English Civil War earl of Essex would put himself in their way". Accordingly, the army left Shrewsbury on 12 October, gaining two days' start on the enemy, and moved south-east. This had the desired effect, as it forced Essex to move to intercept them. The first pitched battle of the war, fought at Edgehill on 23 October 1642, proved inconclusive, and both the Royalists and Parliamentarians claimed it as a victory. The second field action of the war, the stand-off at Turnham Green, saw Charles forced to withdraw to Oxford. This city would serve as his base for the remainder of the war.
Tarvin in the English Civil War January 1644, some Parliamentary forces billeted in and about Tarvin were taken by surprise in an attack by the Chester Royalists. Some were wounded, and others were taken prisoner but as the Royalists returned to Chester with their captives, they were overtaken by a company of Parliamentary dragoons. In the melee that followed a Royalist captain and some of his men were killed, while others were wounded. The dragoons freed the prisoners and took eight of their own, all of whom were sent to Nantwich. On Sunday 18 August 1644, Colonel Marrow marched from Chester with a detachment of foot