The capture of Wakefield occurred on 21 May 1643 when a Parliamentary force under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax surprised the Royalist garrison and successfully stormed the town.
Contents
Prelude
While acting as the rearguard to the army under the command of his father, Ferdinando, Lord Fairfax, Fairfax had been defeated by George, Lord Goring at the battle of Seacroft Moor on 30 March 1643.
Battle
On the 21 May 1643 Fairfax's force of about 1,500 men stormed Wakefield which was garrisoned by about 3,000 Royalists. The parliamentarians overwhelmed the defences and captured the town taking about 1,400 prisoners, including Goring, and 28 Royalist colours. The assault came from the north of the city with Sir Henry Foulis and William Fairfax attacking Northgate and while Thomas Fairfax and Gifford attacked Warrengate.
Aftermath
This parliamentary victory temporally changed the balance of power in Yorkshire. However the effect of this engagement was negated when Parliamentary defeat on Aldwalton Moor on 30 June 1643 which gave the Royalists control of much of Yorkshire.