1643 1644 1645 1646 The Battle of Sherburn in Elmet was an action fought towards the end of the First English Civil War.

The Scottish Covenanters had intervened on the side of the Parliamentarians in late 1643, and had been instrumental in the victory at the Battle of Marston Moor, which gained them supremacy in the north of England.

In late 1644 and early 1645, Montrose had won several victories over the Covenanters which eventually put Scotland at his mercy.

However, in a reversal of previous roles, he decided to send a substantial force of cavalry north to reinforce Montrose.

The "Northern Horse" were cavalry raised in the North of England, who had continued fighting for the King even after their homes and estates were occupied by Covenanters and Parliamentarians after the battle of Marston Moor.

Since then, they had been involved in the King's defeats at the battles of Naseby and Rowton Heath and had gained a reputation for pillage and poor discipline.

Poyntz was a professional soldier who had served with Dutch and Swedish armies in Europe, and had entered Parliament's service in 1644.

In light of the scarce intelligence available, he proceeded northward and found himself in close proximity to Digby's troops as he approached Sherburn in Elmet on 15 October.

[citation needed] After setting out for Scotland, Digby first attacked a Parliamentarian detachment at Doncaster, and another at Cusworth.

[4] Langdale, with about half the Royalist force, drew up his men and delivered a stirring speech before engaging Copley.

Initially, Langdale's men gained the upper hand, but as some of Copley's troopers panicked and fled through the village of Sherburn in Elmet, they were mistaken for fleeing Royalists.

Finally, the remnants were defeated on Carlisle Sands on 24 October by Parliamentarians commanded by Sir John Browne.