The Treaty of Breda — Montrose defeated and executed — Cromwell invades Scotland — Covenanters defeated at the battle of Dunbar
January
| 1 | Publication of Gerrard Winstanley's A New Yeere's Gift for the Parliament and Armie. Source: ODNB |
| 2 | Parliament votes to extend the Oath of Engagement to all adult males. HCP1 |
| 9 | Sir Henry Vane reports on his committee's recommendations for the regulation of elections to future Parliaments, but plans for new elections are dropped because of increasing concerns over imminent war with Scotland. HCP1 |
| 11 | The House of Commons requests Cromwell's return from Ireland to deal with the situation in Scotland; Cromwell ignores the request until he has secured Ireland. HCP1 |
| Charles II writes to the Committee of Estates in Edinburgh proposing a meeting at Breda in Holland to discuss a Royalist-Covenanter alliance. HCP1 | |
| 12 | Charles writes to the Marquis of Montrose, urging him to continue his preparations for an invasion of Scotland despite the negotiations with the Covenanters. HCP1 |
| 13 | Charles sends Colonel Titus with a message for the English Presbyterians, urging them to support the proposed Scottish alliance. HCP1 |
| 14 | Oliver Cromwell issues a declaration in response to the assembly of Clacmanoise in which he vehemently denounces the Roman Catholic clergy. HCP1 |
| 16 | Anthony Ascham appointed Commonwealth ambassador to Madrid; Charles Vane appointed to Lisbon. HCP1 |
| 17 | Robert Blake receives his commission to sail against Prince Rupert's fleet in Portugal. CWS |
| 29 | Cromwell advances from Youghal to Mallow to begin his campaign against Kilkenny and Clonmel. Colonel Reynolds leads the advance guard of the eastern column from Dungarvin to Carrick while Ireton follows with artillery. Lord Broghill secures the western flank around Mallow. TGG, CIR |
| 31 | Cromwell captures Kilbeheney Castle in County Limerick. TCG, CIR |
February
| 1 | The House of Commons orders the burning by the public hangman of all copies of A Fiery Flying Roll by the Ranter Abiezer Coppe. Source: ODNB |
| 2 | Cromwell captures Rehill Castle in County Tipperary. Source: TCG |
| 3 | Cromwell crosses the River Suir at Rochestown and advances to Fethard Castle in County Tipperary, which surrenders without resistance. CIR, TCG |
| Colonel Reynolds besieges Callan in County Kilkenny. CIR | |
| 4 | Cashel Castle surrenders to Cromwell without resistance. TCG |
| 5 | The Committee of Estates begins debating whether to send commissioners to treat with Charles. RCRS |
| 8 | Surrender of Callan to Colonel Reynolds after the execution of captured soldiers. TCG, CIR |
| Ormond appoints Thomas Preston governor of Waterford. HCP1 | |
| 10 | Major-General Ireton storms and captures Ardfinnan Castle. CIR |
| 11 | Elections for the second Council of State held in Parliament. Only three of the former councillors are not re-elected: the Earl of Musgrave, who had never attended, the Earl of Portland who had died, and the unpopular Sir John Danvers. New members elected to the Council include the republican Thomas Chaloner. HCP1, TRP |
| 13 | Charles II leaves Jersey and sets sail for France. HCP1 |
| 21 | At a stormy meeting in Edinburgh, the Committee of Estates agrees its terms for negotiations with Charles and appoints commissioners to be sent to Breda. RCRS |
| Charles confers with Henrietta Maria at Beauvais in France. She tries to dissuade him from taking the Covenant and urges him not to abandon the English Royalists or his supporters in Ireland in favour of the Presbyterians. HCP1 | |
| 22 | Parliament passes an act for the Propagation of the Gospel in Wales. AOI |
| 24 | Cahir Castle in County Tipperary besieged by Cromwell. Its governor, Colonel Matthews, surrenders as soon as Cromwell's artillery opens fire. The capture of Cahir breaks up Royalist lines of communication between Limerick and Clonmel. TCG, CIR |
| 25 | Parliament votes houses and property in London to Cromwell in recognition of his services. HCJ |
| 26 | Parliament orders all Catholics, Royalists and mercenary soldiers to leave London. HCP1 |
| Colonel Hewson marches south-west from Dublin into County Kildare with 3,000 men and three siege guns. CIR | |
| 27 | Kiltinan Castle in County Tipperary bombarded into submission by Cromwell. TCG |
March
| (Early March) General-at-Sea Robert Blake sails from Portsmouth with a squadron of fifteen ships and orders to destroy Prince Rupert's fleet in Portugal. Source: CN, CWS | |
| 1 | Surrender of Ballisonan Castle near Carlow to Colonel Hewson. Royalists abandon garrisons at Athy and Maryborough (Portaloise). CIR |
| 3 | Colonel Hewson advances to capture Castledermot before returning to Dublin to replenish his supplies. CIR |
