Roses

First Phase of the Wars of the Roses

By victoriaherring
  • The First Battle of St Albans
    May 22, 1455

    The First Battle of St Albans

    What happened?
    - York's forces outnumbered the King's by 1000 but this was a disadvantage in the small, cramped town
    - York's forces were subject to intense arrow fire and their morale was on the verge of breaking Who won?
    - Yorkists (because Warwick launched a flank attack through the gardens) What happened afterwards?
    - Many English citizens were now aware of the weak King who wanted peace not war
    - Uneasy peace fell over the country
  • The Battle of Blore Heath
    Sep 23, 1459

    The Battle of Blore Heath

    What happened?
    - The Lancastrian forces had double the amount of soldiers than the Yorkists Who won?
    - The Yorkists What happened afterwards?
    - Margaret, who had been watching, managed to escape
  • The Battle of Ludford Bridge
    Oct 12, 1459

    The Battle of Ludford Bridge

    What happened?
    - Yorkists had a smaller number but were tipped to win because they had professional soldiers
    - But the soldiers went to the King's side!!! Who won?
    - The Lancastrians What happened afterwards?
    - York managed to escape to Ireland
    - Warwick went to Calais
  • The Battle of Northampton
    Jul 10, 1460

    The Battle of Northampton

    What happened?
    - Yorkists had good strategies for defense
    - Lancastrians suffered from treachery when Lord Grey switched sides Who won?
    - Yorkists What happened afterwards?
    - Henry V1 was taken prisoner by York
    - York claimed the throne
  • The Battle of Wakefield
    Dec 30, 1460

    The Battle of Wakefield

    What happened?
    - Yorkists were heavily outnumbered Who won?
    - Lancastrians What happened afterwards?
    - York was killed in battle and his head was placed on a spike, with a paper crown placed on top, to mock his success
  • The Battle of Mortimer's Cross
    Feb 2, 1461

    The Battle of Mortimer's Cross

    What happened?
    - It was winter, both sides were disadvantaged in the cold weather Who won?
    - Yorkists
  • The Second Battle of St Albans
    Feb 17, 1461

    The Second Battle of St Albans

    What happened?
    - The Lancastrians attacked before the Yorkists were properly ready Who won?
    - Lancastrians
  • The Battle of Ferrybridge
    Mar 28, 1461

    The Battle of Ferrybridge

    What happened?
    - This was a smaller engagement before the Towton battle
    - Yorkists got more soldiers during the battle Who won?
    - Yorkists
  • The Battle Towtown
    Mar 29, 1461

    The Battle Towtown

    What happened?
    - Yorkists attacked Lancastrians in a snow storm up a hill (Yorkists had the advantage of the snow/wind direction) Who won?
    - Yorkists What happened afterwards?
    - Edward IV was crowned King two months later
  • Conclusion
    Sep 26, 1461

    Conclusion

    The Yorkists had the most advantages (professional soldiers, good defense strategies, strong leaders, good safehavens, high wealth) and the Lancastrians only had the King as their strong point.