Goring declared for the king on 2 August. Parliament managed to implement a sea blockade on 8 August under Robert Rich, 2nd Earl of Warwick. On land, the Parliamentary forces were able to assemble on the top of Portsdown Hill on 10 August. Goring's preparations for a siege were far from comprehensive. Not only was his work on improving the defences incomplete but the town's stores held supplies for as little as two days. Between 10 and 12 August, the Portsmouth garrison raided the farms of Portsea Island for food with both grain and livestock being seized and either taken within the city walls or, in the case of some of the livestock, being left to graze beneath the city's guns. The Parliamentarian forces responded by landing a force with two cannons at the south east of the island and ferrying women, children, cattle and sheep across Langstone harbour to Hayling Island. At this point, Goring's forces peaked at about 500 men.