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entered and possessed that seditious town of Birmingham, 
wherein was 300 foot and two troops of horse, who being 
gallantly charged by the Welshmen, in less than half an 
hour forsook their breast works and returned to their 
barricadoes within the town, where they found such 
slender defence that they took to their heels, and that so 
fast that though they were pursued as soon as the Prince 
had possessed the town, yet few of their horse were over- 
taken, only about 80 of the rebels were killed, and as many 
prisoners taken, together with about 150 muskets, and 
between 400 and 500 swords, and three Colours. In this 
service the noble Earl of Denbigh received a wound, 
whereof he afterwards died.” 
A very one-sided account of this conflict appears in a 
searce tract entitled, “A true Relation of Prince Ruperts 
barbarous Cruelty against the Towne of Brumingham; to 
which place on Monday Apr. 3. 1643, he marcht with 2000 
horse and foot 4 Drakes and 2 Sakers; where after two 
houres fight (being twice beaten off by the Townsmen in all 
but 140 musketeers) he entered, put divers to the sword, 
and burnt about 80 houses to ashes, suffering no man to 
carry away his goods, or quench the fire, and making no 
difference between friend or foe; yet by Gods providence 
the greatest losse fell on the malignants of the Town. And 
of the Cavaliers were slaine divers chiefe Commanders, and 
men of great quality amongst whom was the Earl of Denbigh, 
the Lord John Stuart: and as themselves report the Lord 
Digby.—London Printed for John Wright in the Old-baily 
April 12. 1642. 
“Sir, Though I can write you but the same lamentation 
which I’believe you have already heard; yet I cannot be 
silent to acquaint you of the truth as neere as I can: If 