| 7 | The Scottish Parliament meets in Edinburgh and issues final instructions to the commissioners to King Charles at Breda. RCRS |
| 8 | The Marquis of Ormond attempts to rally support against Cromwell at Limerick. Catholic clergy insist upon the power to veto military appointments. HCP1 |
| 10 | Blake's fleet arrives at Cascaes Bay at the mouth of the River Tagus in Portugal. Blake sends a message to King John of Portugal demanding his co-operation against Prince Rupert's squadron and that the Commonwealth fleet be allowed the use of Lisbon harbour. HCP1, PRA |
| 11 | Portuguese forts fire warning shots when Blake attempts to sail up the River Tagus towards Prince Rupert's anchorage in Lisbon harbour. Blake agrees to withdraw pending diplomatic negotiations to persuade Rupert to leave Portugal. CWS, PRA |
| 16 | Charles II arrives at Breda in Holland and consults representatives of the English Royalists. HCP1 |
| 18 | The gentry and nobility of Ulster meet officers of the Ulster army at Belturbet in County Cavan to choose a successor to Owen Roe O'Neill. Under pressure from the clergy, Heber MacMohan, Bishop of Clogher, is elected. HCP1 |
| Blake's squadron anchors in Oeiras Bay, two miles below Prince Rupert's ships, claiming that bad weather has forced them to seek shelter. HCP1, CWS | |
| 19 | Colonel Hewson captures the crossing of the River Barrow at Leighlinbridge and advances to Gowran near Kilkenny. CIR |
| Charles II appoints Lord Eythin lieutenant-general to Montrose. HCP1 | |
| First meeting between Charles II and the Scottish commissioners at Breda. RCRS | |
| 20 | Hewson joins forces with Cromwell, Ireton and Reynolds at Gowran. The governor of Gowran Castle refuses Cromwell's summons to surrender. CIR |
| 21 | Gowran surrenders to Cromwell when the Parliamentarian artillery opens fire; Royalist officers executed. CIR, TCG |
| 22 | Cromwell advances to Kilkenny. CIR |
| 23 | Sir Walter Butler rejects Cromwell's summons to surrender Kilkenny. CIR |
| The Marquis of Montrose lands at Kirkwall in the Orkneys with a force of German and Danish mercenaries. HCP1 | |
| 24 | An attempt to storm the gates of Kilkenny driven back by the defenders. CIR |
| 25 | Opening of negotiation between Charles II and the Scottish commissioners at Breda. HCP1 |
| Bombardment of Kilkenny begins. CIR | |
| 26 | A new High Court of Justice set up with powers to condemn to death anyone acting against the interests of the Commonwealth. HCP1 |
| 27 | Sir Walter Butler surrenders Kilkenny to Cromwell. CIR |
| The Council of State issues orders for Cromwell's return to deal with the Royalist threat from Scotland. CIR | |
| (Late March) Lord Broghill and Henry Cromwell defeat Lord Inchiquin's forces near Mallow in County Cork. Inchiquin withdraws into Connacht. CIR, ODNB | |
April
| 1 | The Marquis of Ormond reluctantly signs the commission appointing Bishop MacMahon commander of the Ulster army. Source: HCP1 |
| 2 | Cromwell transfers his headquarters at Ormond's mansion at Carrick-on-Suir. CIR |
| 8 | The Prince of Orange mediates in the negotiations between Charles II and the Scottish commissioners at Breda. He urges the commissioners to modify their demands, but they refuse. HCP1 |
| 9 | Parliament directs the Council of State to increase security against the threat of a Scottish invasion and Royalist insurrection. HCP1 |
| Major-General Hurry leads the Marquis of Montrose's advance guard from the Orkney Islands to the Scottish mainland. RCRS, HCP1 | |
| 12 | Montrose crosses the Pentland Firth with his main force and establishes a temporary headquarters at Thurso in Caithness. D1650 |
| 13 | Claiming retaliation for an alleged assassination attempt, Prince Rupert sends a booby-trapped boat disguised as a fruit-seller out to Blake's squadron at Lisbon, which almost succeeds in blowing up the Leopard. A watering party from the Bonaventure attacked by Rupert's men; one sailor killed and three taken prisoner. HCP1, CWS |
| 16 | The Committee of Estates orders General Leslie to march against Montrose. RCRS |
| 17 | Major-General Hurry besieges Dunbeath Castle in Caithness. TCG |
| 19 | Parliament passes an Act enforcing strict observance of the Lord's day. AOI |
| Parson John Platt leads fifty men in an attack on Gerrard Winstanley's Digger community at Cobham in Surrey. The Digger settlement destroyed. ODNB | |
| 21 | Surrender of Dunbeath Castle to Major-General Hurry. TCG, HCP1 |
| 24 | At Cashel, Cromwell meets a delegation headed by Dean Michael Boyle and other representatives of the Protestant Royalists fighting in Ireland to negotiate a treaty independently of Ormond and Inchiquin. CIR |
| 25 | Montrose joins Major-General Hurry at Carbisdale and takes up a strong defensive position. D1650 |
