During the course of 1651, with control over England relatively secure, but facing opposition in Scotland, Ireland and the colonies, the Commonwealth navy focused on quashing isolated remaining Royalist strongholds. As well as campaigns in Jersey and Barbados, the Scilly Isles had been a hotbed of Royalist feeling (as indeed had neighbouring Cornwall). Although there was some close fighting when the Commonwealth troops first landed, the Royalists soon realised the inevitability of their situation, and surrendered on 1st June 1651. The Royalist troops were permitted to rejoin the Commonwealth without punishment, or, if they preferred, even to escape to Scotland to join Charles II.
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