Wars of Louis Quatorze: Muster on the Mendips and the siege of Wells 1642

Item Information | A perfect relation of all the passages and proceedings of the Marquesse Hartford, the Lord Paulet, and the rest of the Cavelleers that were with them in Wels. With the valiant resolution and behaviour of the trained-bands and other inhabitants of those parts, for the defence of themselves, the King and Parliament. As also what helpe was sent from Bristoll to their ayd; with the manner of the Lords and Cavaleers running out of the towne. And many other things very remarkable. As it was sent in a letter from the committee in Summersetshire to both Houses of Parliament. Ordered by the Lords in Parliament, that this letter be forthwith printed and published. J. Brown Cler. Parliamentorum. | Early English Books Online 2 | University of Michigan Library Digital Collections

Sir Alexander Popham's Bath Regiment of Trained Bands. This regiment was present 'doubled twice over, by means of volunteers'. Elements of Rodney's Wells regiment were also present and some were mustered in Wells for the King but many slipped away during the night. 'Well armed but not so well resolved.' Some in the Parliament force were armed with 'pitchforks, dungpicks and such like weapons'.

Wells was the centre of Royalist activity at the early days of the War. A gathering at Chewton Mendip August 5 saw 10,000-12,000 Parliamentarians deployed on the Mendips to threaten the city. The Cavaliers numbered less than 1,000 mostly horse. Artillery bombarded the BIshop's Palace which was the Royalists' head quarters. Eventually the Royalists abandoned Wells riding to Glastonbury and then Sherborne Castle.