BattlefieldsYorkist Siege of Sandal Castle Approach 1460
Medieval

Yorkist Siege of Sandal Castle Approach 1460

1460
West Riding, England
Also known as: Lancastrian advance on Sandal 1460 · Wakefeld campaign opening
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
West Riding, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Yorkists (York)
Forces
c. 2,000–3,000 Yorkists (Yorkshire approach)
VS
Victor
Lancastrians (Somerset)
Forces
c. 5,000–8,000 Lancastrians
Outcome
Duke of York besieged in Sandal Castle; sortieed out on 30 December and was killed at Wakefield
The Battle

History & Significance

After the Yorkist victory at Northampton (July 1460), Richard Duke of York returned north to his estates. A Lancastrian army under Somerset, Exeter, and Clifford trapped him in Sandal Castle near Wakefield. The reasons York sallied out to face a superior force on 30 December remain disputed — possibly food shortage, possibly a false truce, possibly provocation. The resulting battle killed York, his son Rutland, and the Earl of Salisbury. It was the most complete Lancastrian victory of the Wars.

Casualties & Losses

Duke of York killed; Earl of Rutland killed; Earl of Salisbury captured and executed; c.2,000 Yorkists killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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