| Rendezvous of Covenanter troops marching against Montrose at Brechin. General Leslie sends Lieutenant-Colonel Strachan ahead with an advance guard of cavalry. RCRS | |
| 26 | A treaty signed at Cashel between Cromwell and representatives of the Protestant Royalists in Ireland. Most Protestants fighting in Leinster and Munster agree to lay down their arms. The treaty is also accepted by the Ulster Scots and the Lagan Army. CIR |
| 27 | Battle of Carbisdale: Lieutenant-Colonel Strachan defeats the Marquis of Montrose. Montrose escapes into the mountains. RCRS |
| Cromwell joins his forces at the siege of Clonmel in County Tipperary. HCP1 | |
| 29 | Charles II agrees terms with the Scottish commissioners at Breda after all attempts to get help from other European powers have failed. HCP1 |
| 30 | Montrose reaches Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt where he is betrayed to the Covenanters by Neil MacLeod. HCP1 |
| Lord Willoughby of Parham arrives on Barbados. ODNB | |
May
| [Early May] The bombardment of Clonmel begins. Cromwell's field guns are not powerful enough to breach the walls so he orders up heavy artillery. Source: CIR | |
| 1 | Charles II signs the draft of the Treaty of Breda, agreeing that he will come to Scotland and promising to impose Presbyterianism in England and to repudiate his arrangements with Ormond and Montrose. HCP1 |
| 4 | Major-General Holborn fetches Montrose from Ardvreck Castle. HCP1 |
| 8 | Montrose delivered to General Leslie at Tain then sent south. HCP1 |
| Former Royalist journalist Marchamont Nedham publishes The Case of the Commonwealth of England Stated, in which he describes his political conversion to the Parliamentarian cause. ODNB | |
| 10 | Lord Broghill defeats an Irish relief force marching for Clonmel at Macroom in County Cork. CIR |
| Parliament passes the Adultery Act: the death penalty imposed for adultery, incest and fornication (never applied in practice). AOI | |
| 11 | Carrigadrohid Castle near Macroom surrenders to Broghill after he hangs the Bishop of Ross in view of the garrison. CIR |
| 13(?) | General-at-Sea Edward Popham sails with a squadron of eight ships to reinforce Blake at Lisbon. Popham's orders from the Council of State authorise the generals to attack French ships and also to attack Portuguese trade if the Portuguese obstruct the Commonwealth by continuing to assist Prince Rupert. RN2 |
| 15 | Parliament orders the raising of two regiments of foot and one of horse in western England as a safeguard against possible Royalist insurrections. Colonel Barkstead's regiment guarding Westminster to be increased to 2,000 men. Royalist lands to be sold to finance these measures. HCP1 |
| 16 | Heavy siege artillery breaches the walls of Clonmel. CIR |
| 17 | Cromwell's assault on Clonmel repulsed with severe losses. Hugh O'Neill's garrison evacuates the town under cover of night. CIR |
| 18 | The Mayor of Clonmel surrenders to Cromwell. CIR |
| Montrose arrives in Edinburgh as a prisoner. RCRS | |
| The Scottish Parliament resolves to insist that Charles abandons the Irish treaty, outlaws the Catholic faith and signs the Covenant immediately. HCP1 | |
| 20 | Bishop MacMahon assembles 4,000 foot and 600 horse of the Ulster Confederate army at Loughgall in County Armagh and advances into northern Ulster. CIR |
| 21 | General-at-Sea Robert Blake seizes ten English merchant ships chartered to an outbound Portuguese fleet sailing for Brazil. When Blake undertakes to release the Portuguese ships only when King John hands over Prince Rupert's ships, the King orders the arrest of all English subjects in Lisbon who are known to be sympathetic to the Commonwealth and forbids Blake from entering the Tagus or to collect water from the mainland. CWS, PRA |
| 21 | The Marquis of Montrose hanged in Edinburgh. RCRS |
| 26 | Popham's squadron joins Blake's fleet. HCP1 |
| 27 | Murder of Anthony Ascham, the Commonwealth's representative in Madrid, by six English Royalists. HCP1 |
| Cromwell sets sail from Youghal for England, leaving Henry Ireton in command of the army in Ireland. CIR | |
| 29 | Execution of Montrose's followers, including Sir John Hurry. RCRS |
| Cromwell lands at Bristol. CIR | |
| 31 | Parliament votes a grant of land to Cromwell in recognition of his services. HCJ |
| (End of May) English forces under Colonel Reynolds besiege Tecroghan Castle near Trim, but are weakened when Colonel Hewson is forced to return to Dublin with his regiment to deal with tory raids. CIR | |
June
| 1 | Cromwell arrives in London to a warm reception from MPs and members of the Council of State. Fairfax congratulates him on his victories in Ireland. Source: HCP1 |
