Farnham in the Civil War and the Commonwealth

In 1973, the Farnham and District Museum Society published the research findings of Derek and Angela Hall, followed by a second book by Derek and co-author Fred Gretton. These works have long been out of print, and Laurence Spring now presents them in this definitive edition, correcting several myths.

Farnham played a significant role in the Civil War, with Farnham Castle being occupied by each side in turn. Skirmishes took place in Farnham Park, leaving evidence in the form of hundreds of musket balls.

Farnham was generally Royalist in its sympathies, but the Castle nevertheless became a centre for Parliamentary forces. Initially held by the poet and soldier George Wither, it was taken over for the Royalists by Charles Denham, who then yielded it after a brief struggle to the renowned commander Sir William Waller. Waller used it as a base for attacking Basing House. Oliver Cromwell had the Castle slighted after the end of the first phase of the war. Thereafter, Farnham played little further part in the conflict. However, Charles I paused in Farnham on his way to his destiny and death in Whitehall, providing a poignant coda to the town’s role in the Civil War.

This historical review, covering the period 1642 to 1649, provides not only military and strategic detail but also conveys something of the changing attitudes of the residents.