BattlefieldsBattle of Towton (1461 AD)
Medieval

Battle of Towton (1461 AD)

1461
West Riding, England
Also known as: Towton 1461 · Palm Sunday battle
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
West Riding, England
Status
Registered · BOE29
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrians (Somerset / Northumberland)
Forces
c.30,000-36,000 Yorkists; bloodiest battle on English soil
VS
Victor
Yorkists (Edward IV)
Forces
c.28,000-36,000 Lancastrians
Outcome
Decisive Yorkist victory; Henry VI fled to Scotland; Edward IV became undisputed king
The Battle

History & Significance

The largest and bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil. Fought in a snowstorm on Palm Sunday, with perhaps 50,000 men engaged. The wind drove the snow into Lancastrian faces, allowing Fauconberg's archers to outrange their opponents. When the Yorkist reserve arrived, the Lancastrian line broke and the rout became a massacre along Cock Beck. Edward ordered no quarter; the pursuit lasted miles. Estimates of 28,000 dead may be conservative. The battle ended Lancastrian military power in the north.

Casualties & Losses

Estimates range from 20,000 to 38,000 dead; the highest casualty count of any English battle

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: BOE29.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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