The Wars of the Roses

The first battle of St Albans

May 22, 1455

Opening battle of the Wars of the Roses. Richard of York led around 3,000 Yorkist men in battle towards London, however King Henry VI, with an army of around 2,500 Lancastrain men, intercepted York at the town of St Albans. York and his men attacked and won the battle, inflicting aound 300 casualties. Queen Margaret of Anjou and her yound son Edward fled into exile. Notable deaths include Edmund Beaufort,duke of Somerset; Thomas de Clifford and Henry Percy.

The battle of Blore Heath

Sep 23, 1459

After four years of peace, the Wars of the Roses flared up again. Margaret of Anjou was still trying to supress Rihard of York's claim to the throne and so York decided to act before this could happen. Richard Neville led the York forces (5,000 men) marched to Ludlow to attack the Lancastrian forces, but were intercepted 10,000 Lancastrians under Lord Audley (who died in the battle) under the command of Margaret. The Yorkists won a major vitory due to poor leadership for the Lancasters.

The battle of Ludford Bridge

Oct 12, 1459

After the battle of Blore Heath, Yorkist factions began to advance towards Lancaster, but quickly fell back when they encountered a larger fource led by Henry VI. The Lancastrians took postition against the Yorks across the Teme river. That night, significant numbers of Calais troops, who were meant to be supporting the Yorks, changed sides as a sign of loyalty to the king + God. The Lancastrians won the battle and York was forced to return to Ireland whilst the earl of Salisbury fled to Calais.

The battle of Northhampton

Jul 10, 1460

The Earl Warwick marched north to attack a Lancastrian army marching south from Coventry. The Lancastiran army found out and and stopped at Northhampton to build a defensive postition. Warwick arrived and tried to negotiate a settlement with the king but the Yorkist forces attacked. Duringb the battle, Lord Grey, switched sides to the Yorkist cause and led to their victory. Yorkists had 10,000 more men than the Lancastrains. The king was under Yorkist control and agreed that Yorks were heirs .

The battle of Wakefield

Dec 30, 1460

Richard of York and the Earl of Salisbury travelled North to meet a large Lancastrain force near the city of York. Richard set up a defensive position once there but his stronghold and directly attacked the Lancastrian force even though it was twice the size of his army. Richard held out for some time, but was overwhelmed and his forces were heavily defeated. Richard was slain during the battle. The Earl of Salisbury and York's son were captured and executed.

The battle Mortimer's Cross

Feb 2, 1461

When the Earl of March heard of the disaster at Wakefield he moved east to link-up with Warwick in London. During his journey, he became aware of a Lancastrian force located in central Wales. Edward decided to change direction and engage the enemy. His army of mostly Welshmen routed the Lancastrian army of mercenaries. After the battle Edward continued his march east to join Warwick near London; within two months he would be crowned king. The yorks had 11,000 men whilst the Lancasters had 8,000.

Second battle of St. Albans

Feb 17, 1461

Richard "the Kingmaker" positioned his army at St. Albans, 20 miles northwest of London. He waited for Edward's army, victorious at Mortimer's Cross, to join him. Before the Yorkists could link-up, the Lancastrians attacked. Richard fled leaving his hostage, king Henry VI, under a tree. Both armies had equal forces.

The battle of Ferrybridge

Mar 28, 1461

After proclaiming himself king, Edward IV gathered together a large force and marched north toward the Lancastrians behind the Aire River.The forces engaged and the Yorkist army was pushed back and their leader, Lord Fitzwalter, was killed. However, more Yorkist forces arrived later on in the day and beat back the Lancastrians.

The battle of Towton

Mar 29, 1461

Yorkist forces attacked the Lancastrians in a snowstorm up a sloping hill at Towton. Using the snow and the wind direction as an aid, Yorkist archers were able to shoot farther than the Lancastrains. The Lancastrianscharged and after many hours of intense fighting, the Yorkist line was showing signs of strain. The Duke of Norfolk, arrived with reinforcements and the Yorkists won.Henry VI, Margaret, and their son fled to Scotland and Edward IV marched into York where he was soon crowned king.