attacked the town, and after vainly calling upon Colonel Legge to
yield, they assailed the fortifications at the bridge and in five
other places at the same time. After a short but hard fought encounter
the Royalists surrendered, and until the end of the struggle Evesham
remained in the hands of the Parliament.

On the 29th of May the House of Commons ordered the Speaker to convey
their thanks to the colonel and his officers in acknowledgment of
their great service.




CHAPTER IX

THE RIVER

_There is a willow grows aslant a brook,_
_That shows his hoar leaves in the glassy stream;_
_There with fantastic garlands did she come,_
_Of crow-flowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples._

--SHAKESPEARE: Hamlet.


In tracing the history of our little town from its origin it has often
been observed how important a part has been played in its fortunes by
the river that flows through and partly encircles it. It is to the
river that the town owes its position, and its very existence probably
depended upon the advantages which the stream provided. To the early