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Edmund Ludlow memoirs

At Bath, we refreshed our army and gave assistance to a party drawn out of Bristol under the command of Sir Francis Doddington, to regain a house of Mr. Arundel's called Woodhouse, near Frome, possessed by one Wansey, a person of equal quality with many of the rebels’ officers though lately a watchmaker in Warminster.

And here it will be very pertinent to let you know that a little before this time, Ludlow the mock sheriff of Wilts, the two Pophams, Stroud, and others settled themselves as a committee at the Devizes, endeavouring to draw his Majesty's subjects from their obedience; and then place this Wansey in Mr. Arundel's house.

For the regaining of which and prevention of their further growth, the Lord Hopton sent Sir Francis Doddington with some troops of horse and dragoons to quarter thereabouts.

But the rebels grew so strong as they threatened his quarters; upon intelligence whereof the Lord Hopton drew a greater strength from Bristol and joined with him; resolving if the rebels failed to attempt his quarters, to be with them the next night at their head-quarters.

But the rebels confident of their strength came to Warminster, and the next day the 7th July the scouts of both parties met and fought, which gave alarm.

The Lord Hopton presently advance and charged to rebels; whereupon they presently brake and ran so fast, as the Lord Hopton's horse, having marched all night, could not follow them; yet Sir Francis Doddington's horse pursued them close, and had execution of them to Salisbury (full 16 miles) and through and beyond it 6 miles more.

In the long pursuit he slew about 100, took as many more prisoners, besides 100 new pair of pistols, and about 40 muskets, and released divers countrymen the rebels had taken; and so dispersed this growing body, as that of 300, not 40 got in to Southampton .

Sir Francis having fought almost a summer's day, and chased them 22 miles returned with his prisoners and arms.

And now he had more leisure to prosecute his design of getting Woodhouse, which had brought to good perfection by the time we came from Bath ; from whence his Majesty sent a party of foot, with two pieces of cannon to his assistance.

Who, the besieged being obstinate, took it the next day by assault; in which he slew about 20, and took their governor Wansey, and about 80 more prisoners.

Sir Francis did not compliment, but used them as rebels and presently hung up about 14 of them, and could hardly be induced to spare the rest, who were at length sent prisoners to Bristol .

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