Mortimer's Cross - 2 Feb 2461 Flashcards
When did the battle at Mortimer’s Cross take place?
2 February 1461
Who were the key participants in this battle?
Edward (the new duke of York)
Owen Tudor
Jasper Tudor
William Helbert
Sir Walter Devereux
James Butler
What was York’s main aim before the battle began?
He wanted to prevent Lancastrian forces (6000) from wales from joining up with the main body of Lancastrian forces
How many men did Edward of York gather in response to the Lancastrian army?
5000 men
What did Edward Duke of York do when he found out that Jasper Tudor’s forces were rapidly approaching?
He changed his plan and moved north the Mortimer’s Cross to head off the Lancastrian army from making their move towards London
How many flanks did the Yorkists have in battle?
3
Where were the Yorkists flanks located?
Left
Right
Centre
Who commanded each Yorkist flank?
Left flank - William Helbert
Right flank - Sir Walter Devereux
Centre flank - Edward of York
What is the metaphorical phenomenon that occurred during this battle known as?
Parhelion
What is Parhelion?
When three suns were seen to be rising at the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross
What did Edward of York manage to convince his frightened troops what the reason was from the Parhelion?
That it represented the holy trinity and that therefore God was on their side.
Why did the Lancastrians launch an attack on Walter Devereux forces?
To cross the Ricer Lugg
What did the Lancastrian attack, in the attempt to cross the River Lugg, cause Devereux forces to do?
Retreat
What did Owen Tudor’s forces attempt?
His forces on the Lancastrian right flank attempted an encirclement of the Yorkist left wing. This ‘battle’ was lost by the Lancastrians and a rout was commenced
Whose centre breaking meant that the battle was won?
Pembroke’s