| 2 | Charles II sets sail for Scotland without having agreed to the Covenanters' new demands. HCP1 |
| Bishop MacMahon's Confederates skirmish with Sir Charles Coote's forces at Lifford in County Donegal. Heavily outnumbered, Coote retreats towards Londonderry. CIR | |
| 4 | The Scottish Parliament banishes sixteen leading Royalists and Engagers from Scotland. HCP1 |
| Cromwell receives the official thanks of Parliament for his Irish campaign. HCP1 | |
| 5 | General-at-Sea Robert Blake sends an ultimatum to King John of Portugal demanding that Prince Rupert's ships be handed over to Commonwealth forces. CWS |
| 11 | Charles yields to the Covenanters' additional demands and signs the Treaty of Heligoland. HCP1 |
| Cromwell reports to Parliament on the situation in Ireland. HCP1 | |
| King John of Portugal rejects Blake's ultimatum. CWS | |
| 12 | Parliament votes that Fairfax and Cromwell should be sent north to counter the threat of a Scottish invasion. HCP1 |
| 13 | Marchamont Nedham publishes the first issue of Mercurius Politicus, Parliament's answer to scurrilous Royalist journals. HCP1 |
| 18 | Reinforced by regiments of the New Model Army, Sir Charles Coote advances to attack the Ulster Confederates. CIR |
| The Marquis of Clanricarde and Earl of Castlehaven muster 4,000 Confederates at Tyrrelspass in Westmeath and prepare to relieve the siege of Tecroghan. CIR | |
| 19 | Most of the relief force advancing to Tecroghan driven back by Colonel Reynolds; a few hundred Irish succeed in reinforcing the garrison. CIR |
| 20 | The Council of State resolves to mount a pre-emptive invasion of Scotland. HCP1 |
| 21 | Battle of Scarriffhollis: Sir Charles Coote defeats the last Confederate field army, under the command of Heber MacMohan, Bishop of Clogher. TCW |
| Lieutenant-General David Leslie requests the Scottish Parliament that new levies be raised to reinforce depleted regiments of the Army of the Covenant. D1650 | |
| Commissioners appointed by the Scottish Parliament to purge all former Engagers from the army and to counter potential Royalist support among the new levies. HCP1, D1650 | |
| The Westminster Parliament commissions Thomas Harrison commander of forces left in England during the invasion of Scotland. HCJ | |
| 22 | Fairfax objects to the plans for an invasion of Scotland and refuses to lead an invading army. HCP1 |
| 23 | Charles II arrives at Speymouth in Scotland and signs the Covenant before disembarking. RCRS |
| The Earl of Leven tenders his resignation as Lord General of the Scottish army on the grounds of age and infirmity, but the government refuses to accept it. D1650 | |
| Clanricarde and Castlehaven abandon their attempts to relieve the siege of Tecroghan. CIR | |
| 24 | A committee comprising Cromwell, St John, Whitelocke, Lambert and Harrison tries to persuade Fairfax to accept command of the army for Scotland, but is unsuccessful. HCP1 |
| 25 | The Scottish Parliament orders the raising of levies to strengthen the Army of the Covenant. RCRS |
| Sir Robert Talbot and Lady Fitzgerald surrender Tecroghan Castle to Colonel Reynolds. HCP2, CIR | |
| 26 | Sir Thomas Fairfax resigns as commander-in-chief of the Commonwealth army. Oliver Cromwell appointed in his place. HCP1 |
| 27 | Charles at Aberdeen. HCP1 |
| 28 | Cromwell marches for Scotland with 16,000 men. Charles Fleetwood appointed Lieutenant-General, John Lambert appointed Major-General. HCP1 |
| Parliament passes an act imposing fines for profane swearing. AOI | |
| (End of June) Under increasing pressure from the Commonwealth and from his own advisers, King John of Portugal offers the use of the Portuguese navy to shield Prince Rupert's escape from Lisbon. PRA | |
July
| 2 | Parliament confirms the Council of State's nomination of Henry Ireton to continue as Lord-Deputy of Ireland. Two commissioners appointed to assist him: Edmund Ludlow and John Jones. Ludlow also appointed Lieutenant-General of the army in Ireland. Sources: HCP1, HCJ |
| 3 | The Scottish Parliament orders the raising of more levies. RCRS |
| 4 | The Scottish Parliament unanimously ratifies the treaty with Charles. RCRS |
| 6 | Charles arrives at the palace at Falkland where he is informed that the Scottish Parliament has ordered the banishment of all but nine of his followers. HCP1 |
| 10 | Cromwell reaches Newcastle. TCG |
| 11 | Parliament passes a new Militia Act. Property holders to contribute proportionately to defence costs. Lords-lieutenant of counties to be replaced by commissioners appointed by Parliament or the Council of State. AOI |
| 13 | Lord Inchiquin's forces in County Kerry defeated by Colonel Robert Phayre's cavalry. CIR |
| 15 | The Marquis of Ormond appoints Hugh Dubh O'Neill governor of Limerick. HCP2 |
