Battle of Alton - Definition

The Battle of Alton took place on December 13, 1643, during the English Civil War.

Alton is a market town in Hampshire, England.

A Royalist army commanded by Sir Ralph Hopton was spending the winter of 1643-44 in four separate camps, one of which was in Alton. This camp was commanded by Lord Crawford.

The Parliamentary army of William Waller was in the area and Crawford was warned to keep a watch for them. But while his men covered the main roads, Waller brought 5,000 men down back roads and surprised the Royalists.

Crawford and the Royalist cavalry fled, leaving Sir Richard Bolle and his infantry to fight. Outnumbered, the Royalists were forced to retreat, and eventually they were surrounded in St Lawrence Church, where Bolle was killed along with many of his men.

Over 700 Royalist soldiers were captured in this defeat.

Bullet holes from the battle are still visible in the church today.