Principal Commanders |
|
|---|---|
| Lancaster | York |
| Margaret of Anjou Wenlock Somerset |
Edward IV Gloucester (Richard III) Hastings |
On the day that Warwick was defeated and killed at Barnet, Queen Margaret and her young son landed at Weymouth, and was soon joined by many Lancastrian leaders and the remains of their fighting men. The Duke of Somerset took command of the army, but realizing that he needed reinforcements of men and materials, decided to join forces with Jasper Tudor in Wales. He also planned to gather military stores from Bristol on the way.
Edward IV was at Windsor for the feast of St. George, and on 24 April he moved on the West Country. There followed a pursuit, with Margaret's army desperately trying to cross the Severn River and Edward axious to bring her to battle before reinforcements could arrive. Margaret lost some time in Bristol, where Gloucester (The future Richard III) closed its gates to her. On May 3, Somerset decided to stand and fight at Tewkesbury, rather than risk a lengthy crossing with exhausted troops. He had the choice of ground, and arrayed his 6,000 men to take advantage of it. Edward was slightly outnumbered, and his troops were also weary from their forced march to catch their opponents.
The next morning, Edward began the battle with heavy artillary bombardment, which forced Somerset to lead an attack on the junction of the Yorkist left and centre battles. (each side was divided into three divisions or "battles") Edward would have been in serious trouble, had Somerset's centre under Lord Wenlock supported him. As it was, he fought alone, and was caught between two forces. Somerset's forces were forced back, and the King advanced his troops to attack. Somerset is reputed to have personally executed Lord Wenlock on the battlefield for cowardice.
The Lancastrians, demoralised by the retreat of Somerset, offered little resistance to Edward and their lines broke. Many were slaughtered during the retreat, perhaps 2,000 died in the battle and on the banks of the severn. Queen Margaret escaped, but her son was killed, and Somerset was taken from the abbey (where he had claimed sanctuary) and executed.
Return to the Mad Monk of Mitcham's Home Page
Details of other battles: Blore Heath, Barnet, Bosworth, London