Towton

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Towton (1461)

War:

Wars of the Roses

Date(s):

29 Mar 1461

Location:

Towton, England

Outcome:

Yorkist victory

Description:

The day after the battle of Ferrybridge, the Yorkist forces attacked the Lancastrians in a driving snowstorm up a sloping hill at Towton. Using the snow and the wind direction as an aid, the Yorkist archers were able to shoot farther than their adversaries. The Lancastrians believed their best strategy was to charge. After many hours of intense fighting the Yorkist line was showing signs of strain. Fortunately the duke of Norfolk, John Mowbray, arrived with reinforcements and the Yorkist army defeated the Lancastrians. King Henry VI, the Queen, and their son fled to Scotland. Edward IV marched into York. On June 28 he was formally crowned king at Westminster.

York Leadership: Edward IV Warwick Lord Fauconberg

Lancaster Leadership: Duke of Somerset

Size of forces: Yorks - 36,000 Lancasters - 40,000

Notable deaths: Henry Percy, 3rd earl of Northumberland; Sir Andrew Trollope; Lord Dacre

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