BattlefieldsBattle of Ferrybridge (1461)
Medieval

Battle of Ferrybridge (1461)

1461
West Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Skirmish at Ferrybridge · Ferrybridge 1461
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
West Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Yorkists initially (Lord Clifford)
Forces
Lancastrians c.1,500-2,000. Preliminary skirmish preceding the larger Battle of Towton.
VS
Victor
Yorkists (recovered)
Forces
Yorkists c.2,000-3,000
Outcome
Lord Clifford killed in ambush the following day; bridge secured for Yorkist advance
The Battle

History & Significance

The preliminary skirmish before Towton. Lord Fauconberg crossed at Ferrybridge to reconnoitre; Lancastrians under Lord Clifford destroyed the bridge and cut up the Yorkist vanguard. Warwick was wounded. Edward IV ordered a flanking movement at Castleford — Clifford was caught the next day at Dintingdale and killed by an arrow to the throat after removing his gorget. The bridge was repaired and the Yorkist army crossed for Towton.

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