BattlefieldsSiege of Sandal Castle (1460 AD)
Medieval

Siege of Sandal Castle (1460 AD)

1460
West Riding, England
Also known as: Sandal Castle siege Wars of the Roses · Investment of Sandal
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
West Riding, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Yorkists (Duke of York)
Forces
Yorkists: c.2,000–3,500. Sandal Castle siege.
VS
Victor
Lancastrians (Somerset)
Forces
Lancastrians: c.5,000–8,000
Outcome
Castle besieged; Duke of York sallied out and was killed at Wakefield
The Battle

History & Significance

The Duke of York was besieged in Sandal Castle near Wakefield by a superior Lancastrian force. The reasons why he sallied out to fight on 30 December 1460 remain debated — possibly to secure provisions, possibly provoked by Lancastrian taunts. The sortie ended in his death and the destruction of his army at the Battle of Wakefield. Sandal Castle was subsequently used by both sides; it is one of Yorkshire's most historically resonant ruins.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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