BattlefieldsLancastrian Fugitives in Tewkesbury Abbey Sanctuary 1471
Medieval

Lancastrian Fugitives in Tewkesbury Abbey Sanctuary 1471

1471
England
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrian fugitives
Forces
Edward IV's forces
VS
Victor
Edward IV's forces
Forces
Lancastrian fugitives in sanctuary
Outcome
Somerset and other Lancastrian leaders executed at Tewkesbury after sanctuary violated; last major Lancastrian military figures eliminated
The Battle

History & Significance

After the Battle of Tewkesbury surviving Lancastrian leaders including the Duke of Somerset and others took sanctuary in Tewkesbury Abbey. Edward IV violated sanctuary — a serious canonical offence — and had them dragged out, tried by Gloucester and Norfolk as constable and marshal, and executed. The violation of sanctuary caused a scandal.

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