BattlefieldsOwen Tudor Captured at Mortimer's Cross 1461
Medieval

Owen Tudor Captured at Mortimer's Cross 1461

1461
Herefordshire, England
Also known as: Owen Tudor executed at Hereford February 1461
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Herefordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrians (Jasper Tudor and Owen Tudor)
Forces
Lancastrians c.3,500-4,500. Edward's decisive victory over Welsh-Lancastrian force.
VS
Victor
Yorkists (Edward Earl of March)
Forces
Yorkists c.5,000-6,000
Outcome
Lancastrian army destroyed; Owen Tudor captured and beheaded at Hereford; Jasper escapes
The Battle

History & Significance

At the Battle of Mortimer's Cross in February 1461, the Lancastrian force included Owen Tudor and his son Jasper Tudor commanding Welsh contingents. Owen Tudor — secret husband of Henry V's widow Catherine of Valois and grandfather of the future Henry VII — was captured after the battle and executed at Hereford marketplace. He reportedly could not believe until the last moment that he would be killed given his royal connections. His death was a blow to Welsh Lancastrian loyalism.

Casualties & Losses

Owen Tudor executed; heavy Welsh Lancastrian losses

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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