The wars of the Roses

The First Battle Of St Albans

May 22, 1455

-The First Battle of the wars of the roses was the battle of St Albans.
-Richard Duke of York lead a force of 3,000 men towards King Henry VI with a force of 2,500 men (Lanstrian) in London.
-Henry stopped the march in the town of St Albans.
-Richard of York attcked and defeated the Lancastrians, injuring 300 people.
-Margaret of Anjou and Edward fled up North.
Strenghs: Flank attack
Deaths: Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset; Thomas de Clifford; Henry Percy and the 2nd earl of Northumberland

The Battle of Blore Heath

Sep 23, 1459

-Richard centralized his forces around Ludlow and then attacked -the Lancastrian forces.
-his forces were intercepted by the Lancastrians with 10,000 men
- Strenghs: Yorkists had 5,000 men, that were well equiped and much stronger worriers then Henry's 10,000.

The Battle of Ludford Bridge

Oct 12, 1459

-the Yorkist factions regrouped at Ludford bridge at the town of Ludlow and started to advance towards Worcester.
-They fell when they encouted Henry VI's army.
Strenghs: The Lancastrians had the support of the king and Calais Garrison due to the fact they switched sides from the Yorkists as their loyalty laid with the king.
Weaknesses: Yorkists had men changing sides and they had to flee the battle.

The Battle of Northampton

Jul 10, 1460

-The Earl of Warwick, Salisbury and March(Edward IV) sailed from Calais to Sandwich on their way to LDN.
-Warwick attachted the Lancastrian army who were marching down from Coventry.
Weakness: Lord Grey, who was commanding a wing of the King's army switched sides to the Yorkists.
The king was now under Yorkist control and it was agreed he was the rightful heirs to the crown.
Weeknesses: The weather prevented communication and the guns from fireing.
MOA was assembling an army in Wales.

The Battle of Wakefield

Dec 30, 1460

ROY travelled with Earl of Sailsbrury up north to meet Lancastrian forces in York.
-Richard left his stronghold and directly attacked the Lancastrian force even though it was twice the size of his army.
Weakness: Richard's army were so overwelmed and outnumbered that his amy were defeated and ROY died.
-The earl of Salisbury and York's son were captured and executed.
Weakness: Yorks army were outnumbered at 8,000 to 18,000
Weakness: Yorks forces were incredibly outnumbered at 8,000 to 18,000.

The Battle of Mortimer's Cross

Feb 2, 1461

Edward Earl of March moved up to LDN to link up with Warwick during his travel he discovered a Lanc army at Wales.
-Edward changed direction to enagge with enermy.
-After the battle Edward continued east to LDN to join Warwick -2 months later he was crowned King Eward IV
Strenghs: Edward Earl of March launched an unexpecting attack, meaning the other troops were not ready.

the second battle of St. Albans

Feb 17, 1461

-Warwick positisioned his army at St Albans
-Before the Yorkists could link up the Lancastrians attacked.
-Richard fled leaving his hostage, king Henry VI, under a tree.
Strenghs: The Lancastrians launched a Flank attack on the Yorkists.
Weaknesses: Richard fled, leaving Henry VI to escape and join back up with the Lancastrians.

The Battle of Towton

Mar 29, 1461

-The Yorkists forces attacked the Lancastrians in a snowstorm up a sloping hill at Towton. Weakness: The weather would have created a problem for the Lancastrians as the wind and storm made their arrows not fly properly.
Strenghs: The weather was in their favour and the reinforcments arrived at exactly the right time as prior to this they were showing signs of weakness.

Conclution of The Battles.

Dec 31, 1461

Overall , The Yorkists won the majoity of the battles meaning they were the victors.They had the most money and power as the Nevillies and the Pantagenets were on their side. This meant they would always have the best warriors and equipment.