore, those in the Peace Party felt that Charles would never negotiate if they worked with the Covenanters.

Following the ceasefire in Ireland, there was a huge fear that Charles wanted to use a Catholic army from Ireland, which provided impetus for the religious pact to be signed. 

• 18,000 men in the Royalist army
• 27,000 men in the Parliamentarian army

Rupert was outnumbered, facing the largest Parliamentary army ever assembled, serving under veteran commanders such as Manchester, Cromwell, and Fairfax. 

When Rupert and his men relaxed, the Parliamentarians attacked using Cromwell's cavalry. 

The Royalist army in the north had been annihilated.