He also sent orders to the Royalist western army which had been victorious at Roundway Down, now under the command of his younger brother Prince Maurice, to march against Bristol from the south while he himself advanced on the city from the north.

[4] After investing the city on the morning of 24 July, Rupert formally summoned the garrison to surrender, but when Fiennes refused he crossed the Avon to confer with Prince Maurice and his officers.

However, Rupert was conscious of the wider strategic issues; a series of Royalist successes and dissension within Parliament meant the West needed to be secured quickly to facilitate an offensive against London.

Although granted the honours of war, which allowed them free passage to the nearest friendly territory and to retain their weapons and personal property, they were plundered by undisciplined Royalists when they marched out on 27 July.

Royalist statesman Clarendon later wrote "his Majesty’s loss was inestimable, and very hard to be repaired... there were slain...about five hundred common men and many excellent officers, whereof many were of prime command and quality".

The loss of Slanning, Trevanion and Buck was especially significant, as the Cornish infantry were among the best troops in the Royalist army but reluctant to serve outside Cornwall or under "foreign" officers.

In addition, Bristol's workshops eventually re-equipped the entire Royalist army with muskets, while they secured immense amounts of booty, including £100,000 of cash and war supplies.

[10] The capture of Bristol and Royalist success elsewhere meant by late August the Parliamentarian cause was close to collapse and was saved only by John Pym's leadership and determination.

The need to replace them prevented the Royalists from taking full advantage of their victory and delayed their attack on the main prize of London until late October.

The rapid surrender of Bristol by Prince Rupert to the New Model Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax in September 1645 vindicated his claims the city was far more vulnerable than was apparent.