The Sources

The Essex Record Office at Chelmsford in Essex has extensive sources relating to the county's major role in the English Civil War. Throughout the Civil War, Essex was seen as a Parliamentary stronghold and in 1643 it became part of the Eastern Association, a group of counties whose armies were later to form the core of the New Model Army.

While Essex experienced no battles or campaigns other than in 1648 when a Royalist army seized Colchester and was subsequently besieged there, control of the county - and hence of access to London from the east and from the Thames estuary - was essential to the Parliamentary cause.

The sources - some of which are included in this electronic archive - include:

• eyewitness accounts
• parish records
• legal documents
• field reports from military units composed of Essex men
• letters and documents relating to the establishment of the Eastern Association and the New Model Army
• pleas for financial aid from victims and veterans of the war

The siege of Colchester during the 'Second Civil War' in 1648 produces another extensive body of material.

These sources cannot be compared with those recounting events of momentous national consequence like the attainder of Strafford or the trial of Charles I but their interest is not solely local or limited to Essex. County records contain evidence which is essential in explaining issues crucial to the course and outcome of the war. Alternatively, you can select a specific source which provides some insights into questions about the Civil War and the ways in which affected people and places in Essex.

You can explore the sources here. The interactive part of the website will open in a new browser window.