The Sack of Wexford took place from 2 to 11 October 1649, during the campaign known as the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. It was part of the wider 1641 to 1653 Irish Confederate Wars, and an associated conflict of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.
A Parliamentarian force under Oliver Cromwell stormed the town after negotiations broke down, killing most of the garrison. Many civilians also died, either during the sack, or drowned attempting to escape across the River Slaney. Along with Drogheda, Wexford is still remembered as an infamous atrocity.
1649Oct, 11
Sack of Wexford: After a ten-day siege, English New Model Army troops (under Oliver Cromwell) stormed the town of Wexford, killing over 2,000 Irish Confederate troops and 1,500 civilians.
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Events on 1649
- 11Mar
Peace of Rueil
The Frondeurs and the French sign the Peace of Rueil. - 19Mar
History of reform of the House of Lords
The House of Commons of England passes an act abolishing the House of Lords, declaring it "useless and dangerous to the people of England". - 19May
Long Parliament
An Act of Parliament declaring England a Commonwealth is passed by the Long Parliament. England would be a republic for the next eleven years. - 2Sep
Wars of Castro
The Italian city of Castro is completely destroyed by the forces of Pope Innocent X, ending the Wars of Castro. - 19Oct
Oliver Cromwell
New Ross town, County Wexford, Ireland, surrenders to Oliver Cromwell.