Booth's Uprising

Booth's Uprising
Part of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms

Lead conspirator John Mordaunt, 1st Viscount Mordaunt
Date1 August 1659 – 24 August 1659
Location
Result Government victory
Belligerents
Commonwealth of England Commonwealth of England Royalists
Commanders and leaders
Strength
  • 3000 foot
  • 1200 horse
c.4000
Casualties and losses
1 killed[1] 30 killed[1]

Booth's Uprising, also known as Booth's Rebellion or the Cheshire Rising of 1659, was an unsuccessful attempt in August 1659 to restore Charles II of England. Centred on North West England and led by George Booth, it took place during the political turmoil that followed the resignation of Richard Cromwell as head of The Protectorate.

Intended as part of a national revolt organised by John Mordaunt, 1st Viscount Mordaunt, only the element led by Booth was initially successful; other local risings either failed to take place or were quickly suppressed. Booth seized the important city of Chester, while local commanders at Liverpool and Wrexham also joined, but found himself isolated.

On 19 August, a government force under John Lambert defeated Booth at Winnington Bridge near Northwich, sometimes described as the final battle of the Civil War. Liverpool and Chester surrendered soon after; although Booth was captured and briefly imprisoned, he escaped punishment. The Commonwealth collapsed in 1660, leading to the Restoration of the monarchy, and Booth was rewarded with a peerage.

  1. ^ a b Underdown 1971, p. 283.