BattlefieldsBattle of Northampton (Wars of the Roses — 1460)
Medieval

Battle of Northampton (Wars of the Roses — 1460)

1460
Northamptonshire, England
Also known as: Battle of Northampton 1460 · Henry VI captured Northampton
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Northamptonshire, England
Status
Registered · EHB15
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrians (Henry VI)
Forces
c.5,000 Lancastrians in fortified camp
VS
Victor
Yorkists (Earl of Warwick)
Forces
c.10,000 Yorkists
Outcome
Henry VI captured; Lancastrian commanders killed; Act of Accord made York heir to throne
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of Northampton was a decisive Yorkist victory in the Wars of the Roses. Warwick's army attacked the royal camp; Lord Grey of Ruthin betrayed the Lancastrian position by ordering his men not to resist. Several senior Lancastrian commanders were killed. Henry VI was captured sheltering in his tent. The subsequent Act of Accord made Richard Duke of York heir to the throne, disinheriting Henry's son and setting the stage for civil war.

Casualties & Losses

300 Lancastrian nobles 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: EHB15.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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