The Battle of Roundway Down unfolded on July 13, 1643, as part of the larger conflict known as the English Civil War, which pitted Royalist forces loyal to King Charles I against Parliamentarian troops advocating for greater parliamentary power. The skirmish was fought near Devizes, a strategic point in Wiltshire. The Royalist army, commanded by Henry Wilmot, 1st Earl of Rochester, confronted the Parliamentarian forces led by Sir William Waller, who had recently achieved a series of successes against Royalist strongholds.

As the Parliamentarians maneuvered to confine and besiege Devizes, they faced challenges from the terrain and their own command decisions. Wilmot, seized the opportunity to engage the Parliamentarians from a higher ground, employing a surprise attack that caught Waller's forces off guard. The Royalist cavalry's rapid and decisive action led to a rout of the Parliamentarian troops, resulting in significant casualties and capturing many who attempted to flee the battlefield.

The immediate aftermath of the battle saw Royalist control firmed over the surrounding area, greatly enhancing their strategic position in the struggle for England. This victory not only boosted the morale of Royalist supporters but also highlighted the importance of leadership and tactical maneuvering in warfare. The events at Roundway Down reinforced the perceived prowess of Wilmot as a military leader, shaping the narrative of the Royalist campaign in the early years of the war.