Evelyn's Diary. 12 Nov 1642. The 12th of November was the Battle of Brentford, surprisingly fought; and to the great consternation of the City, had his Majesty (age 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, Gloucestershire [Map]; which would have left both me and my brothers exposed to ruin, without any advantage to his Majesty (age 41).

On 12 Nov 1642 the Battle of Brentford was a small pitched battle which took place on 12 November 1642, between a detachment of the Royalist army (predominantly horse with one regiment of Welsh foot) under the command of Prince Rupert (age 22), and two infantry regiments of Parliamentarians with some horse in support. The result was a victory for the Royalists.