BattlefieldsBattle of Yellow Ford
Tudor

Battle of Yellow Ford

1598
Tyrone, Ireland
Also known as: Bealach Buidhe · Battle of the Yellow Ford
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Tyrone, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English Crown (Sir Henry Bagenal)
Forces
English c. 2,000–3,000.
VS
Victor
Hugh O'Neill and Red Hugh O'Donnell (Ulster)
Forces
O'Neill/O'Donnell c. 5,000–7,000
Outcome
Catastrophic English defeat; Bagenal killed
The Battle

History & Significance

The worst English military defeat in Ireland during the entire Tudor conquest. O'Neill and O'Donnell ambushed Bagenal's army marching to relieve the Blackwater Fort. The English lost c.2,000 men killed and all their artillery. Bagenal himself was killed. The victory triggered a nationwide Irish uprising and O'Neill was proclaimed "The O'Neill" — Prince of Ulster. Elizabeth I sent the Earl of Essex to Ireland with the largest army yet assembled for Ireland.

Casualties & Losses

c.2,000 English killed; Bagenal killed; Irish losses light

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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