The battle of Towton (29 March 1461) was the decisive battle of the first phase of the Wars of the Roses and saw the young Edward IV defeat one of the largest Lancastrian armies to take to the field during the war. This victory came only four weeks after Edward had claimed the throne, and helped establish him as the accepted king of England.
Where was the Battle of Towton fought?
The Battle of Towton was fought on 29 March 1461 during the English Wars of the Roses, near the village of Towton in Yorkshire. It was "probably the largest and bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil". An estimated 50,000 soldiers fought for hours during a snowstorm on that day, which was Palm Sunday.
What happened at the Battle of Towton 1461?
Struggle in the Cock Beck: Battle of Towton fought on 29th March 1461 in the Wars of the Roses It is said that the Cock Beck was choked with dead Lancastrian soldiers, their blood flowing down into the River Wharfe. The Lancastrian army, completely broken, was scattered across the county.
What happened to the Yorkists after the Battle of Towton?
In contrast, the Yorkists lost only one notable member of the gentry—Horne—at Towton. On receiving news of their army's defeat, Henry fled into exile in Scotland with his wife and son. They were later joined by Somerset, Ros, Exeter, and the few Lancastrian nobles who escaped from the battlefield.
How many casualties were there at Towton?
The trend today is to suggest that casualties at Towton were probably lower than the often-cited 28000. However, all estimates are exactly that, estimation. We will most likely never know the true extent of the casualties at the battle. We do know that it was a large number though.
Why was the Battle of Towton so bloody?
Towton was such a battle. Regional hatreds and family vendettas ensured it was fought with a ferocity that, together with the large size of the armies involved, made it one of the bloodiest battles on English soil.
Who won the Battle of Towton and why?
Towton proved to be a decisive victory for the Yorkists. With a death toll said to number 28,000, the Lancastrians were unable to muster a field army for another three years. The Lancastrian cause was far from over however, as King Henry and his wife Margaret, along with their son and heir had all escaped to Scotland.
What is Towton famous for?
Towton is given as having the greatest number of dead of any battle fought in Great Britain. Among the Lancastrian nobility, the Earl of Northumberland died of his wounds; Lords Dacre, Westmoreland, Clifford, Neville, de Maulay and Welles were killed.
Who fought in the Battle of Towton?
The Battle of Towton took place on 29th March 1461. Two of the largest armies ever raised on English soil fought the battle. It resulted in huge casualties and remains the bloodiest battle to have taken place in England. At the Battle of Towton, the Yorkist forces won a decisive victory over the Lancastrians.
Why was the Battle of Towton important?
Battle of Towton, (March 29, 1461), battle fought on Palm Sunday near the village of Towton, about 10 miles (16 km) southwest of York, now in North Yorkshire, England. The largest and bloodiest battle of the Wars of the Roses, it secured the English throne for Edward IV against his Lancastrian opponents.
What was the bloodiest battle ever?
The Most Deadly Battle In History: Stalingrad Running from August 23, 1942 to February 2, 1943, Stalingrad led to 633,000 battle deaths.
What was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War?
Battle of Antietam breaks out Beginning early on the morning of September 17, 1862, Confederate and Union troops in the Civil War clash near Maryland's Antietam Creek in the bloodiest single day in American military history.
What is the bloodiest battle in British history?
The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of World War I, and among the bloodiest in all of human history. A combination of a compact battlefield, destructive modern weaponry and several failures by British military leaders led to the unprecedented slaughter of wave after wave of young men.
What was the bloodiest day in English history?
July 1, 1916Thirty-seven sets of British brothers lost their lives on the battle's first day, and one man was killed every 4.4 seconds, making July 1, 1916, the bloodiest single day in the history of the British Army.
When did the Battle of Towton end?
March 29, 1461Battle of Towton / End date
How long is Towton battlefield walk?
2 and a half milesThe walk is along an undulating grass farm path, approximately 4 kilometres (2 and a half miles) long and will take between two and a half and three hours to complete. Stout footwear is recommended as the trail can be muddy. Each walk will be led by a guide from the Towton Battlefield Society.
What was the largest ancient battle?
1) Battle of Plataea (479 BC) – According to him, the gargantuan scale of the conflict pitted around 300,000 Persian troops (also included Greek battalions) against 108,200 Greek soldiers.
How did Edward win the Battle of Towton?
Fought for ten hours between an estimated 50,000 soldiers in a snowstorm on Palm Sunday, the Yorkist army achieved a decisive victory over their Lancastrian opponents. As a result, Edward IV deposed the Lancastrian Henry VI and secured the English throne....Battle of Towton.Date29 March 1461ResultYorkist victory1 more row
When did the Battle of Towton end?
March 29, 1461Battle of Towton / End date
What caused the battle of Marston Moor?
