The First Phase Of The War Of The Roses

Battle Of St Albans

May 22, 1455

Richard of York's forces were outnumbered by the kings (1000 more men) however it was still a disadvantage in the small & cramped town & York's forces were subject to intense arrow fire.
The Yorkists succeeded because Warwick launched a flank attack (coming in behind through gardens). Henry VI was escorted to local Abbey for protection. Somerset, Northumborland, Clifford & Harrington died.
York swore loyalty to Henry, &Warwick took his place as Captain of Calais. Weakness in Englands command.

Battle of Blore Heath

Sep 23, 1459

Where the two sides first met again. Yorkist's succeeded but Margaret who was watching managed her escape.

Battle of Ludlow

Oct 12, 1459

Yorkist's had a smaller number but were tipped to win because they had professional soilders.
However the professional soilders went to the King's side
York managed to escape to and Warwick to Calais (where he managed to defeat all the forces against him.)

Battle of Northhampton

Jun 10, 1460

When the Yorkist Earl's returned to England (with an army) they were treated with cheering crowds, especially in Kent/London where the Queen had been neglected
In the battle the rain and treachery (some of the kings soilders helped Yorkists) were the two decisive factors to allow Yorkists success.
Henry VI was taken prisoner by York, York claimed the throne.

Battle of Wakefield

Dec 30, 1460

York was killed by the sons of victims of St Albans - his headb was placed on spike and a paper crown was placed on top, to mock the wannabe king who was now dead.
The Lancastrian success was short lived because it was avenged two months later. Warwick attempted to counter potential supply problems by keeping his army close to London, the trade of the Capital.

Battle of Martimer's Cross

Feb 2, 1461

What happened:
- It was winter. both sides were disadvantage in the cold weather Who won?
Yorkists

Second St Albans

Feb 17, 1461

Richard, the Kingmaker, positioned his army at St Albans located 20 miles Northwest of London. He waited for Edward's army victorius at Mortimers Cross, to join him. Before the Yorkists could link up the Lancastrians attacked. Richard fled leaving his hostage, King Henry VI, under a tree.

Ferrybridge

Mar 28, 1461

This was a small battle before the larger war after it, Townton. After proclaiming himself King, Edward IV gathered together a large force and marched North towards Lancastrian position (Aire River). The forces engaged, the Yorkist army pushed back and their leader, Lord Fitzwalter, was killed. However, more Yorkist forces arrived later in the day and beat back the Lancastrians.

Towton

Mar 29, 1461

The day after the battle of Ferrybirdge, the Yorkists attacked the Lancastrian's in a driving snow storm up a sloping hill in Towton. Using the snow and wind direction as an aid, the Yorkist archers were able to shoot further than their adversaries. The Lancastrians charged at them, and after many hours of fighting the Yorkist line showed signs of strain. The Yorkist army was defeated the Lancastrians, John Mowbray arrived with reinforcements. The royals fled to Scotland. Edward IV June 28 king.

Conclusion

Sep 26, 1461

The Yorkists were most successful in their battles, as they managed to defeat Lancastrian's in many battles and avenge the few that the Lancastrian's did win.
The Yorkists used many stratagies, and used the weather for example as an advantage to their success.