BattlefieldsBattle of Tewkesbury (1471)
Medieval

Battle of Tewkesbury (1471)

1471
Gloucestershire, England
Also known as: Tewkesbury 1471
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Gloucestershire, England
Status
Registered · EHB17
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrians (Margaret of Anjou / Prince Edward)
Forces
c.6,000 Lancastrians; last major Lancastrian field army destroyed
VS
Victor
Yorkists (Edward IV)
Forces
c.6,000 Yorkists
Outcome
Lancastrian Prince of Wales killed; Margaret captured; Henry VI murdered in Tower
The Battle

History & Significance

The battle that extinguished the direct Lancastrian line. Edward, Prince of Wales — the only heir apparent in English history to die in battle — was killed in or just after the fighting. Margaret of Anjou was captured and returned to France. Henry VI was murdered in the Tower of London that night. With no surviving legitimate Lancastrian male, the Wars of the Roses appeared over — until Henry Tudor arrived from exile fourteen years later.

Casualties & Losses

c.2,000 Lancastrians killed; Prince Edward of Wales 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: EHB17.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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