| 19 | Cromwell musters his troops at Berwick-on-Tweed. Messengers sent into Scotland to proclaim the righteousness of the Parliamentarian cause. ATKA, HCP1 |
| 22 | Cromwell crosses the border into Scotland. The Scottish army adopts a defensive posture. RCRS |
| 24 | Surrender of Carlow Castle to Sir Hardress Waller. TCW, HCP2 |
| 26 | Prince Rupert's fleet, supported by Portuguese and French ships, attempts to escape from the River Tagus. HCP1, PRA |
| Cromwell's forces occupy Dunbar. CG | |
| 28 | Cromwell's army at Musselburgh near Edinburgh. RCRS |
| 29 | Cromwell advances towards the defensive lines around Edinburgh but cannot draw the Scots out into the open. HCP1, D1650 |
| Charles II joins the Earl of Eglinton at Leith near Edinburgh. He hopes to win the support of Scottish nobles and army officers against the Kirk Party. HCP1 | |
| Commonwealth warships bombard Leith. CG | |
| After extensive manoeuvres at the mouth of the River Tagus, Prince Rupert's fleet is forced back into Lisbon harbour under attack by Blake. PRA | |
| 30 | Unable to penetrate the Scottish defences, Cromwell begins a withdrawal to Musselburgh. Scottish lancers attack the English rearguard. Major-General Lambert wounded and briefly taken prisoner. HCP1, D1650 |
| A Committee of War dominated by Archibald Johnston of Wariston appointed to advise senior Scottish officers on strategy and tactics. RCRS | |
| 31 | Scottish lancers under Colonel Montgomery attack Cromwell's camp at Musselburgh. HCP1, D1650 |
| [End of July] General Ireton marches to reinforce the siege of Waterford. CIR | |
| [End of July] Sir Charles Coote and Colonel Venables bring heavy artillery to besiege Charlemont Fort in Ulster. CIR | |
August
| 2 | At the urging of the Committee of Estates, Charles withdraws across the Firth of Forth to Dunfermline. Source: HCP1 |
| 3 | Alarmed at Charles' personal popularity with the Scottish army, Covenanter leaders order a purge of Engagers and "Malignants". Eighty officers dismissed. HCP1 |
| Cromwell appeals to the Scottish Kirk, arguing that Charles is not a fitting king for a godly people. HCP1 | |
| 6 | Cromwell withdraws to Dunbar to keep in contact with his supply fleet. HCP1 |
| The Catholic clergy of Ireland hold a synod at Jamestown in County Leitrim. The Marquis of Ormond is invited to send a representative but not to attend in person. CIR | |
| Thomas Preston surrenders Waterford to Henry Ireton. CIR | |
| 8 | Sir Charles Coote and Colonel Venables mount a major assault on Charlemont Fort in Ulster. The attack is repulsed with up to 800 casualties, but the defenders are left exhausted and short of ammunition. CIR |
| 9 | Parliament passes the Blasphemy Act, aimed at suppressing radical religious sects. AOI |
| 10 | In response to Cromwell's appeal, the Scottish Kirk urges Charles to sign a Declaration disavowing his parents' religion and affirming his own fidelity to the Covenant. Charles refuses to sign. HCP1 |
| The Irish clergy reject the authority of the Marquis of Ormond and urge him to appoint the Marquis of Clanricarde to serve as Lord-Deputy. CIR | |
| 11 | Cromwell returns to Musselburgh. HCP1 |
| 12 | In an attempt to bring Leslie to battle, Cromwell sets out to march around Edinburgh to Queensferry. English control of the sea would also enable him to operate on both sides of the Forth. HCP1 |
| Duncannon Fort near Waterford surrenders to Ireton. CIR | |
| 13 | Commissioners of the Kirk resolve that until Charles has signed the Declaration, they are not bound to defend his cause. RCRS |
| The Irish clergy write to Ormond ordering him to leave Ireland. CIR | |
| Cromwell occupies Braid Hill, to the south of Edinburgh, where he waits to see the outcome of the dispute over the Kirk's Declaration. HCP1 | |
| 14 | Sir Phelim O'Neill surrenders Charlemont Fort in Ulster to Sir Charles Coote. HCP2, CIR |
| 16 | Rather than lose the support of the Covenanters, Charles signs the Kirk's Declaration. He then leaves Dunfermline for Perth. RCRS, HCP1 |
| Further extensive purge of the Scottish army ordered by the Kirk Party. Up to 3,000 officers and men dismissed. RCRS | |
| General Ireton divides his army, sending Sir Hardress Waller against Limerick while he marches for Athlone via County Wicklow. CIR | |
| 18 | Cromwell occupies Colinton House trying to provoke a battle with Leslie. HCP1 |
| 20 | Interview between Major-General Lambert and Colonel Strachan of the Covenanters. English officers hope for a split in the Scottish leadership, but it comes to nothing. HCP1 |
| 21 | Leslie occupies a strong position at Corstorphine, blocking the approach to Queensferry. HCP1 |
| 24 | Cromwell storms and captures Red Hall, a fortified house commanding the crossing of the Water of Leith. HCP1 |
