BattlefieldsBattle of Barnet 1471
Medieval

Battle of Barnet 1471

1471
Hertfordshire, England
Also known as: Barnet 1471 · Death of Warwick the Kingmaker
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Hertfordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrians (Warwick)
Forces
Warwick c. 8,000–9,000
VS
Victor
Yorkists (Edward IV)
Forces
Yorkists c. 8,000–10,000
Outcome
Decisive Yorkist victory; Warwick the Kingmaker killed; Lancastrian cause in the north irreparably weakened
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of Barnet on Easter Day 1471 ended the career of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick — the most powerful magnate in England and architect of the Wars of the Roses' most dramatic reversals. Fought in dense fog, Warwick's right wing overlapped the Yorkist left and drove it from the field, but mistook the Lancastrian badge of the star for Edward's sun and attacked their own men. Warwick was killed fleeing the field. His death and the subsequent Yorkist victory at Tewkesbury ended the Readeption of Henry VI.

Casualties & Losses

c.1,000-4,000 killed including Warwick and his brother Montagu

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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