Fortunes of the Yorkists Dec 1460-March 61 Flashcards
Battle of Wakefield events 30th Dec
Aware of army Northumberland was rising in the north, York, Rutland and Salisbury rode to York’s castle in salisbury
York received a loan of 500 marks from the Londoners and left with 300 men
30th Dec- Foraging party was attacked by Somerset and Devon, York strikes back
Left safety of Sandal and was beheaded
Heads of all 3 Yorkists played on gates of York
Why? Wakefield
500 marks was only half of what they hoped for, couldn’t pay for more retainers
Yorkists underestimated strengths of Lancastrians
York had not realised the poor provisions surrounding Sandal castle
Battle of Mortimers Cross events
2nd Feb 1461
On the morning of battle a parhelion appeared and Edward convinced his troops it was a symbol of the Holy Trinity, God was on their side
Destroyed Lancastrian army, Jasper Tudor fled, Own Tudor killed
Why? Mortimer’s Cross
Edward sought to prevent Lancastrian forces from Wales led by Tudors to meet up with the main body of Lancastrian forces
Displayed talent that young as a military commander
Second Battle of St Albans events
17th feb 1461
Warwick’s forces commanded the most modern weapons: Cannons, handguns, pikes
Marched from London to St Albans with Henry alongside leading Yorkists
Why? St Albans
Margaret marched southwards to reclaim Henry
FAILURE: Despite setting up a strong defensive position, faulty intelligence meant Margaret arrived from completely different position
UNSUCCESSFUL: Warwick had to move own defences caused confusion, Warwick abandoned field and Henry reunited with Margaret
Refusal of entry for Margaret Army to London
Late Feb 1461
Margaret’s forces had been referred to as ‘northern hosts’ binged on savagery web. coming southwards eg Gramford and Stamford
Warwick propagated this
Margaret removed her court from Coventry which caused loss of income in London
Anger about ‘alien merchants’
Had supplied Yorkists with loads between 1460 to 1461
Provided Yorkists with valuable breathing space