Charles I ordered his nephew, Prince Rupert of the Rhine, to take forces and relieve the siege. Rupert's advance caused the Parliamentary army to break the siege and head out to meet the advancing Royalist army. The two sides met at Marston Moor, 7 miles (11 km) from York.
Who won the Wars of the Roses?
The Wars of the Roses, if understood as the dynastic conflict between the rival royal houses of Lancaster and York, were won by Edward IV. He was twice the comeback kid, in 1461 and 1471. His military achievement was remarkable. He won every battle he fought – six in total.
Where was the Battle of Towton?
Full Article. Battle of Towton, (March 29, 1461), battle fought on Palm Sunday near the village of Towton, about 10 miles (16 km) southwest of York, now in North Yorkshire, England. The largest and bloodiest battle of the Wars of the Roses, it secured the English throne for Edward IV against his Lancastrian opponents.
What was the war of the roses?
Wars of the Roses: Competing claims to the throne and the beginning of civil war
What happened to the Lancastrians in 1461?
The Lancastrians had failed to seize London after their victor y at the Second Battle of St. Albans on February 17, 1461, and were forced to retreat before the converging armies of Edward and Richard Neville, the earl of Warwick. The Yorkists swiftly pursued them, crossed the River Aire on March 28, and attacked the following day. The two sides had been battling for 10 hours in a raging snowstorm when the arrival of fresh troops under John Mowbray, 3rd duke of Norfolk, broke the Lancastrians’ morale and dispersed their ranks. The fugitives were slaughtered mercilessly by the pursuing Yorkists. Although the estimates vary widely, the numbers engaged and the numbers killed were far greater than in any other battle of the Wars of the Roses.
Which country started the Wars of the Roses?
United Kingdom: The beginning of the Wars of the Roses
What was the significance of Towton?
Towton proved to be a decisive victory for the Yorkists. With a death toll said to number 28,000, the Lancastrians were unable to muster a field army for another three years. The Lancastrian cause was far from over however, as King Henry and his wife Margaret, along with their son and heir had all escaped to Scotland.
How many people died in the Battle of St Albans?
Casualties: A total of around 28,000 dead, unknown wounded or captured. Commanders: Henry Beaufort (Lancastrians), King Edward IV of England (Yorkists) Location: More Battles in the Wars of the Roses. First Battle of St Albans. 22 May, 1455.
How old was Edward at the Battle of Wakefield?
Following the death of his father at the Battle of Wakefield, the 18 year- old Yorkist Edward marched his followers northwards to depose Henry through force.
How did the Battle of Towton begin?
The generally accepted consensus is that the battle began in the traditional manner. This was an exchange of volleys between the archers, attempting to inflict damage to the infantry prior to an attack. At Towton, the battle was fought in Blizzard conditions. This had an impact on the effectiveness of the archers. The Lancastrians loosed their arrows into the wind. Their vision was impaired and the range lowered by conditions. It is thought that a large proportion of Lancastrian arrows simply fell short of the target. Yorkist archers had the advantage of the wind behind them. They could fire further and into the mass of infantry. Casualties are thought to have been high as a result.
How many people died in the Battle of Towton?
The Battlefield itself is a large area, capable of holding a huge army. But logistics, distances and the resources available all suggest that the battle, whilst large, would not have approached any of the figures noted in the Casualty Estimates section below. In recent discussions before and after online talks held by the Battlefields Trust, a figure of 9000 casual ties has been suggested. This is still one of the largest, if not the largest, numbers of dead in a battle held in England. Figures are better recorded for the English Civil Wars between King Charles I and Parliament, and some of these are around the same size as Towton, possibly larger. The Romans brought large numbers of men in their successful invasion. The larger battles that they had against native Britons have huge numbers suggested, the validity of these suggestions can be questioned. Whatever the true figures are, it is quite clear that by the Standards of the day, Towton was massive.
Why did the Yorkists leave the Lancastrians in the ground?
This left Lancastrian arrows falling well short. In doing so it gave additional arrows for the Yorkists to pull from the ground and simply fire back into the ranks of the Lancastrians. Those that they left in the ground became an obstacle for the Lancastrian infantry when it advanced. Wikipedia cites Ross and Gravett. The contemporary account puts it slightly differently but along the same lines:
What were the rival factions in 1459?
In 1459 tension between rival factions in court turned into war. On one side the Lancastrians. They were loyal to the rule of King Henry VI, or to his wife, Margaret of Anjou and the Prince of Wales. On the other side, the Yorkists. Initially they claimed that they were opposed not to the king but to his incompetent and evil counsellors. England’s political and economic woes drove the two parties apart. Henry VI was a feeble king who did little to stop the tension mounting. In 1459, the Yorkists chose to take action. Fighting broke out at Blore Heath. Attempts to reconcile the parties was doomed to failure. The Yorkists fled after a rout at Ludford Bridge.