| 26 | The Marquis of Ormond meets representatives of the Irish clergy at Loughrea in County Galway. He refuses to surrender his offices or leave Ireland without the King's permission. CIR |
| 28 | Cromwell's attempt to reach Queensferry finally halted at the village of Gogar. The English army withdraws to Musselburgh where 500 soldiers sick with dysentery are shipped out. D1650, CG |
| 31 | Cromwell withdraws to Haddington. HCP1 |
| The Marquis of Ormond announces that he is seeking the King's permission to leave Ireland. HCP2 | |
September
| 1 | Cromwell falls back to Dunbar. David Leslie occupies Doon Hill, overlooking the English position. Source: HCP1 |
| 2 | David Leslie moves his forces down from Doon Hill. HCP1 |
| 3 | Battle of Dunbar. Cromwell routs the Scots. Leslie retreats to Stirling; the Committee of Estates abandons Edinburgh for Stirling. HCP1 |
| General-at-Sea Popham returns to England with eight ships from the Commonwealth fleet, leaving Blake with nine ships to watch Prince Rupert at Lisbon. HCP1, PRA | |
| 4 | Major-General Lambert occupies the city of Edinburgh with seven regiments of horse and one of foot. Sir Walter Dundas refuses to surrender Edinburgh Castle. CG |
| 5 | The Committee of Estates orders Colonels Strachan and Ker to form their regiments into a Western Association and to raise new levies in south-western Scotland. RCRS |
| 7 | Supported by Portuguese and French warships, Prince Rupert again attempts to escape from the River Tagus. After an exchange of fire with Blake's fleet, Rupert is forced back into port. HCP1 |
| Cromwell and the main body of the English army occupies Edinburgh. CG | |
| 9 | Sir Hardress Waller summons Limerick. HCP2 |
| 10 | Parliament commissions the creation of the Dunbar Medal, to be awarded to all soldiers who took part in Cromwell's victory. HCP2 |
| 14 | General-at-Sea Robert Blake captures the Portuguese Brazil fleet on its return voyage to Lisbon. The loss of the Brazil fleet finally persuades King John to insist that Prince Rupert should leave Portuguese waters. HCP1, CWS |
| Cromwell marches for Stirling, leaving Colonel Lilburne with four regiments to guard Edinburgh. HCP1, CG | |
| 15 | Catholic bishops issue a proclamation threatening to excommunicate any Catholic who continues to support Ormond. CIR |
| 16 | Henry Ireton joins Sir Charles Coote before Athlone. HCP2 |
| 17 | Cromwell advances to within one mile of Stirling, but Leslie's position is unassailable. RCRS |
| 19 | Cromwell withdraws to Edinburgh. HCP1 |
| 21 | Archibald Johnston of Wariston denounces the House of Stuart and blames all Scotland's misfortunes on the late King's opposition to the reformation of the church. HCP1 |
| 24 | Charles promises the Marquis of Argyll a dukedom in exchange for his support against the Kirk Party. RCRS |
| Charles involved with the Duke of Hamilton and Marquis of Huntly in a plot to lead an uprising of Royalists and Engagers against the Covenanters. RCRS | |
| 27 | Parliament passes the Toleration Act: compulsory attendance at parish churches abolished, the anti-Catholic Recusancy Acts repealed. HCP2, AOI |
| Blake returns to Cadiz to replenish supplies and arrange for the disposal of his prizes. CWS | |
| 30 | Ireton leaves Sir Charles Coote at Athlone and marches to join Sir Hardress Waller at Limerick. CIR |
October
| [Early October] The Marquis of Clanricarde gathers an army of 3,000 men and crosses the River Shannon into English-held territory in Leinster, capturing a number of garrisons. Source: CIR | |
| 1 | The Ranter Abiezer Coppe examined by a parliamentary committee for alleged blasphemy. Feigning madness, be is returned to Newgate gaol and not brought to trial. ODNB |
| 2 | Charles II reveals details of the plot against the Covenanters to Lords Wimot and Buckingham. They persuade him to abandon it. Charles tries to cancel the rising. Source: RCRS |
| The Western Association issues a Remonstrance criticising Charles for his ungodliness and calling for Scottish unity. RCRS | |
| 3 | Parliament passes an Act prohibiting trade with the Royalist colonies Virginia, Bermuda, Barbados and Antigua. General-at-Sea Ayscue to be sent to recover Barbados for the Commonwealth. AOI, HCP1 |
| The Committee of Estates orders another purge of Charles' household and attendants; Charles appeals to the Estates to modify the order. HCP1 | |
| 4 | "The Start": The Committee of Estates insists on purging Charles' household. The King rides furiously from Perth intending to resurrect the uprising against the Kirk Party. Colonel Montgomery sent in pursuit. HCP1 |
| 5 | Colonel Montgomery finds Charles taking refuge in a shepherd's hut in the mountains. The King agrees to accompany him back to Perth. HCP1 |
