Captain Barnacle Pete's Naseby Battlefield Quest

Fairfax's Vantage

(the cache is not at the listed coordinates)

The final stop is Fairfax's Viewpoint. Sir Thomas Fairfax commanded the New Model Army throughout the battle and led from the front despite being wounded during the fighting.

From here, the scale of the battlefield becomes apparent. It was across these fields that approximately 14,000 Parliamentarian troops and 8,000 Royalists fought one of the most significant engagements of the English Civil War. The ridges, slopes, and open ground visible today played a crucial role in shaping the movements of both armies and ultimately the outcome of the battle.

Naseby did not end the war immediately, but it marked the beginning of the end for the Royalist cause. Within a year, King Charles I had surrendered, setting in motion events that would eventually lead to his trial and execution. The battle's consequences extended far beyond Northamptonshire, helping to shape the future of England and its system of government.

As Pete surveys the battlefield one final time, Kevin reminds him that there is still one adventure lab stage close by to complete.

Whilst exploring the Naseby Battlefield, Captain Barnacle Pete and Kevin discovered a weathered account describing how Sir Thomas Fairfax communicated with his forces during the battle.

Among Fairfax's papers was a curious note detailing the progress of the fighting to the north of his position. He recorded that the men were first ordered to Hold Position whilst scouts reported movement beyond the ridge. Soon after, the drummers signalled Quick March twice in succession as troops moved to reinforce the line. Witnesses later recalled a call to Rally, followed by orders to Form Line, before the army was instructed to Advance twice as the attack gathered momentum.

A separate account describes events later in the day on the west of the battlefield. The army was again told to Hold Position before signals were given to Reinforce Left and then order a Cavalry Advance. Another call to Reinforce Left was sounded before a final Rally and Cavalry Advance completed the sequence recorded by Fairfax's staff.

Perhaps the old commander's signals still have something to reveal.