What advantage did the Lancastrians have in the Battle of York?
The Lancastrians had the advantage of choosing the site of the battle. They knew that the Yorkists were heading north and could manipulate them into fighting where it suited themselves the most. The approach to York would require the Yorkists to cross the River Aire. Here the Lancastrians could hinder Yorkist progress and inflict casualties. This led to the class at Ferrybridge. Once any Yorkist force had crossed the River Aire, it would have to march along a route that took in Towton. It was here that the Lancastrians set up camp.
Why did Norfolk advance up the London to York road?
Due to undulations in the landscape they were hidden from sight until they were ready to leave the road and join the battle. This gives the Yorkists a huge advantage. Though Norfolk’s men have marched, they are not battle weary.The large number of Yorkist troops now entering the field of battle on the Lancastrian left flank was overwhelming.
How many casualties were there at Towton?
These are disregarded by modern historians. The trend today is to suggest that casualties at Towton were probably lower than the often-cited 28000. However, all estimates are exactly that, estimation. We will most likely never know the true extent of the casualties at the battle. We do know that it was a large number though. We also know that the fighting was ferocious, as shown by Battlefield Archaeology and excavations of the Mass graves adjoining the Towton Battlefield.
Where was the Battle of Towton?
Place of the Battle of Towton: To the south of Tadcaster in Yorkshire
How many people died in the Battle of Towton?
Casualties at the Battle of Towton: Contemporary accounts of the Battle of Towton put the total casualties at between 20,000 and 40,000 dead of both sides. Possibly 20,000 Lancastrians and 8,000 Yorkists died in the battle or the pursuit.
What battle did Fitzwalter fight to restore the bridge?
Fitzwalter found the bridge demolished and set about restoring it, to provide a crossing point for the Yorkist army. Defeat of Clifford: Battle of Towton fought on 29th March 1461 in the Wars of the Roses. On 27 th March 1461, Fitzwalter’s men completed the restoration of the bridge and spent the night in the town.
How long did the Battle of Towton last?
The hard-fought battle lasted ten hours, from around 10am to 8pm, with neither side giving quarter. Earl of Warwick and Edward, Earl of March, at the Battle of Towton fought on 29th March 1461 in the Wars of the Roses. The Lancastrian ambush party charged into the Yorkist left wing from Castle Hill Wood.
What was Edward IV's defeat of the Lancastrians?
Edward IV’s crushing defeat of the Lancastrians on 29th March 1461, leading to his coronation as King of England. Fauconberg’s Archers loosing arrows on the Lancastrian line at the Battle of Towton fought on 29th March 1461 in the Wars of the Roses: picture by Graham Turner. The previous battle in the British Battles series is the Second Battle ...
Why did the Lancastrian arrows remain embedded in the ground?
Many of the Lancastrian arrows remained embedded in the ground, to cause significant obstruction in the ensuing battle.
What was the artillery used for at the Battle of Towton?
Artillery, although widely used in warfare, was heavy, cumbersome and difficult to move and fire. There is no indication that artillery was used at the Battle of Towton. The end of the Hundred Years War caused numbers of English and Welsh men-at-arms and archers to return to their home countries from France.
What was the significance of the Battle of Towton?
The Battle of Towton was apocalyptic for all involved and for the country. It was a watershed moment in history, yet it changed almost nothing. The balance of power swung to the Yorkists as it had done before. Edward was king, proclaimed, crowned and confirmed by Parliament, yet recent experiences would have left most unconvinced of the finality of his victory while such strong enemies watched from just across the border, their menacing presence like the bright eyes of hungry wolves glinting in the dark forest of an uncertain future. King Edward IV is remembered fondly by history, a jovial giant with an eye for the ladies. That was a man yet to emerge, softer than the visceral, angry youth who had snatched the throne. In one hand he held out an olive branch to those willing to take it. For those who would not, his other hand held the sharp, swift sword of cruel, uncompromising justice. England was still divided but now had a king willing to act against his enemies. Peace was not won yet, and some of Edward’s decisive actions merely left him more time to rue them later. Towton did not end the strife; it merely closed one chapter, only for another to follow.
How many people died in the Battle of Towton?
Edward’s heralds, a letter he wrote to his mother and a report sent by George Neville to Bishop Coppini all place the number of dead at around 29,000 men, with more injured who would never recover. Waurin placed the final number at 36,000 dead. With so many dead in wintery conditions it was not feasible to individually bury all of the bodies. Great pits were dug to act as mass graves. These have since been discovered and excavated, some of the skulls exhumed displaying savage wounds. Facial reconstruction has been carried out on one soldier, who was in his late thirties or early forties and displayed healed wounds from previous battles. Obviously a veteran, the man would have borne deep scars when he took to the field at Towton. It was to be the last in his experiences of battles. Gregory lamented that ‘many a lady lost her best beloved in that battle’. Waurin coined a phrase that came to sum up the period of bitter fighting in his account of Towton, complaining that ‘father did not spare son nor son his father’.
