User:Pax Brittanica/sandbox/Siege of Manchester

The Siege of Manchester was amongst the first clashes of the English Civil War.

Prelude
Wiped

Siege
On 24 September 1642, news reached Manchester that Lord Strange had mustered his troops, numbering 3000 - 4000 men, and 6 - 7 cannons, in Warrington, and was on the march towards the town. Rosworme set up provisional fortifications, such as posts and chains, to keep out the enemy horse, and mud barricades at the ends of streets. The Royalists arrived the following day. One division remained north of the River Irwell and occupied Salford, whilst Strange marched the remainder to Manchester through Alport Lane. Upon arrival, Strange conferred with two envoys, promising to respect life and property if entrance was granted. The demand was ultimately refused. On the Monday morning, Strange sent another demand, requesting all arms be delivered up, and quarter spared for his horse troop. The townspeople replied that this was forbidden by the protestations and by Ordinance of Parliament. The royalists batteries at Alport Lodge began firing at the town around midday, answered by musket fire from roundheads stationed in the churchyard. The cannons performing little damage except to the houses, which were greatly damaged and later plundered. The Royalists then proceeded to attack Deansgate in close quarters, setting buildings alight.

Fiction and media
In 1965, director Herbert Wise directed an episode named The Siege of Manchester for Theatre 625. The drama impressed Stanley Kubrick, who at the time was shooting 2001: A Space Odyssey. Kubrick requested Wise bring a copy of the drama to his house, so as to learn how to get strong performances out of his actors.