| 6 | General Ireton joins Sir Hardress Waller at Limerick. CIR |
| 10 | First meeting of the Committee of Estates to be held in the King's presence. Charles dismisses the courtiers implicated in the recent plot and orders his supporters in the Highlands to disarm. HCP1 |
| 11-13 | Cromwell visits Glasgow and continues his attempts to reach an understanding with the Scottish clergy. HCP1 |
| 12 | Prince Rupert escapes from Lisbon harbour with six ships while Blake's fleet is replenishing at Cadiz. HCP1 |
| 13 | The Marquis of Ormond receives the King's permission to leave Ireland. HCP2 |
| 14 | Prince Rupert captures two English merchantmen in the Atlantic; the Second Charles from the Royalist squadron sets off in pursuit of a third merchantman. PRA |
| 17 | A second Remonstrance issued from Dumfries critical of the King's malignancy and of the Committee of Estates for supporting him. Remonstrant officers of the Western Association refuse to fight against the English until the King has proved himself worthy of their support. RCRS |
| 18 ? | Prince Rupert's squadron passes through the Straits of Gibraltar and into the Mediterranean. PRA |
| 19 | Ireton abandons the siege of Limerick and disperses his forces into winter quarters. CIR |
| Captain Marshall of the Second Charles almost captured by Blake's ships as he approaches the Straits of Gibraltar. The Jules, a 36-gun French ship in company with Marshall is taken by Blake, who returns to Cadiz with his prize. Marshall passes through the Straits and takes an English prize, the William and John. PRA, CWS | |
| 21 | Royalist Sir David Ogilvy's cavalry attacks a Covenanter regiment at Newtyle in the Highlands. RCRS |
| Reinforcements from Wexford and Kilkenny join Colonel Axtell at Roscrea in County Tipperary. Axtell advances against the Marquis of Clanricarde's army. CIR | |
| Prince Rupert at Malaga, where his attempt to capture English merchantmen in the harbour is thwarted when they are warned by disaffected members of the Royalist squadron. PRA | |
| 23 | The Marquis of Ormond writes to the Confederate commissioners urging them to make the Catholic clergy rescind the edict of excommunication issued against Ormond's supporters (15 September). CIR |
| 24 | General Leslie at Perth with 3,000 cavalry on his way to subdue the Royalist insurgents in the Highlands. RCRS |
| Prince Rupert at Velez-Malaga where he sends in a fireship to burn two English merchantmen when the Spanish governor refuses to hand them over to him. PRA, CWS | |
| 25 | Parliament resolves that all proceedings in courts of law are to be conducted in English. A committee chaired by Henry Marten is appointed to discuss reform of the law. HCJ, TRP |
| Colonel Axtell defeats the Marquis of Clanricarde's forces at Meelick Island on the River Shannon. Axtell is later court-martialled for killing prisoners taken at Meelick after promise of quarter. CIR, ODNB | |
| 26 | Charles and the Committee of Estates issue an Act of Pardon, offering indemnity to the Highland insurgents. HCP1 |
| Prince Rupert destroys three English merchant ships in Motril harbour where he comes under fire from the Spanish defences. PRA, CWS | |
| 27 | Death of Prince William of Orange. Hopes raised for an alliance between the English Commonwealth and the Dutch republic. HCP1 |
| 30 | Blake at Malaga in pursuit of Prince Rupert. HCP1 |
| 31 | Parliament passes an Act increasing customs duties by 15 per cent. The extra revenue to be used to pay for warships to convoy merchant vessels following losses to privateers. HCP1, AOI |
| (End of October) Prince Rupert captures a large merchantman, the Marmaduke, off the coast of north Africa. The Royalist squadron now fragmented in pursuit of different prizes. PRA | |
November
| 3 | Blake's fleet captures the Henry from Prince Rupert's squadron. Other Royalist ships escape to Cartagena. Source: PRA |
| 4 | Leaders of the insurgents in Scotland accept Charles' Act of Indemnity. Sir David Ogilvy agrees to disband his men after a meeting with Leslie at Strathbogie. RCRS |
| The crew of the Black Prince beach and burn their ship near Cartagena to avoid capture by Blake's fleet. PRA | |
| Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice arrive with three ships at Formentera in the Balearic Islands hoping to rendezvous with the rest of the Royalist squadron. PRA | |
| 5 | General-at-Sea Robert Blake sails into Cartagena harbour and anchors near the four Royalist ships. Blake warned that the Royalist ships are under the protection of the King of Spain. PRA |
| 6 | The Royalist ships at Cartagena attempt to escape from Blake under cover of darkness but are caught in a sudden squall, run aground and wrecked. PRA, CWS |