Why did Somerset leave Clifford?
The rest of his crack force was crushed and the Flower of Craven were utterly destroyed. It has been suggested that Somerset left Clifford to this fate because he was jealous of a rival’s success and close relationship to the king, though it seems more likely that the ambush took place out of sight and beyond earshot of Somerset’s position. The trouble that was brewing had claimed its first high-profile victim and Edward had seen his younger brother avenged.
Why did Edward resorted to arms?
Parliament was quite clear that Edward had only resorted to arms after Henry had breached the Act of Accord, thereby excusing Edward from his oaths under its provisions. Parliament undid many of Henry VI’s grants, bringing valuable lands and income back to a crown that had haemorrhaged money for decades.
Who were the Lancastrian nobles who refused to reconcile?
Prominent Lancastrian nobles who refused to be reconciled were charged with treason. Notable among their number was John de Vere, 12th Earl of Oxford. In his mid-fifties, he appears to have initially been excused attendance before Parliament in 1461, perhaps on grounds of ill health, but he was arrested in February 1462 along with his oldest son, Aubrey de Vere. John had been slow to declare his hand in the previous troubles, sitting on York’s Council during Henry VI’s illness but arriving too late to participate in the First Battle of St Albans, meaning it was left unclear which side he might have taken. By 1460 it was clear that he had thrown his lot in with the Lancastrian camp. His son Aubrey married Anne Stafford, daughter of Humphrey, Duke of Buckingham, and the family were now firmly Lancastrian. Tried and convicted before John Tiptoft, Constable of England, Aubrey was executed on 20 February and John followed him to the block at Tower Hill six days later. John’s second son and namesake became his heir and in 1464 Edward allowed him to succeed to his father’s lands and titles as 13th Earl of Oxford.
What happened at Towton?
The Lancastrians must have felt confident of victory as they bellowed insults at their Yorkist opponents on the bitterly cold Palm Sun day morning in 1461. They had already beaten their enemies at Wakefield and St Albans, occupied a strong position, had the advantage of numbers and, in their minds at least, were fighting for the rightful king of England.
How many people died in the Battle of Towton?
Casualties: Some contemporaries estimated that around 28,000 men were killed at Towton. Although almost certainly an exaggeration, losses at the battle were considered unusually high.
How did the Lancastrians respond to the Yorkist arrows?
Like many battles of the period the fighting began with an archery duel, as Lancastrian longbowmen responded to a single volley of Yorkist arrows by shooting thousands of their own arrows across the shallow valley that separated the two armies. But with a strong wind blowing bitter snow into their faces, the Lancastrians couldn’t see that their arrows were falling harmlessly short.
What did the Lancastrians shout in the blizzard?
The massed ranks of Lancastrians left their defensive position and headed off into the blizzard shouting “King Henry! King Henry!”. The Yorkist line initially gave ground as the Lancastrians crashed into them but Edward IV ’s personal leadership proved crucial.
What happened to the Lancastrians at Towton?
Towton was a disaster for the Lancastrians: thousands of their soldiers were killed. Their commander, the Duke of Somerset, managed to escape, as did Henry VI, but five leading Lancastrian nobles were killed, including Northumberland and Clifford. The Earl of Devon was captured and later beheaded in York.
What was the strength of the two armies at the Battle of Towton?
Location: North Yorkshire. Forces: Lancastrians 25,000; Yorkists c20,000 – though Tudor historian Edward Hall estimated that the combined strength of the two armies was 100,000. This would have been about 15 per cent of England’s adult male population, and is almost certainly an exaggeration.
What episode is Shakespeare and Towton in?
Shakespeare and Towton. The battle is a key episode in William Shakespeare ’s Henry VI, Part 3. Some of the action is seen through the eyes of the weak and unwarlike Henry VI who watches events unfold while sitting on a molehill.
Background to The Towton Campaign
Edward’s Preparations For Towton
Lancastrian Preparations For Towton
Choosing The Battlefield
The Battle of Towton
Archers
Lancastrian Success
Tide Turns and Yorkist Victory
Post Battle Executions
Consequences of The Battle of Towton
- The Battle of Towton led to the majority of Lancastrian nobles being killed. Their heirs were inexperienced or young. It rendered the Lancastrians unable to wage a full scale war for quite some time. Queen Margaret and the prince of Wales escaped into exile. Henry VI hid before being taken into captivity. Such was the scale of the victory that it s...