WARS OF THE ROSES – BATTLES MENTIONED IN THE TEXT
BLORE HEATH 23 SEPTEMBER 1459
York’s ally, the earl of Salisbury, defeats a Lancastrian force under Lord Audley. The battle is notable for the ‘insurance policy’ pursued by the Stanley family. William Stanley supports the Yorkists whilst his older brother Thomas promises to aid their opponents, but remains several miles from the battlefield. They may have followed a similar strategy at Bosworth.
LUDFORD FIELD 12–13 OCTOBER 1459
Faced with the desertion of many of his followers, York disbands his army and the family separates.
WAKEFIELD 30 DECEMBER 1460
York is defeated and killed in battle by a much larger Lancastrian army. The myth of a noble martyrdom takes root amongst his family and supporters.
TOWTON 29 MARCH 1461
Wakefield is avenged in a bloody encounter fought in a driving snowstorm. This victory establishes Edward IV on the throne.
EDGECOTE 26 JULY 1469
The twelve-year-old Henry Tudor witnesses the defeat of his guardian, William, Lord Herbert, by supporters of Warwick and Clarence, now in open rebellion against Edward IV.
Edward IV wins a victory after executing Richard, Lord Welles, the father of one of the rebel captains, on the morning of the battle. This ruthless action seems to have impressed and encouraged his troops.
BARNET 14 APRIL 1471
Richard’s first battle. He is wounded but fights his way out of trouble.
TEWKESBURY 4 MAY 1471
Richard is given command of the vanguard within the army of his brother, Edward IV. Their Lancastrian opponents launch an attack from a hill, but are unable to co-ordinate their forces properly, and their line is rolled back and broken. It is hard to believe that Richard would commit a similar mistake at Bosworth.
BOSWORTH 22 AUGUST 1485
Richard III is defeated and killed by Henry Tudor.