| 9 | Blake sails from Cartagena in pursuit of the three remaining ships in Prince Rupert's squadron. PRA |
| 14 | The Committee of Estates and the Commission of the Kirk begins debating the western Remonstrance. RCRS |
| 15 | The Marquis of Ormond convenes a meeting of the Confederate General Assembly at Loughrea in County Galway. CIR |
| 19 | Ormond insists that the delegates to the Confederate Assembly re-affirm their loyalty to the King before he appoints anyone to govern Ireland in his place. CIR |
| 22 | Parliament passes an act for holding legal proceedings in English rather than Latin. PP |
| 23 | King Philip of Spain orders the official recognition of the Commonwealth. HCP1 |
| 25 | Blake ordered to return to England with most of his ships. Vice-Admiral William Penn appointed to continue the pursuit of Rupert. ODNB |
| Prince Maurice arrives at Toulon with the Swallow and Marmaduke. Prince Rupert at Messina in Sicily with the Constant Reformation, having become separated from Maurice in a storm. PRA | |
| The Committee of Estates and the Commission of the Kirk reject the western Remonstrance. RCRS | |
| 26 | The Scottish Parliament meets at Perth. Colonel Montgomery ordered to take over command of the Western Association from Colonel Ker. HCP1 |
| 27 | Cromwell and Lambert lead eight cavalry regiments from Edinburgh against the Western Association. CW |
| Parliament orders the dismissal of clergymen who refuse to take the Oath of Engagement. HCP2 | |
| 30 | Vice-Admiral Penn sails from Portsmouth in the Centurion and seven other ships with orders to pursue Prince Rupert and authority to intercept Portuguese treasure ships. ODNB |
December
| 1 | Major-General Lambert defeats Colonel Ker and the Western Association army at Hamilton. Source: RCRS |
| 2 | Colonel Strachan defects to the English. ODNB |
| 6 | The Marquis of Ormond names the Marquis of Clanricarde lord-deputy of Ireland in his place. CIR |
| 11 | Ormond leaves Ireland for France. TCW |
| Captain Hall appointed commander of a squadron to convoy English merchant ships trading in the Mediterranean. HCP1 | |
| 12 | Heavy siege guns brought up from England open fire on Edinburgh Castle. HCP1 |
| 13 | German mercenary Captain Augustine Hoffman breaks through the English siege lines to re-supply the garrison in Edinburgh Castle. ATKA |
| 14 | The Commission of the Kirk resolves to relax the qualifications for service in the Scottish army, opening the way for the re-admission of Royalists and Engagers. RCRS |
| (Mid-December) Prince Rupert rejoins Prince Maurice at Toulon. PRA | |
| 20 | The Scottish Parliament commissions officers for a new army to be levied in the north; many Royalists and Engagers appointed. RCRS |
| 22 | The Kirk holds a national Day of Fasting and Humiliation in preparation for the coronation of King Charles. HCP1 |
| 23 | The Confederate General Assembly meeting at Loughrea in County Galway proclaims its allegiance to Charles II and to the Marquis of Clanricarde as his deputy. CIR |
| 24 | Sir Walter Dundas surrenders Edinburgh Castle to Cromwell. RCRS |
| 26 | Charles undergoes a day of public repentance of his sins. HCP1 |
| The Spanish ambassador Alonso de Cardenas presents his credentials in London. HCP1 | |
| 27 | The Council of State complains about the continuing observance of Christmas festivities. HCP2 |
Sources:
AOI: Acts and Ordinances of the Interregnum C.H. Firth and R.S. Raitt (eds), 1911
ATKA: All the King's Armies, Stuart Reid (Staplehurst 1998)
CIR: Cromwell in Ireland, James Scott Wheeler (New York 1999)
CN: Cromwell's Navy, Bernard Capp (Oxford 1989)
CG: Cromwell's Generals, Maurice Ashley (Oxford 1954)
CW: Civil War, Wars of the Three Kingdoms 1638-60, Trevor Royle (London 2004)
CWS: Cromwell's Wars at Sea, John Barratt (Barnsley 2006)
D1650: Dunbar 1650: Cromwell's most famous victory, Stuart Reid (Osprey 2004)
HCJ: House of Commons Journal www.british-history.ac.uk
HCP1: History of the Commonwealth and Protectorate vol. i, S.R. Gardiner (London 1903)
HCP2: History of the Commonwealth and Protectorate vol. ii, S.R. Gardiner (London 1903)
ODNB: Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
PP: Pride's Purge, David Underdown (Oxford 1971)
PRA: Prince Rupert, admiral and general-at-sea, Frank Kitson (London 1998)
RCRS: Revolution and Counter-Revolution in Scotland 1644-1651, David Stevenson (Newton Abbott 1977)
RN2: The Royal Navy: a history from the earliest times to the present, vol.ii Sir William Laird Clowes (London 1898)
TCG: The Cromwellian Gazetteer, Peter Gaunt (Stroud 1987)
TCW: The Civil Wars, a military history of England, Scotland & Ireland 1638-60, Kenyon and Ohlmeyer eds) (Oxford 1998)
TRP: The Rump Parliament, Blair Worden (Cambridge 1974)
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