John Evelyn's Diary 1642

3rd October 1642. To Chichester [Map], and hence the next day to see the Siege of Portsmouth; for now was that bloody difference between the King and Parliament broken out, which ended in the fatal tragedy so many years after. It was on the day of its being rendered to Sir William Waller [aged 45]; which gave me an opportunity of taking my leave of Colonel Goring [aged 34], the governor, now embarking for France. This day was fought that signal battle at Edgehill. Thence I went to Southampton, Hampshire [Map] and Winchester, Hampshire [Map], where I visited the castle, school, church, and King Arthur's Round Table; but especially the church [Map], and its Saxon kings' monuments, which I esteemed a worthy antiquity.

12th November 1642. The 12th of November was the Battle of Brentford, surprisingly fought; and to the great consternation of the City, had his Majesty [aged 41] (as it was believed he would) pursued his advantage. I came in with my horse and arms just at the retreat; but was not permitted to stay longer than the 15th, by reason of the army marching to Gloucester [Map]; which would have left both me and my brothers exposed to ruin, without any advantage to his Majesty.