Outbreak of the War of the Roses

The first battle of St Albans

May 22, 1455

YORK VICTORY
York's forces had superior numbers (3,000 men against the kings 2,000).
The kings position in the town was more effective as it was easily defendable.
The Yorkists came under heavy arrow fire in the narrow streets. They couldnt seperate.
Warwick led a flank attack on the Lancastrians as his army attacked from the gardens behind.
300 casualties.
The Queen and her young son Edward fled into exile.
Somerset was killed (ROY's biggest rival)

First battle of St Albans - Strenghts and Weaknesses

May 22, 1455

YORK STRENGTHS
- more men, well trained
- Warwick flank attack was unexpected and took the Lancastrians by suprise. LANCASTRIAN WEAKNESSES
- Outnumbered
-Unaware of Warwick's army until too late.

The battle of Blore Heath

Sep 23, 1459

YORK VICTORY
The Lancastrians set up an ambush for Salisbury's army as they traveled to meet York and his men.
The Yorkists had 5,000 men and the Lancastrians had 10,000.
Lancastrian leader, Baron Audley was killed

Battle of Blore Heath - Strenghts and Weaknesses

Sep 23, 1459

YORK STRENGTHS
- Well trained men and strong leaders
- Saw the Lancastrian ambush before them LANCASTRIAN WEAKNESSES
- Weak leadership
- Baron Audley, Lancastrian leader was killed

The battle of Ludlow/Ludford Bridge

Oct 12, 1459

LANCASTRIAN VICTORY
Margaret of Anjou's men fought Richard of York's.
York was outnumbered but had strong, proffesional soldier fighting for him.
However during the battle these soldiers swapped sides and fought for the king as they did not know that they were going to be fighting against him. They were perdoned by the king.
York retreaded to Ireland and Warwick to Calais.

Battle of Ludlow/Ludford Bridge - Strengths and Weaknesses

Oct 12, 1459

LANCASTRIAN STRENGTHS
- Trained soliders from Calais swapped sides to help the king. YORK WEAKNESSES
- Lost men who swapped sides (treachery)

The battle of Northampton

Jul 10, 1460

YORKIST VICTORY
Warwick, Salisbury & Edward landed at Sandwich.
H6 and MOA, were at Coventry with their small army.
Warwick entered London on 2 July with an army of supporters numbering approximately 10,000.
The kings men took up defensive positions but lost the battle because of two main factiors;
WEATHER - the rain ruined the cannons making them useless
TREACHERY - some of the soldiers helped the Yorkists over the barracks in exhcange for their lives. Lord Grey switched sides.
H6 captured.

Battle of Northampton - Stengths and Weaknesses

Jul 10, 1460

YORK STRENGTHS
- Strong soldiers
- Stratagy
- Weather
-Treachery LANCASTRIAN WEAKNESSES
- Unprepared
- Soldiers and leaders changed sides

The battle of Wakefield

Dec 30, 1460

LANCASTRIAN VICTORY
2,000 men were killed.
Richard, duke of York, Richard Neville, earl of Salisbury and Edmund, earl of Rutland (York's son) were killed - heads put on spikes (ROY's paper crown).
ROY had 8,000 mean against the kings 18,000.

Battle of Wakefield - Strengths and Weaknesses

Dec 30, 1460

LANCASTRIAN STRENGTHS
- Strong, well trained men
- Outnumbered the opposition YORK WEAKNESSES
- Many powerful leaders killed
- Charged in with no chance of victory
- Bad stratagy

The battle of Mortimers Cross

Feb 2, 1461

YORK VICTORY
Edward the Earl of March set out to avenge his father's death.
His army of mostly Welshmen routed the Lancastrian army of mercenaries from France and Ireland and Welshmen.
11,000 Yorkists against 8,000 Lancastrians.

After the battle Edward continued his march east to join Warwick near London; within two months he would be crowned king.

Battle of Mortimor's Cross - Strengths and Weaknesses

Feb 2, 1461

YORK STRENGTHS
- Edward wanted revenge
- Strong, well trained men
- More men than the Lancastrians LANCASTRIAN WEAKNESSES
- Weak leadership - Heavily outnumbered

The second battle of St Albans

Feb 17, 1461

LANCASTRIANS WIN
MOA and Somerset's men flank attacke Warwick (exactly the same as he did to them in the first battle of St Albans) while he is waiting for Edward's army to join them.
Both sides had 25,000 men.
Richard fled leaving his hostage, king Henry VI, under a tree.
Henry escaped back to Margaret.

The battle of Towton

Mar 29, 1461

YORK VICTORY - EDWARD VI CROWNED
Over 20,000 men died.
Edward fought alongside his men - he was strong and an intelligent fighter.
The snow and the wind direction allowed the Yorkist archers to shoot farther than their opponents.
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.