BattlefieldsBattle of Barnet (1471)
Medieval

Battle of Barnet (1471)

1471
Hertfordshire, England
Also known as: Barnet 1471
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Hertfordshire, England
Status
Registered · EHB16
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrians (Warwick)
Forces
Warwick; Warwick killed
VS
Victor
Yorkists (Edward IV)
Forces
c.9,000-10,000 each side; Edward IV
Outcome
Warwick killed in flight; Lancastrian cause gravely weakened
The Battle

History & Significance

Fought in pre-dawn fog on Easter Sunday, Barnet was decided by misidentification — Oxford's returning troops were shot by Warwick's own men, who mistook the Oxford "star with streams" for Edward's "sun in splendour." Warwick, unmounted, was killed in the forest while fleeing. The Kingmaker who had made and unmade two kings died anonymous in a ditch. Edward IV marched immediately to meet Margaret of Anjou at Tewkesbury.

Casualties & Losses

c.1,500–4,000; Warwick and his brother killed

Registered Historic Battlefield

This battlefield is listed on the Register of Historic Battlefields — a national designation identifying Britain's most significant battle sites for protection and further research. Reference: EHB16.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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